The UN’s series of dialogues is the largest interfaith discussion about the environment in human history.
One senior UN representative has called on faith groups to get involved in order to reduce the devastating effects of plastic pollution. The topic was raised during a series known as the Interfaith Dialogue Sessions. Faith for the Earth Initiative. This dialogue is happening as the United Nations Environmental Program celebrates its 50th anniversary.
UNEP
According to the Faith for the Earth Initiative HomepageIt is estimated that 80% of the world’s population practices their religion. This is why the UN encourages religious representatives of all religions to join the environmental efforts.The 2008 initiative was launched with the stated mission of:
Encourage, empower and engage faith-based organisations as partners at all levels towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The UNEP continues to point out the staggering amount plastic that is being thrown away around the world. An estimated 5 trillion single-use plastic bags are thrown away each year.According to the water bottle department, 5 million bottles are bought per minute. This number is dizzying, as it covers more than five-and a quarter million minutes per year.
The Tablet reportsThese UNEP sessions have been the largest interfaith discussion ever on religions’ role in protecting the environment. It has attracted 180 guests speakers from 94 faith-based organizations around the globe.
Laudato Si
Cardinal Peter Turkson (ex-prefect of the Vatican dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development) noted that many of the initiatives goals align with Pope Francis 2015 environment encyclical Laudato Si. He said:
Pope Francis stated that he urgently needs to have a dialogue about how we shape the planet. We are doing that now. He stated that the dicastery had decided to move Laudato Si towards concrete applications and that we created the Laudato Si Platform, which encourages connectivity among all peoples.
The prelate suggested that Catholics should avoid single-use plastics and eat meat, and that they should consider public transport when possible.. He reiterated that the scriptures encourage us to protect the Earth.
The UNEP sessions continue until March 5. The discussions on how faith groups could positively impact the environment movement will continue until then.
