By Joanne M. Carroll

“To meet the challenges of a changing climate and a changing society, we need more than science. I, as a scientist, have learned to frame this issue around our values. We as a society must do this, too. We need our values, our ideology and even our faith. The foundation of a brighter future is made of scientific facts and common sense, knit together with an unwavering appreciation of what is right and just.” ~ Katherine Hayhoe, Ph.D. Climate and Atmospheric Scientist, Professor Department of Political Science and Director, Climate Science Center, Texas Tech University; CEO, ATMOS Research

Friends,

Humanity faces a crisis today to restore and sustain a healthy natural environment. The crisis is evidenced in increasing global temperatures, alterations in water distribution, increase in severe weather, loss of arable land, extinction of species. Moreover, this clearly impacts the health of human communities through increased exposure to toxic chemicals in air and water, ultraviolet radiation, proliferation of insect vectors of disease, food  shortages, rise in communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Catholics are mobilizing worldwide to respond to Pope Francis’ call to action: “Everyone’s talents and involvement are needed to redress the damage caused by human abuse of God’s creation.” ~ Pope Francis, Laudato Si, 14 (https://catholicclimatemovement.global)

The Peoples Climate March on April 29, 2017, in Washington, D.C., (https://peoplesclimate.org/) aims to mobilize concerned individuals and groups to unite in solidarity for the earth, all nature and humanity. This is not a partisan issue, liberal vs. conservative, red vs. blue, environmentalists vs. free market industrialists. While I strongly support the work of the march organizers, I am not part of the organizing committee for the march nor am I sending this letter on their behalf. I am a mother, scientist, educator and Catholic who is concerned about the natural environment and simplistic divisions and ideological assumptions that interfere with our ability to appreciate the complex problems like the environment and its relevance to us. This needlessly hampers our willingness to work together toward remedial actions.    

In the spirit of Pope Francis’s encyclical “Laudato Si,” this is an opportunity for hope and unification across diverse interests and groups. This is a crisis for humanity and our active engagement holds the promise to expand our understanding of the interconnectedness of humanity, nature and the earth and to restore an ecological vision of our place in God’s creation symbolized by the Garden of Eden. Mankind is entrusted with “dominion” over the earth not for pillage and destruction but to contribute to the full realization of creation’s potential.  Humanity acts in partnership with the Creator to cultivate, enjoy and share nature’s bounty. We must renew our commitment to meeting this responsibility.  

If mankind can overcome differences to respond to the environmental crisis, the collateral benefit may be a more spirited sense of community, a connectedness with our fellow human beings and all the created universe. This fundamental shift in perspective promises to lead to more productive engagement to address the many pressing challenges of our day.   Please explore the issues of climate change, join conversations to raise awareness and consider acting within the public sphere. 

Consider joining the many groups from across the political spectrum in Washington, D.C., on April 29 to demonstrate to our leaders the commitment to working for the restoration of an ecology that serves the values we cherish as fellow travelers on planet Earth. Display proudly your group affiliation on banners or posters to demonstrate the broad coalition of citizens united for change, lest anyone be tempted to see this as the exclusive domain of one constituency.    

Thank you.

Joanne M. Carroll, Ph.D., is associate professor, College of Pharmacy and Health Science, at St. John’s University, Jamaica, N.Y.