Welcome to our weekly newsletter highlighting environmental trends and solutions for a more sustainable world.
I’m Nick Logan, here to explore how faith communities are pushing for serious climate action.
This week, we dive into:
- Faith’s role in the climate fight
- The drought situation in Canada
- Innovative menstrual cup solutions for sustainability
Can Faith Influence Climate Action?
Recently, an unusual gathering took place at a climate conference in Italy. Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger shared the stage with Pope Leo XIV and showcased a chunk of melting glacier ice from Greenland. Their message? Every one of the 1.4 billion Catholics can help combat pollution.
Since Pope Francis released his influential encyclical, *Laudato Si’*, a decade ago, various religious communities have stepped up. They’re advocating for climate action grounded in their spiritual teachings. Ibrahim Özdemir, an Islamic environmental scholar, emphasizes the moral implications of the climate crisis. He played a part in the 2015 *Islamic Declaration on Climate Change*, urging Muslims to care about this pressing issue.
Özdemir notes, “The Quran teaches us about balance. We must use natural resources wisely and not waste them.” Although he acknowledges that raising awareness among the global Muslim community may take time, he views this effort as crucial.
At the conference, Pope Leo XIV—taking on the papacy after Francis’s death—was praised for making Vatican City the first carbon-neutral state. However, he also highlighted that global progress on climate solutions has been slow and even reversed.
Cardinal Michael Czerny from Canada, who helped shape *Laudato Si’*, expressed concern that governments aren’t acting decisively. “Many people are disappointed,” he said. “No one is asking citizens to make sacrifices for the climate.” He fears upcoming summits might lack significant action, pointing out that global cooperation is declining rapidly.
In a hopeful move, representatives from various major religions recently issued a joint statement. They called on their communities to address the climate crisis, even when governments falter.
Canada’s Drought Crisis
Canada is facing severe drought conditions this year, particularly in Atlantic Canada. Reports indicate that wells are running dry in parts of Nova Scotia, leading to water shortages. The Avalon Peninsula and rural Ottawa are experiencing low water levels, affecting local wildlife and agriculture.
The drought’s impact on the Prairies led to smaller cattle herds and increased beef prices. Canadian meteorologist Ryan Snodden notes that replenishing the water table before the ground freezes is urgent.
Innovations in Menstrual Products
About a quarter of the global population menstruates, yet menstrual products have seen little innovation until recently. Researchers at McMaster University have developed biodegradable tablets that work with menstrual cups to reduce mess and improve accessibility.
Professor Zeinab Hosseinidoust points out that many people are hesitant to use menstrual cups due to concerns about cleanliness. To address this, she and her team designed absorbent tablets to make the transition easier.
According to UN Women, more than two billion people menstruate globally, and one in six Canadians has faced period poverty. The average person spends around $6,000 on menstrual products throughout their lifetime. Hosseinidoust believes that making menstrual cups more convenient could significantly impact the amount of waste generated by disposable products.
The tablets are biodegradable and made from seaweed, providing an eco-friendly solution. They also have potential health benefits, such as detecting infections. As Hosseinidoust explains, these innovations are just the beginning. The conversation around menstrual health and sustainability is essential.
Thanks for reading. If you have questions or story ideas, drop us a line at whatonearth@cbc.ca.
