The Ecology and Development Project

Through research and analysis, theological reflection, advocacy, creation of resources, and collaboration with national and international players, the Ecology and Development Project contributes a Catholic Social Teaching and common good perspective to the evolving dialogue on ecology and development, while promoting ecologically-and socially-just policy solutions.

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(via Nike, Starbucks, Intel: Don't risk kids' futures on climate gamble : Renew Economy)

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Around the globe, particularly in the East, in cultures that are more attuned to the semaphore and simile of ingredients, more steaks are being ordered. They are the taste of the free market, the blessing of Western capitalism, a celebration of consumerism and modernity and the arrival of the middle class. Thirty percent of the world’s land surface that isn’t frozen is given over to livestock production, and most of that is for grazing cattle. We eat the cows, and the cows eat everything else: horizons of corn, the rain forest, the plains and pampas, and the habitats of other species. They poison the water, and their flatulence contributes to global warming.

A. A. Gill on Drinking Blood From the Heart of a Bull—“It Tastes Like Steak” | Vanity Fair

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"I may be a Republican. I'm not an idiot."

Mayor R. Rex Parris, Republican Mayor of Lancaster, CA

Is Mayor Parris a sign that the Republican party may finally be ready to give credence to science?

We hope so, though James Inhofe doesn't seem to share the same sentiment as Mayor Parris, even though scientists agree climate change will impact our world and the military recognizes that these changes will affect our national security.

Mayors have been some of the most active leaders in the United States on climate charge, probably because they realize that the localized effects will impact their communities in specific ways. The Mayors have frequently urged federal action, because as they move to protect their people, they realize that some actions, like a nationwide energy transition, expensive storm water management systems and disaster preparedness require assistance from the Feds.

See: Inhofe Can't Budget an Admiral Who Says Climate Change Matters

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Education is neither the subjugation or simplification of meaning, nor the elimination of mystery. I need to feel the land where I am, its life and history, its story in order to open up my story. There needs to be time for input, reflection, analysis, conversation, discernment (head and heart) and clear community action. Children are not prepared for life - for living - if they do not experience this approach to engaging and learning. It's not just IQ, it's I care, which makes for living.

ESSC - 83. Environmental science for social change: Science in context

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Who knew Margaret Thatcher was speaking out about climate change more than 20 years ago?

(via The Iron Lady's Strong Stance On Climate Change | ThinkProgress)

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There's a mapp for that.

House Natural Resource Committee Dem's create app with timelines of energy production and extreme weather, plus info on fuel economies.

Go play.

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Though many greens in the Catholic community are hoping that the next pope will speak on climate change, it seems that Americans tend to trust their politicians over their preachers, priests or pope.

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Daniel and Andrew Burgess, and Ethan Trepka (Ages 13, 11 and 12 respectively) proposed legislation to curb food waste that could be composted, reducing the amount of methane released in Iowa landfills. The bill was approved by the Iowa Senate and will go on to the Iowa House.

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Ecumenical Advocacy Days are this week!

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The amount of pre-tax and post-tax subsidies for energy, broken down by region.

Note: Adv.=Advanced, CEE-CIS=Central and Eastern Europe and Commonwealth of Independent States, LAC=Latin America and Caribbean, S.S. Africa=Sub-Saharan Africa, MENA=Middle East and North Africa, and E.D. Asia=Emerging and Developing Asia

(via IMF: Want to fight climate change? Get rid of $1.9 trillion in energy subsidies.)

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Austerity affects people’s access to safe water in a variety of ways, including direct cuts or increased tariffs charged for access to water. 

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Climate Change: Challenges and Opportunities for Communities of Color and Tribal Nations (by eesionline)

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From a statement Pope Francis gave this week to ecumenical and interfaith groups.

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Because the rivers are dry, the water for baptism had to be purchased at a cost of 2,000 Kenyan shillings – about US$ 26. This is quite an investment in an area where people and livestock are dying due to lack of food and water.

Give me water… the living water! | Ecology and Jesuits in Communication

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Concerned Kittens engage you in cutting CO2 emissions (by MinorFoundation)

Today's Hump Day Hope, brought to you by the Minor Foundation for Major Problems.