Season of Creation: Refugees, Hope and the Climate Crisis

As we enter the Season of Creation, we are reminded of the sacred responsibility we all share to care for our common home.

This Season, observed worldwide from September 1 to October 4, is a time to renew our commitment to protecting the environment and advocating for those most affected by climate change.  

Pope Francis has also taken this opportunity to make a historic visit to our neighbours in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Singapore, traveling with the motto: “Faith, Fraternity, Compassion.”

A vocal advocate for environmental stewardship and social justice, Pope Francis encourages us to take personal responsibility for nurturing hope and caring for our common home.

“Let us pray that each of us listen with our hearts to the cry of the Earth and of the victims of environmental disasters and the climate crisis, making a personal commitment to care for the world we inhabit,” he shared. 

This call resonates deeply with our mission at JRS Australia, as we are committed to serving, accompanying, and advocating for refugees and displaced people, especially those impacted by climate change in the Asia-Pacific and globally. 

The Climate Crisis and Displacement 

The climate crisis is not just an environmental issue – it is a deeply humanitarian one.

As the Earth’s ecosystems are increasingly disrupted, vulnerable populations – particularly refugees and those seeking asylum – are disproportionately affected. Extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and resource scarcity are also forcing millions of people to flee their homes.  

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, an average of 20 million people are displaced each year due to climate-related causes. These climate migrants, who often have no formal recognition or protection under international law, represent a growing and urgent challenge. 

Our work is informed by our Jesuit values, and multi-faith collaboration that emphasises solidarity, compassion, and justice for refugees, people seeking asylum, and those displaced by climate change. 

We invite you to join us in this critical work. To learn more, please visit our Climate Refugees and Displacement page.  

Upcoming Events

Multi-faith Conference – “Earth Wisdom: Hope in Action”

In the spirit of solidarity and action, we are looking forward to the upcoming National Conference of the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) which will take place from October 4-6.  

The ARRCC is a multi-faith network that seeks to mobilise people of diverse religious backgrounds to address the urgent issue of climate change.  

The Conference theme is “Earth Wisdom: Hope in Action”, and it will bring together inspirational First Nations leaders, skilled community organisers, faith leaders and experts. It is also an opportunity for us all to learn, reflect, and act on the pressing need to care for our planet. 

For more information on the ARRCC and the conference, please visit the ARRCC website. 

Week of Climate Action: 14 – 24 September 2024

A significant event during the Season of Creation is the ARRCC’s Multi-Faith Week of Climate Action from 14 to 24 September.  

This week-long initiative invites people of all faiths to engage in activities aimed at raising awareness about the climate crisis and advocating for urgent action.  

The Week of Climate Action is an excellent opportunity for the JRS Australia community to get involved and make a tangible difference.  

For more details on the Week of Climate Action and how to get involved, please visit ARRCC Multi-Faith Week of Climate Action. 

How you can take action

During this week, we encourage you to participate in actions that align with our mission to serve and advocate for refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants in vulnerable situations. 

You may wish to: 

• Participate in the ARRCC’s Multi-Faith Week of Climate Action: Engage in activities that raise awareness about the climate crisis and its impact on refugees. 

• Advocate for Climate Justice: Contact your local representatives to express your support for policies that protect the environment and vulnerable communities. 

• Educate Yourself and Others: Learn more about the links between climate change and displacement, and share this knowledge with your community. 

• Support JRS Australia’s Work: Donate or volunteer with JRS Australia to help us continue our vital work supporting refugees and displaced people. 

By taking these steps, you help to ensure that the voices of the Earth and its most vulnerable inhabitants are heard and acted upon. 

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by climate change and build a more just and sustainable world for all.