Franciscans InternationalTime to rethink...
It is “time to rethink and regain control over the future of the human family”. Franciscans International is a co-signatory of a joint statement from over fifty Church and civil society leaders calling for world leaders at Rio+20 to take action on sustainable development for a more just world. The statement emphasises the urgency of this issue, asserting that demand for land, water, food and other resources is already causing violent conflict which will only intensify in future generations. “Climate change is advancing and we will not be able to undo it unless we act now.”
The statement addresses the fundamental inequality inherent in the current market system, calling for regulation to ensure the establishment of a just and equitable economy which places human dignity, the common good and care of creation at the centre of economic life. It emphasises the need for structural change to guarantee equality between men and women, and highlights food security for the world’s poor as a priority in achieving sustainable development.
“Efforts to address human-induced climate change need a new urgency and focus; this is the most pressing threat we face.” The statement was presented to press at the Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro on Sunday 17 June.