Eco Justice

Protect the high seas is the message multi-faith leaders delivered this week at the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). While oceans cover two-thirds of our planet, and produce over half of the oxygen we breathe, they often get less attention than land-based conservation efforts, says FAITH IN THE OCEAN. This mainly Catholic network of 100 organizations, includes the Laudato Si’ movement, celebrating its 10 year anniversary. FAITH IN THE OCEAN declares that the ocean's ability to sustain life is threatened by the unchecked extraction of deep sea resources and by industrial overfishing. The ocean regulates our climate and feeds billions. But it also absorbs 90% of Earth's excess heat, trapped by greenhouse gases mainly from burning fossil fuels. The ocean waters are warming and this is causing stronger and faster-accelerating storms. A separate multi-faith coalition, FAITHS for UNOC3, has called for countries to deliver on their pledges to restore 30% of oceans, lands and freshwater by 2030.

As Laudato Si’ highlights, everything is connected. If we live with this awareness, it can open us to the voice of God, our Catholic Social teaching, and our moral responsibility as Catholic Christians.

www.ncronline.org/earthbeat/politics/protect-life-protecting-oceans-faith-groups-tell-un-conference