This edition highlights the persistent tension between fossil fuel expansion and the protection of global biodiversity. While thousands of protected areas face extractive threats, the Catholic academic and social sectors are responding with concrete tools: from new institutional guidelines and environmental research centers at Comillas to the launch of a continental divestment platform to address the “cry of the earth” in Latin America.
Below is our weekly scan of selected news from the ecological agenda:
1. Protected areas under threat from fossil fuel expansion
A recent report warns that over 7,000 protected areas worldwide are currently threatened by oil and gas licenses. This situation endangers vital ecosystems and global biodiversity, highlighting the ongoing tension between conservation policies and extractive industry interests.
- Read more at: Noticias Obreras
2. Academic boost for Integral Ecology: New research center at Comillas
The Universidad Pontificia Comillas (UNIJES) is strengthening its institutional commitment through the creation of a new research center dedicated to the environment and ecology. This initiative aims to provide an academic and ethical framework to address socio-environmental challenges through higher education and specialized research.
- Read more at: Comillas News
3. Institutionalizing Integral Ecology guidelines
In a significant step for Jesuit higher education, Comillas has approved its official Integral Ecology guidelines. These directives will govern the university’s operations and curriculum, aligning its institutional mission with the urgent call to care for our Common Home.
- Read more at: Comillas News
4. Divestment from mining: A regional response in Latin America
A new mining divestment platform has been officially launched as a continental response to the “cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” This tool promotes an ethical review of financial investments, encouraging the withdrawal of capital from activities that violate human rights and damage ecosystems across the region.
- Read more at: ADN Celam
