Peru, South America
Sister Patricia A. Dieringer, CSC
Congregation Justice Committee Member for Peru
Climate Update
Due to climate change and environmental degradation, Peru has seen an increase in flooding, droughts and water scarcity, which negatively impact agriculture, migration, conflict and economic growth.
One contributing factor is that the government makes contracts with mining companies that do not use practices to protect the cleanliness of water or to prevent contamination of the soil. Also, oil companies do not comply with cleanup requirements.
Already, many of Peru’s towns and neighborhoods are without water, and Peru’s glaciers are melting. In the near future, the capital city of Lima will not have water due to scarcity and contamination.
Peru’s more than 3,000 kilometers of coastline and varied ecosystems are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, so the issues of natural disasters and migration are strongly connected in Peru.
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Current Initiatives in Peru
We planted various fruit trees to help care for our common home. We are also proposing a larger-scale planting initiative in the Amazon or a nearby forest.
Offered multiple pastoral and biblical courses in Lima to educate different socio-economic groups, including those with very limited technology and literacy skills.
Providing much-needed health care and other wrap-around services to women in the under-resourced Chorrillos Annex Prison.
Proposed Initiatives for 2022–23
Present and discuss the themes of ecological spirituality in meetings of our sisters in Peru and in ministries where possible.
Research and participate in potential solar, recycling, and gardening programs in communities/ministries where possible.
Identify and respond accordingly to the challenges caused by the failure of social systems and assist individuals in the most vulnerable situations.
Provide Laudato Si′ educational resources and ensure understanding in communities/ministries we serve.
Install efficient lighting and
buy locally sourced food
whenever possible for
communities and ministries.
Incorporate recycling, composting and gardening in communities when possible.
Discuss the physical, social and spiritual ways that our civic community may be affected by climate change and biodiversity loss, and make a plan to resiliently prepare for these changes.