6 Gennaio 2024
We thank God for the researchers who are safeguarding the environment and the people. Chirag Desai, a Scientist in the Banana Pseudostem value chain at the Soil and Water Management Research Unit of Navsari Agricultural University, is dedicated to minimizing the social and environmental impact in India. He is assisting farmers in ceasing the practice of dumping banana trees by the roadside, a habit that poses both environmental and social challenges. Desai is educating farmers on converting these discarded plants into fibers, fertilizers, fabric, and candies.
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29 Dicembre 2023
We thank God for the creative ways to hear the cry of the Earth and the Poor. The insulated packaging industry is a 15 billion-dollar worldwide industry that contributes significantly to pollution with plastic products. In the Philippines alone, 300,000 Styrofoam boxes are used for domestic seafood trade, contributing to the rapid accumulation of discarded coolers in landfills and oceans. The Fortuna Cool company was born in a fishing village in the Philippines to produce biodegradable packaging made from coconut husks.
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29 Dicembre 2023
Let’s pray for Conakry, the capital of Guinea, which is reeling from a devastating explosion and fire that occurred from Sunday night to Monday, resulting in numerous casualties and extensive damage. Emergency services are engaged in intensive rescue operations to save lives and provide medical aid to the injured. The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation. Local authorities have declared a state of emergency, and hospitals are overwhelmed, prompting urgent appeals for blood donations and medical supplies.
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29 Dicembre 2023
We join Pope Francis in prayers and solidarity with the victims of the recent earthquakes in Gansu and Qinghai provinces, China. The earthquakes, with magnitudes of 6.4 and 6.9 respectively, have left around 127 dead victims, communities in distress, and widespread damage to infrastructure. Authorities have mobilized emergency responses, but the damages on roads make it difficult to reach the affected areas. The sub-zero temperature that the country is experiencing is challenging the rescue work. The epicenter is in an area with a high level of poverty in China.
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13 Dicembre 2023
The JPIC Commission USG-UISG cordially invites you to participate in the second webinar of our series. This session will critically explore the undesirable consequences of the ongoing Energy Transition, specifically the rising mining activities associated with renewable energy components. The extraction of minerals for solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries is causing significant social and environmental impacts.
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11 Dicembre 2023
We pray for Tanzania, where a devastating flood in the northern part of the country has claimed the lives of at least 65 people, causing landslides, destroying homes, roads, and bridges, and displacing over 5,600 individuals. These floods come on the heels of an unprecedented drought in East Africa, influenced by the El Niño phenomenon. The Horn of Africa, already vulnerable to climate change, is now facing even more extreme weather conditions. During COP 28, the Loss and Damage fund was approved,.
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11 Dicembre 2023
Let’s pray for Mexico, where a confrontation between gangs and residents has resulted in the death of 11 people in a small farming town in the center of the country. The police have not identified the suspected gang. According to local media, the Familia Michoacana, a drug cartel, arrived in the village to demand exhortation fees from local farmers. This method of extortion is not new in Mexico, as criminal groups often use threats of violence to extract money from people.
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11 Dicembre 2023
We thank God for the goodwill of many people who support their communities and care for the environment. In Uganda, refugees are planting lemongrass (which acts as a natural repellent) and neem to combat malaria and address climate change. This project aims to restore degraded environments affected by climate change and improve the well-being of the community. Seedlings are distributed to households, and residents are trained on how to plant and maintain them. According to the UNHCR, around 11,000 households are participating in this initiative.
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3 Dicembre 2023
We pray for Bangladesh, which is currently facing the worst dengue outbreak in history. According to authorities, more than 1549 people have died, and hospitals are overcrowded. The recorded deaths are five times higher than last year’s 281 fatalities. Authorities confirm that the disease has reached all the districts in the country, including rural areas. This outbreak occurs amidst political, economic, and social instability in the country.
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3 Dicembre 2023
We pray for COP 28, with a special focus on the decision-makers. The UN Environment Programme’s annual Emissions Gap report warns that the Earth could warm up to 2.9°C, even with current climate pledges. It is of paramount importance for governments to take decisive climate actions to curb the rise in Earth’s temperature. The repercussions of anthropic and technocratic approaches are already evident, leading us to perceive ourselves as isolated individuals, often forgetting our interconnectedness within the human family and the environment.
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