MEMBERS of the Clogher Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Group (CJPIC) met with local councillors recently to outline their concerns about biodiversity and the care of the natural world.

Fr. Joe McVeigh, co-ordinator of the CJPIC group, along with Sister Nellie McLaughlin and Anne Marie Russell, met with the Climate Change and Resilience Group of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council at the end of March.

Fr. McVeigh told the meeting that “even though climate change is a global crisis, it has local implications and personal implications for each of us”.

Sister McLaughlin, in her presentation to the meeting, said that when the group first came together they identified two main areas of concern – climate change/associated biodiversity loss, and homelessness.

She went on to give examples of inspiration for the group and some of the work that has been carried out.

‘Awareness raising’

“Our early involvement was mainly with clergy at their regional gatherings about awareness raising and urging them to incorporate the environment into church life, supporting them to make eco-aware choices, and so on.

“Later, we carried out an Eco-Aware Parish Audit, embracing among other aspects church property, green spaces, the management of resources ... Approximately half of parishes responded.”

Anne Marie Russell gave an example of some of the issues raised by the group, including the awareness of toxic chemicals seeping into the soil, single-use plastics, the awareness of the carbon footprint from importing and transporting non-native florae for funerals and weddings, and discouraging pesticide use and the cutting of hedgerows on church grounds and properties.

In his concluding remarks to the meeting, Fr. McVeigh said: “The greatest task we have today as people who live comfortably in the northern hemisphere is to save our planet from total destruction.

“It is our greatest responsibility, and it transcends all politics and all borders.

“We have been given this planet and we have a moral responsibility to protect it and all of the life here.

“There has been exploitation and irresponsible mining by large companies.

“The farmers also have a great responsibility to ensure that there is no pollution of the water ... or use of harmful pesticides and herbicides.

“The cry of the earth, and the cry of the poor, should move us to act with urgency, to do everything we possibly can to stop the destruction of life on the planet. We can begin in our own homes.”

He added: “We, as individuals, have to make decisions and it is not just important – it is urgent.

“We have to decide about our carbon footprint, our use of fossil fuels, electricity, plastic and other chemicals that cause pollution, our disposal of waste and many other bad habits.”

A number of councillors questioned the group around issues such as the use of paper in parish offices, farming, living simply and mining.

Overall, the key message from the group to the meeting was: “We share the same DNA as the earth. It is our responsibility to protect and promote biodiversity and respect for the earth and all Creation,” said Fr. McVeigh.