Vellore (India). On 23 March 2024, an international webinar was held on “The global climate crisis and the response of educators”, organized by the Auxilium College of Education in Vellore, of the Indian Province St. Thomas the Apostle (INM).
Aimed at students, and educators, the webinar aimed to deepen the alarming impacts of climate change and to equip new generations with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable action.
In the introductory discourse, Sister Ivone Goulart Lopes, collaborator of the Youth Ministry Sector of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and in charge of the Institutions of Higher Studies (ISS-FMA), reminded the approximately 200 participants of the challenges and importance of joining in the action against this global crisis:
“In this webinar, we will explore not only the impacts of climate change, but also the decisive role that each of us plays in finding solutions and promoting a sustainable future. We firmly believe that education plays a fundamental role in the formation of aware and committed citizens, capable of leading to positive changes in their communities and beyond.”
Fr. Maria Sagaya Raj, Salesian of Don Bosco, Associate Director of the Salesian Institute of Communication Arts (DBICA) in Vellore, was the speaker who provided an overview on the effects of climate change and the importance of promoting a sustainable future.
In his presentation, he referred to the encyclical letter of Pope Francis, Laudato si’, as an inspiring document that invites humanity to recognize and appreciate the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. He deepened the theme of Global Conversion and motivated the participants to integrate ecological awareness and ethical responsibility in teaching, learning, and daily life.
The webinar served as a starting point for educators and students in exchanging ideas and good practices to address the global climate crisis through education. Participants concluded the seminar with a renewed commitment to pass on to future generations the knowledge and skills needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change and contribute to a more sustainable world.
