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On the 8th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ the documentary The Letter introduced us to Arouna Kandé, a young man from Kolda a small farming region of Senegal working to support his community suffering the effects of climate change. Arouna’s family, like many others, managed to make a living by maintaining small farms and herds of livestock. Then, the droughts grew longer and the land no longer sustained the farms or most of the people living off the land. At age 8, Arouna was sent to the coastal city of Saint-Louis. But, could not escape the effect of climate change as increasingly destructive storms continue to destroy homes and businesses.
Caught between a deadly rising sea and an unlivable desert, at the time of the documentary Arouna faced the choice that many make to attempt a dangerous and often deadly migration from Senegal to Europe. Thankfully, a local non-profit helped him embrace better opportunities offering him employment as he helps support his family and pursues an education in social work in hopes of returning to his village to lead efforts for sustainable development. (Read more of Arouna’s story here)
For persons fleeing climate change, there is no promised land. Persons experiencing poverty are the first to suffer from the depletion of resources and destruction caused by floods, droughts, fires, and other intensifying conditions, as well as violent conflict over the availability of resources. Like Arouna, persons in less affluent countries first migrate to cities with more resources but often continue to struggle with poverty and related issues. They may also encounter violence and political instability exacerbated by conflicts over land, water, or other resources affected by climate change. In the most extreme cases, persons cross borders and seek refuge in wealthier nations in North America and Europe, which are not equipped with policies, structures, or accessible resources to care for the influx of refugees who survive the journey. Nor, are these countries fully insulated from the effects of climate change.
However, there is hope and each one of us can do something. In addition to caring for the planet and its resources by making choices that help lessen the impact of climate change, we can care for people by encouraging, supporting, and investing in sustainable development, policies, and technology that empower communities. Catholic Charities offers some good resources on how to help others and advocate for policies and legislation.
As we continue into the Season of Creation, we invite you to further explore the resources below and join us in prayer and reflection on how we can be good stewards of all of God’s creation entrusted to our care.
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