By Jennifer Kryszak, Director of Strategic Planning for the Franciscan Peace Center
“In conscience, and with an eye to the children who will pay for the harm done by their actions, the question of meaning inevitably arises: ‘What is the meaning of my life? What is the meaning of my time on this earth? And what is the ultimate meaning of all my work and effort?’” Francis, Laudate Deum, 33
Not a day goes by in my household without a squeal of delight as my toddler interacts with the world around her. Our dog is an excellent source of this delight as are the birds chirping in the trees outside the window. A walk outside becomes a chance for exploration of a world rich with intricacies and secrets to be discovered. My daughter’s delight in the world reminds me to slow down and take another look at one small part of our vast world. Of course, I cannot take too long to contemplate as she is quickly running off to see the next source of delight.
As I have adjusted to motherhood, I find myself thinking about how the social and ecological justice issues that I attend to now will affect her future. Will she be able to engage the world as I did? Will the world still be in danger as she goes to school? Will the world around her become a source of anxiety due to climate change? Will my efforts be enough to create a sustainable future for her generation? I find myself asking the questions that I know she will ask of my generation. Similarly, my colleague notes that her kids offer critiques of our generation for not doing enough to prevent the climate crisis. Haven’t we tried to get people to change behaviors? Aren’t we part of the generations that started calling attention to the climate crisis? With Pope Francis, we can ask, “’And what is the ultimate meaning of all my work and effort?’” (Francis Laudate Deum, 33)
In Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum, Pope Francis reminds us of our connections to the rest of humanity and our responsibility to future generations. He also critiques aspects of our culture that privilege or value a few over the whole, including the technocratic paradigm and meritocracy. Meritocracy “becomes seen as a ‘merited’ human power to which everything must be submitted, under the rule of those born with greater possibilities and advantages” (Laudate Deum 32). As Francis notes, this concept can become problematic if it prioritizes “a few with great power” rather than emphasizing “genuine equality of opportunity” as the basis (32). As Francis asks, “why should they care about the damage done to our common home, if they feel securely shielded by the financial resources that they have earned by their abilities and effort?” (32) Francis calls us to challenge these attitudes that distance us from recognizing our connections and responsibility to all of creation.
The youth also call us to reconsider our attitudes and practices. Youth activists like Greta Thunberg challenge us to not only think about this moment but to protect a future that is theirs. Young people are also challenging our government through diverse legal actions. High profile lawsuits filed against the government like Juliana v. United States call attention to the role of our government in causing climate change and violating the youth’s constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property. This federal case as well as those filed at the state level challenge our political leaders to take responsibility for the actions of our government in causing or perpetuating the climate crisis. Youth also conduct climate research for the “Youth Climate Report,” “a multilinear, interactive, database documentary film project.” The films have been shared at the COP conferences since the 17th Conference of Parties (COP 17) in 2011. Likewise, the United Nations Secretary-General has a Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change that advises on the climate action agenda. These efforts demonstrate the diverse ways in which the youth articulate their concerns for our world and call everyone, including our governments, to take action to curb the climate crisis.
Other organizations focus on educating the youth and providing resources for their reflection and advocacy for the environment. For example, the Catholic Climate Covenant invites youth to participate in their Youth Mobilization teams to deepen their learning and take action for the care of creation. This includes training youth leaders, holding an annual Catholic Youth Climate Summit, and preparing youth to advocate for the environment in local communities and the church. Additionally, the Catholic Climate Covenant collaborated with the Ignatian Spirituality Network to create the “Laudato Si’ & Climate Action in High School” resource guide, which focuses on effective ways that high school students can work for environmental sustainability. The guide provides reflection questions, prayers, and communal actions that high school students can work on.
As I consider our future, I hope my daughter can continue to delight in the world around her. To shape that future, our communities and governments need to listen deeply to the experiences, concerns, and hopes of the youth so that we can respond with action for a sustainable future. Because of the present efforts of many individuals and organizations, I trust that we can realize that future together so that when the next generations reflect on the meaning of our lives, they will be able to recognize our commitments to all of creation.
As we reflect today, let us consider the experiences and needs of the youth in our communities. How can we support the youth as they call our local and global community to respond to climate change? How can we advocate for their future?
Listen to the Catholic Climate Covenant’s Boston Youth Mobilization team to learn about their Catholic Youth Climate Summit and lobby day as well as how to be an adult ally.
Learn about Juliana v. United States and state-level legal actions. Watch Youth v. Gov to learn more about the constitutional lawsuit that 21 youth filed against the United States.