On March 15, 2025, the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) released a pastoral letter addressing Asia’s escalating environmental crisis, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’ and the Jubilee Year of Hope. The letter outlines pressing environmental challenges such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, rising sea levels, water scarcity, and pollution, emphasizing the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on the poor.
Despite these issues, the bishops highlight hopeful initiatives, including grassroots reforestation, sustainable farming, and increased youth engagement in climate activism. They call for action in four areas: reducing carbon emissions, improving disaster preparedness and support for vulnerable communities, strengthening environmental legislation, and ensuring that wealthy nations fulfill climate funding commitments.
The bishops advocate for local churches to actively participate in COP30 in 2025 and encourage a celebratory “Season of Creation” from September 1 to October 4 to promote ecological awareness and commitment. They conclude by urging Catholics to view environmental stewardship as intrinsic to their faith, stressing the need for tangible actions toward sustainability and justice.
