Catholic Environmentalists in Africa Decry “neutrality” in Fight against Climate Change

“When disaster strikes, money in banks won’t matter if there’s no food in the markets or fish in the lakes; even the wealthy will be affected. We must act now to protect our future, and it starts with each of us standing up for what we believe in,” he said.

The one-day event that the JPIC-FA, the Center for Social Justice and Ethics – CUEA, LSM, and other partners organized focused on the theme, “To Act and Hope with Creation ‘Endorsing FFNPT, REpower Africa’”.

Credit: ACI Africa

The forum brought together different faith groups, institutions, and individuals to raise “a prophetic voice and call our leaders” to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT).

In the September 27 interview, Mr. Kezamutima told ACI Africa that the annual event realized in September seeks to incorporate the youths in environmental advocacy because their participation in “high-level platforms is often limited.”

“There is no church, temple, or mosque without young people, and they should not be excluded from dialogues happening at higher levels. We must nurture them while they are still young so that they grow into informed leaders,” he said.

Credit: ACI Africa

The LSM Francophone Africa programs Coordinator said that the youth should use social media to promote FFNPT and renewable energy as a key solution to the climate crisis.

Youths nurtured through such annual programs, he said, are now putting to use their talents through digital platforms and arts to advocate for environmental conservation. 

“Climate artists have a great opportunity to use their platforms to educate audiences through art,” Mr. Kezamutima went on to say, adding that social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and X have the potential for increased awareness about climate change and environmental injustice. 

Credit: ACI Africa

He called upon youths to engage their digital gadgets meaningfully, which can include supporting the FFNPT and calling on global leaders scheduled to take part in the COP29 in November to adopt the treaty.

In another interview with ACI Africa, the Executive Director of JPIC-FA, Sr. Mary Francis Wangari, said that caring for the environment is “non-negotiable,” especially among the members of the Franciscans.

Sr. Mary Francis Wangari, the Executive Director of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Franciscans Africa (JPIC-FA) (Second from left). Credit: ACI Africa.

The Kenyan-born member of the Little Sisters of St. Joseph – Africa (LSSJ-J) said, “The Franciscan approach to environmental stewardship follows the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, who had a profound respect for nature. He is remembered for speaking to animals, birds, and even the earth itself, promoting the care of creation long before modern environmental movements took shape.”

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Sr. Wangari recommended St. Francis as the role model for the youths in environmental conservation and expressed optimism that in following the example of St. Francis, young people can be inspired to become peacekeepers and stewards of the environment in their respective communities.

Credit: ACI Africa

“He accomplished so much in his short life, dying at the age of 35. By presenting him as a model of peace and care for creation, we hope the youths will be inspired to make a positive impact in their own lives and surroundings,” she told ACI Africa on September 27.

Pascal Obunde Ndimuli, a young environmental activist pursuing a course in justice and Peace at CUEA, recalled his journey as an advocate for environmental conservation. 

Pascal Obunde Ndimuli, a young environmental activist pursuing a course in justice and Peace at CUEA. Credit: ACI Africa

In the September 27 interview, Mr. Ndimuli emphasized the urgent need for environmental justice and for the youths to actively participate in the campaign for justice for the environment.

“Our environment and society at large are in search of one thing—environmental justice,” Mr. Ndimuli said, alluding to climate crisis and environmental degradation. 

He acknowledged humanity's role in exacerbating these crises, noting that whether knowingly or unknowingly, human actions have contributed to the problem. Mr. Ndimuli expressed hope that solutions exist and can be realized through collective action.

Credit: ACI Africa

“If we come together as a people, we can address these issues. It begins with each of us as individuals and extends to society as a whole. When we care for the environment, we can inspire the broader community to take initiatives that will help restore the damage we have caused,” the fourth-year student at CUEA told ACI Africa during the September 27 interview.

He stressed the vital role youths have in advocating for climate justice, and reminded his peers that they are not just the leaders of the future but that they need to take the lead today.

“Youth have the energy to bring about social, ecological, and economic transformation in our society. If we don't take action or use our energy and power, no one will do it for us,” the Kenyan environmental activist said.

Credit: ACI Africa

In an appeal to young people across Kenya, Africa, and the world, Mr. Ndimuli reiterated the need for collective action to protect the environment. He said, “The earth and nature that we are destroying cannot speak for themselves, but we have the voices to bring about change and stop the destruction in our society.”

In another interview, Mary Jepkogei, also a fourth-year student pursuing a course in Justice and Peace at CUEA called upon youths to take centre stage in discussions about climate justice, adding that young people hold the future of society in their hands.

Mary Jepkogei, a fourth-year student Pursuing a course in Justice and Peace at CUEA. Credit: ACI Africa

“The youth are the leaders of the future. Starting now, we know the future holds promise. It is essential for young people to be educated in forums like this on climate justice and other injustice-related issues,” Ms. Jepkogei said.

“Youth should step up; they should always respond to these calls. Whenever there is a forum, they should attend and be at the forefront of educating others,” she said.

Credit: ACI Africa

The Kenyan student encouraged young people to form organizations advocating for climate justice and addressing broader injustices within the country.

She also spoke about the role of religion in addressing societal challenges, saying, “Religion is at the heart of society. By using religion to tackle these societal challenges, we can encourage more people to join the fight against the injustices related to fossil fuels.”