Australia
The Australian Government is helping to fund research into plant-based farming at the Horsham SmartFarm in the Wimmera. Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said “Victoria is leading the way in plant-based protein research, building world-class facilities and fostering collaboration that will transform agriculture and strengthen regional economies.”
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/about/research/research-smartfarms/horsham-smartfarm
Netherlands
The EU has approved a Dutch Government scheme funding a transition from animal agriculture to arable agriculture.
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/mex_24_4261
The city of Nijmegen in the Netherlands has introduced a ban on meat advertising in public spaces, such as bus shelters and digital screens
Amsterdam is committed to increasing the share of plant-based protein in local diets from approximately 40% to 60% by 2030 and expanding plant-based options in municipal catering, public institutions, schools and healthcare facilities.
Denmark
In Denmark, where 70% of agricultural land is used to grow animal feed, the government allocated millions of dollars to pay bonuses to Danish farmers who grow plant-based protein for human consumption. This scheme is part of Denmark’s broader investment plan aimed to promote more sustainable food production, reduce its environmental impact, and meet climate goals.
https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/denmark-becomes-the-first-country-in-the-world-to-tax-livestock-emissions/
The Danish Government has produced an Action Plan to promote plant-based foods.
https://en.fvm.dk/news-and-contact/focus-on/action-plan-on-plant-based-foods
Bhutan
Bhutan in South Asia is actively promoting plant-based initiatives through government policies, for the environment and public health, as well as compassion.
https://development.asia/insight/edge-food-security-promoting-climate-smart-agriculture-bhutan
Switzerland
The Swiss Nutrition Strategy 2025-2032, to align with sustainability and optimum health, promotes a balanced diet in line with the revised Swiss food pyramid, which emphasizes increased consumption of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and pulses while reducing meat and dairy intake
https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-023-01139-z
Added January 2026
The Australian Government is helping to fund research into plant-based farming at the Horsham SmartFarm in the Wimmera. Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said “Victoria is leading the way in plant-based protein research, building world-class facilities and fostering collaboration that will transform agriculture and strengthen regional economies.”
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/about/research/research-smartfarms/horsham-smartfarm
Netherlands
The EU has approved a Dutch Government scheme funding a transition from animal agriculture to arable agriculture.
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/mex_24_4261
The city of Nijmegen in the Netherlands has introduced a ban on meat advertising in public spaces, such as bus shelters and digital screens
Amsterdam is committed to increasing the share of plant-based protein in local diets from approximately 40% to 60% by 2030 and expanding plant-based options in municipal catering, public institutions, schools and healthcare facilities.
Denmark
In Denmark, where 70% of agricultural land is used to grow animal feed, the government allocated millions of dollars to pay bonuses to Danish farmers who grow plant-based protein for human consumption. This scheme is part of Denmark’s broader investment plan aimed to promote more sustainable food production, reduce its environmental impact, and meet climate goals.
https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/denmark-becomes-the-first-country-in-the-world-to-tax-livestock-emissions/
The Danish Government has produced an Action Plan to promote plant-based foods.
https://en.fvm.dk/news-and-contact/focus-on/action-plan-on-plant-based-foods
Bhutan
Bhutan in South Asia is actively promoting plant-based initiatives through government policies, for the environment and public health, as well as compassion.
https://development.asia/insight/edge-food-security-promoting-climate-smart-agriculture-bhutan
Switzerland
The Swiss Nutrition Strategy 2025-2032, to align with sustainability and optimum health, promotes a balanced diet in line with the revised Swiss food pyramid, which emphasizes increased consumption of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and pulses while reducing meat and dairy intake
https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-023-01139-z
Added January 2026
Ever since Pope Paul VI highlighted the damage that was occurring to the natural environment in a letter he published in 1971, the Church has been keen to highlight the importance of our having a harmonious relationship with the natural environment. Though this issue has become more urgent in recent decades in a practical sense, this concern of Christians for the environment has deep theological roots. As Pope Francis has said, our bodies are made up of the elements of the earth and we breathe and drink the products of the earth. We have an intrinsic relationship with the natural environment, and we should learn to respect and nurture it. But the reasons why we should care for creation go deeper: other creatures, and the natural environment more generally, are created by God. They therefore have a value that we should respect.
Raising Hope Climate Conference: 'Galvanising collective action and radical collaboration' (added 06/10/2025)
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Why we need a solemn Feast Day of Creation (added 22/09/2025)
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Booking: Webinar to mark 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si' (added 08/08/2025)
The Season of Creation 2025 invites us to come together as a global Christian family. The preparation stage is key for the Season of Creation, creating bonds and relationships, renewing the joy of journeying together, and cultivating the gifts of communion and peace as the People of God together with our common home. From September 1 (the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) to October 4 (the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi), we will pray and act for our common home.
This year, the theme is Peace with Creation, rooted in Isaiah 32:14-18:
14 Because the palaces will be forsaken,
The bustling city will be deserted.
The forts and towers will become lairs forever,
A joy of wild donkeys, a pasture of flocks—
15 Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high,
And the wilderness becomes a fruitful field,
And the fruitful field is counted as a forest.
16 Then justice will dwell in the wilderness,
And righteousness remain in the fruitful field.
17 The work of righteousness will be peace,
And the effect of righteousness,
quietness and assurance forever.
18 My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation,
In secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
Isaiah paints a stark image of creation wounded by human injustice.
This vision resonates with us: our planet is suffering, and yet, we believe in the promise of renewal.
We repent of our wrongful thinking and commit to building peace by restoring our relationships with
the Creator, creation, and each other.
This year, the theme is Peace with Creation, rooted in Isaiah 32:14-18:
14 Because the palaces will be forsaken,
The bustling city will be deserted.
The forts and towers will become lairs forever,
A joy of wild donkeys, a pasture of flocks—
15 Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high,
And the wilderness becomes a fruitful field,
And the fruitful field is counted as a forest.
16 Then justice will dwell in the wilderness,
And righteousness remain in the fruitful field.
17 The work of righteousness will be peace,
And the effect of righteousness,
quietness and assurance forever.
18 My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation,
In secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
Isaiah paints a stark image of creation wounded by human injustice.
This vision resonates with us: our planet is suffering, and yet, we believe in the promise of renewal.
We repent of our wrongful thinking and commit to building peace by restoring our relationships with
the Creator, creation, and each other.
Southern Diocese Environmental network
We begin our annual pilgrimage of Lent
in faith and hope …
….as we share in the grace of the Jubilee Year, I would like to propose a few reflections
on what it means to journey together in hope,
and on the summons to conversion that God in his mercy addresses to all of us, as individuals and as a community.
Please follow link to Southern Diocese Environmental Network Lenten Reflections for 2025
lent_reflection_2025.pdf
We begin our annual pilgrimage of Lent
in faith and hope …
….as we share in the grace of the Jubilee Year, I would like to propose a few reflections
on what it means to journey together in hope,
and on the summons to conversion that God in his mercy addresses to all of us, as individuals and as a community.
Please follow link to Southern Diocese Environmental Network Lenten Reflections for 2025
lent_reflection_2025.pdf
Hearing the Cry, responding with hope Dr Emma Gardner, Head of Environment
Link to PowerPoint with information about Laudato Si Centre in Salford.
2024_sdeg.pptx
Link to PowerPoint with information about Laudato Si Centre in Salford.
2024_sdeg.pptx
Click on image to read article (added 17/10/2024)
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Link to YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/Xolcc5sLaXU?si=ga8yR_mJgPgvgsvL
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The Vatican released the new Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Francis, Laudate Deum, to all people of good will on the climate crisis, on 4 October 2023. It is a document intended to follow up on his 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home.
Click on image to follow link to read more (added 02/10/2023)
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Archbishop Bernard's call to celebrate the Season of Creation
Archbishop Bernard has released a video ahead of the Season of Creation to encourage you to take up the opportunity which the Holy Father has given us to celebrate the Season. He says: “As you may know this is something growing year by year as we become more and more aware of our calling as Christians to have a care for the whole of the Created world… “Pope Francis is asking us to think about how we care for the whole of Creation as an expression of our own Christian Faith and is referring us to St Paul’s letter to the Romans, which speaks about the whole of Creation groaning, but also looking for the freedom which Christ brings us as children of God… “Hope and Act with Creation is the theme for this year, and I hope you’ll be able to pray that we and others will value all that we have in creation as a way of praising god and also caring for those who are most in need.” You can find the full celebration guide as well as other prayers and resources on the Diocesan website. Season of Creation prayer courtesy of William Blake, adapted
And did those feet in ancient time Urge us to wealth or grateful thanks And was the Holy Lamb of God Seen to invest in England's Banks? And did the countenance divine Smile on our frightened refugees And was all God's created life Seen in our dark and dirty streets? Bring me my bow of burning hope Bring me my arrows of desire Bring me my shield! O clouds unfold! Bring me to change a world on fire! I shall not cease from mental fight Nor shall my pen sleep in my hand Till we have built a healthier world In what were green and pleasant lands |
Environment Bishop: It’s time to sprint towards climate action
Link to Laudato Si Action Platform
Premier of The Letter: Laudato Si film
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Our Common Home
Pope Francis doesn't hold back:
'The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth.'
This is God's creation, given to be our home.
What are we doing to look after it?
A Prayer for our Earth By Pope Francis*
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.
* Pope Francis published this prayer in his Laudato Si’ encyclical, and is meant for sharing with all who believe in a God who is the all-powerful Creator.
'The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth.'
This is God's creation, given to be our home.
What are we doing to look after it?
A Prayer for our Earth By Pope Francis*
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.
* Pope Francis published this prayer in his Laudato Si’ encyclical, and is meant for sharing with all who believe in a God who is the all-powerful Creator.
Laudato Si’ Week is being celebrated during 22nd – 29th May. It reminds us of our duty towards and celebration of creation. To learn more and to get involved, check out the links.
The Laudato Si’ Encyclical, which was published in 2015, is a letter to the world from Pope Francis. in it he calls for dialogue and action concerning the care of what he calls “our common home”, and he urges all of us to take our duty to the natural environment, to animals and to poor people seriously.
http://visnews-en.blogspot.com/2015/06/overview-of-encyclical-laudato-si.html
The Laudato Si’ Movement (LSM) was formed as a result of the Encyclical. Under the umbrella of the Encyclical, it aims to activate the world's 1.2 billion Catholics to tackle the climate and environmental crises. To educate about and enable participation in this undertaking, LSM initiated an online Course.
https://laudatosimovement.org/
The Laudato Si’ Animators Course was first opened in July 2020 to a world-wide audience of potential activists. The Course teaches how the Laudato Si’ (LS) Encyclical fits into Catholic Social Teaching, describes the causes and consequences of climate change and encourages a personal ecological conversion. Participants are encouraged to be environmentally active in their parishes and in the wider community.
https://laudatosianimators.org/?utm_source=laudato&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign&utm_content=What%20is%20the%20Laudato%20Si%27%20Animators%20program%3F%20Join%20now
Laudato Si’ Animators are people who completed the Course and then got together for mutual support, discussions, ideas and actions. We have a Network of around 90 Animators and green activists, covering the 22 Dioceses of England and Wales. Our aim? Simply to spread the message of the Encyclical throughout the Catholic Church, in an effort to educate about the environmental crisis and to inspire action which will help to combat the dire situation.
https://www.facebook.com/LSIUK
The Laudato Si’ Action Platform has been established by the Vatican's Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, in response to the Encyclical. It is designed to run for 7 years, encompasses 7 Sectors and has 7 general goals. We will all fit into one or another of the Sectors. The 7 Goals are designed to guide our actions. Under each general goal heading, actions are suggested for us to consider which will reduce our environmental footprint.
https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/
The Laudato Si’ Encyclical, which was published in 2015, is a letter to the world from Pope Francis. in it he calls for dialogue and action concerning the care of what he calls “our common home”, and he urges all of us to take our duty to the natural environment, to animals and to poor people seriously.
http://visnews-en.blogspot.com/2015/06/overview-of-encyclical-laudato-si.html
The Laudato Si’ Movement (LSM) was formed as a result of the Encyclical. Under the umbrella of the Encyclical, it aims to activate the world's 1.2 billion Catholics to tackle the climate and environmental crises. To educate about and enable participation in this undertaking, LSM initiated an online Course.
https://laudatosimovement.org/
The Laudato Si’ Animators Course was first opened in July 2020 to a world-wide audience of potential activists. The Course teaches how the Laudato Si’ (LS) Encyclical fits into Catholic Social Teaching, describes the causes and consequences of climate change and encourages a personal ecological conversion. Participants are encouraged to be environmentally active in their parishes and in the wider community.
https://laudatosianimators.org/?utm_source=laudato&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign&utm_content=What%20is%20the%20Laudato%20Si%27%20Animators%20program%3F%20Join%20now
Laudato Si’ Animators are people who completed the Course and then got together for mutual support, discussions, ideas and actions. We have a Network of around 90 Animators and green activists, covering the 22 Dioceses of England and Wales. Our aim? Simply to spread the message of the Encyclical throughout the Catholic Church, in an effort to educate about the environmental crisis and to inspire action which will help to combat the dire situation.
https://www.facebook.com/LSIUK
The Laudato Si’ Action Platform has been established by the Vatican's Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, in response to the Encyclical. It is designed to run for 7 years, encompasses 7 Sectors and has 7 general goals. We will all fit into one or another of the Sectors. The 7 Goals are designed to guide our actions. Under each general goal heading, actions are suggested for us to consider which will reduce our environmental footprint.
https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/
What does our faith say? Laudato Si and Catholic Social Teaching Bishop of Bombay Allwyn
A commitment to Ecological Conversion Amy Achieverra
A commitment to Ecological Conversion Amy Achieverra
"Understanding Laudato Si," with Fr. Daniel P. Horan, OFM even though these recording on YouTube are 5 years old they can be a useful way of helping us understand Laudato Si.
Episode 01: "Models of Creation" https://youtu.be/TzyYPJLhZjc
Episode 02: "Situating Laudato Si" https://youtu.be/xXJTzM2VbSc
Episode 03: "What is Happening to our Common Home?" https://youtu.be/ZmHQMaBbsXw
Episode 04: "Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor" https://youtu.be/8LloARnNUPE
Episode 05: "Back to the 'Beginning'" https://youtu.be/UVT9enSMMrU
Episode 06: "A Universal Communion" https://youtu.be/H50S8P3JSzk
Episode 07: "The 'Technocratic Paradigm'" https://youtu.be/k_jM16npWhM
Episode 08: "Human Responsibility" https://youtu.be/wFLaTShJNMM
Episode 09: "Integral Ecology'" https://youtu.be/uok8odEsOhE
Episode 10: "Inter generational Solidarity" https://youtu.be/VmZcCjorWnk
Episode 11: "Dialogue in Moving Forward" https://youtu.be/UuZSeDuLDYg
Episode 12: "Politics, Economy, and Science" https://youtu.be/ahzzh_a63o8
Episode 13: "Things Must Change" https://youtu.be/fj-a5qVj3nY
Episode 14: "Conclusion: In Union with all Creation" https://youtu.be/oAAgQr6hpbI
Another YouTube video that you may like to look at is:
Connecting Voices, Connecting Laudato Si’: Action 2021 https://youtu.be/cZPcQ3HRYao
Why Care for the Environment? (Laudato Si Explained) https://youtu.be/DNU8fn_ap_U
Praise be to you my Lord
Episode 01: "Models of Creation" https://youtu.be/TzyYPJLhZjc
Episode 02: "Situating Laudato Si" https://youtu.be/xXJTzM2VbSc
Episode 03: "What is Happening to our Common Home?" https://youtu.be/ZmHQMaBbsXw
Episode 04: "Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor" https://youtu.be/8LloARnNUPE
Episode 05: "Back to the 'Beginning'" https://youtu.be/UVT9enSMMrU
Episode 06: "A Universal Communion" https://youtu.be/H50S8P3JSzk
Episode 07: "The 'Technocratic Paradigm'" https://youtu.be/k_jM16npWhM
Episode 08: "Human Responsibility" https://youtu.be/wFLaTShJNMM
Episode 09: "Integral Ecology'" https://youtu.be/uok8odEsOhE
Episode 10: "Inter generational Solidarity" https://youtu.be/VmZcCjorWnk
Episode 11: "Dialogue in Moving Forward" https://youtu.be/UuZSeDuLDYg
Episode 12: "Politics, Economy, and Science" https://youtu.be/ahzzh_a63o8
Episode 13: "Things Must Change" https://youtu.be/fj-a5qVj3nY
Episode 14: "Conclusion: In Union with all Creation" https://youtu.be/oAAgQr6hpbI
Another YouTube video that you may like to look at is:
Connecting Voices, Connecting Laudato Si’: Action 2021 https://youtu.be/cZPcQ3HRYao
Why Care for the Environment? (Laudato Si Explained) https://youtu.be/DNU8fn_ap_U
Praise be to you my Lord
Addressing plastic waste:
letters received from retailers
letters received from retailers
Thank you to the Inner Wheel Club of Coventry for these letters
Letter from Aldi
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Letter from the Co-op
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Letter from Costco
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Letter from M&S
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 Letter from Royal Mail
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First letter from Sainsbury's
We also offer our customers the opportunity to bring back plastic bottles, pots, tubs , trays along with polyethylene film and carrier bags to facilities in our stores for recycling .
Letter from Tesco
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Second letter from Sainsbury's We do not currently offer recycling .....
Letter from Waitrose
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The Birmingham Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission is funded by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham and the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) and is a member of the Caritas - Archdiocese of Birmingham Network