EarthBeat

Local residents take part in a procession carrying a replica of the Our Lady of the Torrents, a virgin historically associated with drought, in l'Espunyola, north of Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, March 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Mar 24, 2023

Malawi and Mozambique caught in dire consequences of Cyclone Freddie

Ngala Killian Chimtom, OSV News

Mar 24, 2023

Human composting, alkaline hydrolysis not acceptable for burial, say U.S. bishops

Gina Christian, OSV News

Mar 23, 2023

Detroit Catholics, congressman urge EPA to save lives with soot pollution rules

Amy Ketner

Mar 22, 2023

Apaches tell court copper mine would harm sacred sites

Anita Snow, The Associated Press

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The climate is changing,
a matter of moral urgency.

How Catholics and other faith groups speak out and take action. Where ecological concerns and moral conviction meet, well that's our beat.

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Faith

Pray for rain: Spanish farmers hold unique Mass amid drought

On Sunday, around 250 residents brought back the faded practice of a special Mass and procession to pray to Our Lady of the Torrents, a local virgin associated with rainfall.

People walk past houses in Blantyre, Malawi, March 17, 2023, which were damaged in the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy. (OSV News/Reuters/Esa Alexander)

Science

Malawi and Mozambique caught in dire consequences of Cyclone Freddie

Malawi is reeling from the consequences of Cyclone Freddy that hit the southeastern African country March 12. The storm system caused flooding and mudslides that have resulted in the deaths of at least 476 people as of March 19.

Panelists engage the room in conversation during the March 21 event titled "Detroit's Dirty Air: A Moral Response" at Gesu Catholic Church in Detroit. Panelists, from left, are Dominican Sr. Ellen Burkhardt, Jesuit Fr. Lorn Snow, U.S. Congressman Shri Thanedar and Laprisha Berry Daniels. (Amy Ketner)

Politics

Detroit Catholics, congressman urge EPA to save lives with soot pollution rules

At Gesu Catholic Church, a conversation on proposed changes to national soot pollution allowance standards highlighted the impact of pollution on Detroiters and the moral call for Catholic leaders to address the issue.

Amy Ketner

Apache Stronghold member Raetana Manny, 4, shows a sign to save Oak Flat

Justice

Apaches tell court copper mine would harm sacred sites

Apache Stronghold sued the U.S. government under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act to protect the place tribal members call Chi’chil Bildagoteel, an area dotted with ancient oak groves and traditional plants the Apaches consider essential to their religion. Some say it's the most important Native American religious liberty case in 15 years.

Small Earth Stories

A little free newsstand to share 'Mother Nature News' in Texas

Anne Walzel

Inspired by the concept of the Little Free Library initiative that promotes free public book exchanges, I've put together a plan for a little free newsstand in front of my home called "Mother Nature News."

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Feature Series

Recipes for an ecofriendly Lent

EarthBeat is cooking up "Recipes for an eco-friendly Lent." Elizabeth Varga of the blog "At Elizabeth's Table" shares plant-based recipes that are perfect for Catholics abstaining from meat on Fridays ... or any day of the year.

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Small Earth Stories

In 100-500 words, readers share specific ways they're living simply, resisting throwaway culture or responding to climate change in day-to-day life. Want to chime in? Submit your story to environment editor Stephanie Clary at sclary@ncronline.org.

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At Home in Creation

These reflections for the 2021 Season of Creation invite us to develop a deeper sense of being grounded in the place where we live, and where we find the nourishment and courage to lovingly care for our global home.

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COP27 Egypt

Our coverage of the United Nations conference on climate change, COP27, held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, from Nov. 6-18, 2022.

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COP15 Montreal

Our coverage of the United Nations conference on biodiversity, COP15, held in Montreal, Canada from Dec. 7-19, 2022.

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2022 Advent Essays

EarthBeat's 2022 Advent essays correspond to the Catholic Mass readings for each Sunday of Advent this year, with a focus on preparation, peace, patience and promise.

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Burning Questions

What is loss and damage?

One of the key points being debated at the COP27 climate summit in Egypt is loss and damage from the impacts of climate change. The latest EarthBeat "Burning Question" explores what it is, what you should know and what the Catholic Church has said about it.