The Augustinian Recollects and ARCORES Brazil will participate in COP30, the 30th United Nations Conference on Climate Change, to be held from November 10-21 in Belém, in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon. Their presence reaffirms a concrete commitment to the care of the Common Home and the defense of the dignity of all creation.
COP30 will bring together leaders from nearly 150 countries and will mark ten years since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, through which nations pledged to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Key issues include the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, climate finance for developing countries – estimated at $300 billion per year until 2035 – and the protection of tropical forests, essential for regulating the global climate.
The participation of the Augustinian Recollect Family is based on the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, which called the Religious Life to collaborate in the construction of a more just and fraternal society. “Our role is to encourage conscience in the mission of educating and promoting the culture of peace, social justice and the integrity of creation,” say those responsible for the initiative.
During the conference, themes such as education for peace, the promotion of human rights, the eradication of hunger, the sustainability of the planet and dialogue among peoples will be promoted. All this expresses the testimony of the common life and the educational commitment of the Augustinian Recollects in favor of the fundamental dignity of all people.
Participation is also inspired by the thought of St. Augustine, whose call to “be of one heart and soul” and to “share goods with those most in need” takes on renewed relevance in the face of today’s global challenges. He stated: “The superfluous things of the rich are the necessities of the poor. When you possess superfluous things, you possess what belongs to others”.
This approach coincides with Pope Francis’ call for a simpler and more sober lifestyle, presented as an alternative to the consumerism and waste that characterize the contemporary world. The Augustinian tradition reminds us that the responsible use of goods is an act of justice and love of neighbor.
For the Augustinian Recollects and ARCORES Brazil, participation in COP30 is not limited to an institutional presence. It is a living commitment to the Gospel values of solidarity, justice and care for creation. It is an invitation to build, from faith and action, a more just and sustainable planet for present and future generations.