Brian Roewe

"With Benedict XVI, we had not only strong theology ... but we also had strong actions": Theologians say part of the late pope's legacy will be his teachings that rooted environmental concerns in Catholic tradition.

The nations of the world secured a historic deal on behalf of nature on the final day of the United Nations COP15 summit, charting a path to halt and reverse the rapid loss of biodiversity by 2030.

Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, apostolic nuncio to Canada, said at COP15 that the global deal under negotiation here in Montreal must address the drivers of biodiversity loss and uphold the rights of Indigenous peoples.

The prospect of new protected areas in the 30x30 plan raises alarms for many Indigenous communities around the world, who fear they could be barred from their traditional lands in the name of conservation.

Meeting with Elizabeth Mrema, executive secretary of the U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity, the Faiths at COP15 coalition pledged to mobilize their communities to implement whatever biodiversity agreement is achieved.

An event Dec. 8, titled Faith Voices Raising Ambition for a Strong Global Biodiversity Framework, marked the first time that faith-based organizations held an official side event at a U.N. biodiversity conference. Faith groups hope to raise their moral voices and contribute to implementation strategies at COP15 in Montreal.

Nations are gathering in Canada for COP15, the U.N. biodiversity summit. Representatives of the world's religions will be there, where they hope to raise moral principles and policy priorities on preserving creation.

Catholic groups welcomed the historic deal reached at the United Nations climate summit to establish a "loss and damage" fund for vulnerable countries, even while negotiations fell short in other areas, they said.

The Vatican is now part of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. What does that mean for the role it will play in future U.N. climate negotiations?

One of the key points being debated at the COP27 climate summit in Egypt is loss and damage from the impacts of climate change. The latest EarthBeat "Burning Question" explores what it is, what you should know and what the Catholic Church has said about it.

As world leaders prepare for the next United Nations summit on climate change, representatives of world religions have lent support for a proposed international treaty to facilitate a fair and rapid phaseout of fossil fuels that drive global warming.

In rallying students at the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice to take on the global challenge of climate change, environmental activist Bill McKibben wasn't just speaking to them. He was also addressing their elders.

With its "One Planet, One Family" campaign, CRS seeks to educate Catholics about climate change, how it is severely impacting people today, and the need to address causes and enhance resilience to a changing climate.

Pope Francis' teaching document on ecology, creation and climate change is coming to a computer, phone or smart TV screen near you. EarthBeat speaks with the director of the new documentary about the pope's encyclical.

Clothing items typical of school uniforms in Catholic schools could be sources of high levels of toxic "forever chemicals" and pose potentially serious health risks for the millions of students, according to a new study.

The judge's decision on a proposed plastics factory "sends a message to polluters like Formosa that communities of color have a right to clean air, and we must not be sacrifice zones," says Sharon Lavigne of Rise St. James.

A faith contingent urged the Environmental Protection Agency to issue before 2023 a draft rule for vehicle model years 2027 and beyond to further improve fuel efficiency and reduce tailpipes' greenhouse gas emissions.

The Season of Creation invites people "not only to listen to the suffering, but also to listen to the invitation to work together and build something beautiful together," said Wesley Cocozello of The Columbans.

San Diego's Robert McElroy, who will be elevated to cardinal on Saturday, has been among the most outspoken among U.S. bishops in addressing climate change and environmental justice, and transforming words into actions.

Many faith groups cheered the Inflation Reduction Act's signing. They also vowed to take on its shortfalls, like investments in fossil fuel production that have long exposed communities of color to more pollution.