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Empowering Faith Organizations for Science Goals

Posted April 18, 2024

Explore how the World Resources Institute’s resources empower Faith-based organizations within the Laudato Si’ Action Platform to enact sustainable change.

 

In our shared journey towards a more sustainable and just world, the Laudato Si’ Action Platform highlights the indispensable role of knowledge, action, and community. Here, the World Resources Institute (WRI) emerges as a beacon of hope, offering invaluable resources that empower especially those in less developed areas.

Faith-based organizations (FBOs) find themselves in a unique spot to spark significant environmental change. The “Science-Based Targets for Faith” (SBTF) initiative, a collaborative effort by WRI and Georgetown University, serves as a testament to this potential. It provides FBOs with a detailed guide to embrace and execute science-backed climate goals. This guide is a tool for FBOs to track their emissions, minimize pollution, and communicate their achievements, leveraging their substantial community influence to fight climate change in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

 

Access the guidebook here

 

Bridging Knowledge Gaps

Access to actionable knowledge is a critical barrier in less developed regions. WRI bridges this gap by offering up-to-date research, best practices, and case studies accessible to all, democratizing knowledge for informed decision-making aligned with Laudato Si’s principles. These resources address urgent issues like climate change, energy, water scarcity, and land restoration with practical, actionable solutions for those facing environmental adversities.

The SBTF initiative is not merely a technical guide but a call to action for FBOs globally to embrace their role as leaders in the sustainability movement. By adopting science-based targets, FBOs can further their spiritual missions while contributing to a broader ecological agenda, fostering a more sustainable, just, and equitable world.

 

The infographic is one of several in the guide providing frameworks for setting science-based targets.

 

The Laudato Si’ Action Platform and WRI’s resources underscore the significance of locally relevant, globally significant actions. Whether it’s through renewable energy, sustainable farming, or reforestation, the insights gained from these resources can spark meaningful change. This approach enhances the impact of individual actions and cultivates a global community spirit in sync with Laudato Si’s vision.

 

Call to Action

We encourage all participants of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform to delve into the SBTF document and explore WRI’s wealth of resources. Together, let’s harness this knowledge to inspire action, drive change, and contribute to a healthier planet. Your engagement can make a significant difference, fostering a collaborative effort towards achieving our shared goals for a sustainable future. Let’s explore, learn, and act together!