UN 2019 Emissions Gap Report
CARE FOR CREATION. For the first time, an annual UN study shows signs of hope as well as dire warnings in the deepening climate emergency. This year's Emissions Gap Report, which tracks global progress in meeting internationally-agreed emissions standers, the UN describes the current outlook as "bleak." "Countries collectively failed to stop the growth in global GHG emissions," the UN says, "meaning that deeper and faster cuts are now required."
However, the report also offers some glimmers of hope: "behind the grim headlines, a more differentiated message emerges from the ten-year summary. A number of encouraging developments have taken place and the political focus on the climate crisis is growing in several countries, with voters and protestors, particularly youth, making it clear that it is their number one issue. In addition, the technologies for rapid and cost-effective emission reductions have improved
significantly."
Pope Francis has repeatedly warned us that climate change an emergency faced by all humanity, and that failure to act now may well have "catastrophic" consequences.
With Pope Francis, let us pray for ourselves, that individually and collectively we might become better stewards of the vineyard entrusted to us by the Master:
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts
of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united
with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle
for justice, love and peace...
Holy Spirit, by your light
you guide this world towards the Father’s love
and accompany creation as it groans in travail.
You also dwell in our hearts
and you inspire us to do what is good.
Praise be to you!
Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love,
teach us to contemplate you
in the beauty of the universe,
for all things speak of you.
Awaken our praise and thankfulness
for every being that you have made.
Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined
to everything that is.
God of love, show us our place in this world
as channels of your love
for all the creatures of this earth,
for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.
Enlighten those who possess power and money
that they may avoid the sin of indifference,
that they may love the common good, advance the weak,
and care for this world in which we live.
The poor and the earth are crying out.
O Lord, seize us with your power and light,
help us to protect all life,
to prepare for a better future,
for the coming of your Kingdom
of justice, peace, love and beauty.
Praise be to you!
Amen.
Source: United Nations Environment Programme - November 27, 2019
Full article at:
https://www.unenvironment.org/resources/emissions-gap-report-2019
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Federal Election Guide: the Economy
Our partnership with the Catholic Register continues with Catholic reflections on the economy. The Church takes a clear position on the economy: it should serve people by providing the means to maintain a continuous search for God — especially in a search for God in our families and in each other. In the Pope’s vision, the economy “favours the integral development of the world’s peoples, a just distribution of the Earth’s resources, the guarantee of dignified labour and the encouragement of private initiative and local enterprise.”
Canada’s economy brings both blessings and challenges. Most Canadians have access to the necessities of life — food, clothing, basic education, transportation and housing, and perhaps a bit more. Yet many Canadians go without nutritious food, a roof over their heads, opportunities to dignified employment and more. For many, it is difficult to find stable, full-time employment capable of supporting a satisfying family life. This is particularly true for young couples, many of whom struggle to participate in the economic life of society and to share in the hope for a brighter future.
Source: The Catholic Register - October 15, 2019
Full article at:
https://www.catholicregister.org/item/30286-federal-election-a-catholic-guide#economy
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Federal Election Guide: Foreign Relations
Our partnership with the Catholic Register continues, with reflections on the Canada's role in the global community. Pope Francis has advocated for international co-operation, particularly between wealthy countries such as Canada and countries struggling with issues like poverty, climate change, corruption and economic abuse by their own governments and multinational corporations. He has also warned against the resurgence of isolationist nationalism.
A nation “cannot be regarded as absolute and an island,” he said. “It cannot provide its people with the common good” while meeting “the great contemporary challenges of climate change, new slavery and peace.”
Source: The Catholic Register - October 11, 2019
Full article at:
https://www.catholicregister.org/item/30286-federal-election-a-catholic-guide#foreign-policy
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Our 2019 Toronto Downtown Region All-Candidates' Meeting
Many thanks to the Green Party's Dean Maher, who was the only one the 11 invited candidates from four parties that managed to join us at St Peter's Church for our 2019 Downtown Toronto Regional All-Candidates' meeting.
We were sorry to have missed those who sent regrets, and disappointed in those campaigns that declined to respond to us. We had a good turnout from all three ridings, and an excellent and informative conversation with Mr Maher, who explained both his personal values and those of his party. We also talked about the very common problem faced by principled voters whose values are not completely supported by any of the parties' or candidates' platforms, and the different means and options for deciding one's vote.
We also touched upon the importance of candidates taking time to engage with potential constituents, including the importance of such meetings as a factor in deciding one's vote.
Given the importance of meetings between local representatives and their potential constituents, we intend to continue hosting meetings during future elections, and invite all candidates, all parties, and all voters of good will to consider joining us on those occasions. Like so many candidates in past elections, Mr Maher expressed great pleasure at the pleasant respectfulness of our interactions, even on issues in which his party is not entirely in line with the Church.
Source: Catholic Conscience - October 10, 2019
Full article at:
https://www.facebook.com/CatholicConscience.org
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