Biodiversity  and Climate Change

What is Biodiversity?

The food you eat, air you breathe, water you drink, honey you eat and much much more rely on biodiversity. So what is this biodiversity?

This term biological diversity refers to all varieties of life; plants, animals, fungi and little microorganisms that we do not usually see with our naked eye.
It also includes ecosystems and habitats of all varieties of life forms.

The biodiversity we see today is the fruit of billions of years of evolution, shaped by natural processes and, increasingly, by the influence of humans. It forms the web of life of which we are an integral part and upon which we so fully depend.

How diverse is biodiversity?

It is mind-excitingly diverse. From simple 1.7 million species of animals, plants and fungi that have been documented to the likely over 8-9 million all the way to 100 million yet to be identified. 

However, Biodiversity is at risk. Threatened!

How you may ask?

The extinction rate of species is now thought to be about 1,000 times higher than before humans dominated the planet. The sixth mass extinction in geological history is ongoing and we, humanity, are at the heart of it. Overpopulation and overconsumption contributes heavily to the crisis. 

Nature and biodiversity are declining faster than at any other time in history and successive major reports have highlighted the huge scale of nature loss. Biodiversity has not received traction within the climate change discourse as it should. The lack of or intentional, meaningful discourse in line with climate change impacts is yet to amplify the urgency of tackling this together.

)The earth’s resources are also being plundered because of short-sighted approaches to the economy, commerce and production. The loss of forests and woodlands entails the loss of species that may constitute extremely important resources in the future, not only for food but also for curing disease and other uses. In addition, different species contain genes which could be key resources in years ahead for meeting human needs and regulating environmental problems (LS 32).

How can you help?

Fighting the Climate Crisis requires addressing Biodiversity Loss

Send letters

Biodiversity and Climate Change Events

Latest Past Events

The Global Catholic Letter on Climate Change to the COP28 Presidency

Social Catholic Teaching (SCT) calls us to “accelerate the just energy transition” in the key of Integral Ecology, changing international policies. This event is part of a series of Catholic advocacy actions on governments to make bold decisions about climate change mitigation, just energy transition, and integral human development. Under Pope Francis’ leadership and previous global grassroots manifestos, we will deliver a joint letter to the COP 28 Presidency. Organizers: Carmelite NGO, LSM, UNANIMA International (UI), VIVAT International (VIVAT), Boston College, Catholic Relief Services - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (CRS), Ieunesse Étudiante Catholique Internationale (IYCS-JECI), Society of Catholic Medical Missionaries (SCMM). Speakers in the Round Table: Archbishop Peter Chong (Asia-Pacific, VIVAT), Bishop Stephen Mamza (Africa), Bishop Lizardo Estrada (Latin American and the Caribbean), Lorna Gold (FaithInvest, LSM Chair Board), Liana Almony (UNANIMA International), Roy Ibrahim (IYCS-JECI Program Coordinator), Tzeporah Berman (Chair of the FFNPT initiative; Stand.earth), Julia E. DeVoy (Boston College). Moderators: Jean Quinn (UNANIMA International) and Lindlyn Moma (LSM)

Exhibit “Places of Climate Injustices”

Laudate Deum brings much needed attention to the climate injustices still prevalent throughout our common home. In line with the core message of Laudate Deum, Our Season of Creation campaign shone on a spotlight on the prayers and actions of our network in fighting climate justice through our #PrayingForYou campaign. The video exhibit highlights "Places of Injustice" linked to climate damages and socio-ecological impacts through the global production of thematic “climate injustices” through messages, documentary videos, and other digital arts. Vulnerable people become a living letter to their governments by denouncing injustice and claiming climate justice. Visit the LSM Exhibit Date and time: 1-6 December 2023 10AM - 5PM Venue: Booth 24;  Thematic Category: Adaptation, Resilience, and Loss and Damage. More information: https://laudatosimovement.org/exhibit-cop-28/

Biodiversity and climate change Resources