Brian Roewe
@brianroewe.bsky.social
Environment correspondent for National Catholic Reporter, on the EarthBeat.
The Trump administration's move to withdraw from the 1992 bedrock UN climate change treaty amounts to the US "abandoning its moral responsibility as a leading global power and as the world's largest historical contributor to greenhouse gas emissions," said the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns.
US 'abandoning its moral responsibility' with exit from bedrock climate treaty, Catholic groups say
The United States — the largest source of historical emissions and top user and producer of oil and gas — will stand as the only country in the world not part of the agreement.
www.ncronline.org
January 12, 2026 at 3:28 PM
The Trump administration's move to withdraw from the 1992 bedrock UN climate change treaty amounts to the US "abandoning its moral responsibility as a leading global power and as the world's largest historical contributor to greenhouse gas emissions," said the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns.
Reposted by Brian Roewe
NEW: Inside the Trump administration’s man-made hunger crisis in the world’s third largest refugee camp.
After the U.S. failed to fund the World Food Program in Kenya, we went to the Kakuma refugee camp. This is what we found:
After the U.S. failed to fund the World Food Program in Kenya, we went to the Kakuma refugee camp. This is what we found:
December 17, 2025 at 4:00 PM
NEW: Inside the Trump administration’s man-made hunger crisis in the world’s third largest refugee camp.
After the U.S. failed to fund the World Food Program in Kenya, we went to the Kakuma refugee camp. This is what we found:
After the U.S. failed to fund the World Food Program in Kenya, we went to the Kakuma refugee camp. This is what we found:
Reposted by Brian Roewe
NEW: When the Trump administration took away her family’s food this summer, Rose Natabo had to choose which of her three sons to care for — who ate and who didn’t.
By Brett Murphy & @annamaria.bsky.social, photography by Brian Otieno
By Brett Murphy & @annamaria.bsky.social, photography by Brian Otieno
The Summer of Starvation: Amid Trump’s Foreign Aid Cuts, a Mother Struggles to Keep Her Sons Alive
After the Trump administration cut off food from the third-largest refugee camp in the world, thousands of families faced impossible choices as their children starved.
www.propublica.org
December 17, 2025 at 1:00 PM
NEW: When the Trump administration took away her family’s food this summer, Rose Natabo had to choose which of her three sons to care for — who ate and who didn’t.
By Brett Murphy & @annamaria.bsky.social, photography by Brian Otieno
By Brett Murphy & @annamaria.bsky.social, photography by Brian Otieno
A small group of Catholics in the Washington D.C. Archdiocese celebrated last month planting their 1,000th tree through Laudato Trees, an initiative inspired by Pope Francis' 2015 social encyclical on ecology "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home."
Laudato Trees program in DC Archdiocese plants its 1,000th tree
Just in time for the 10-year anniversary of Laudato Si' and Christmas, the independent, lay-led program has planted 1,000 trees throughout the archdiocese's massive geographic footprint — but they're ...
www.ncronline.org
December 17, 2025 at 5:06 PM
A small group of Catholics in the Washington D.C. Archdiocese celebrated last month planting their 1,000th tree through Laudato Trees, an initiative inspired by Pope Francis' 2015 social encyclical on ecology "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home."
Countries at the U.N. climate talks did little to counteract papal criticism that "failing" political will is undermining global efforts to stave off dangerous levels of global warming, say Catholic officials who attended the COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil, at the edge of the Amazon rainforest.
UN climate summit in the Amazon falls short on fossil fuel phaseout plan
Nearly 200 countries at the U.N. climate talks did little to counteract papal criticism that "failing" political will is undermining global efforts against global warming, say Catholic officials who a...
www.ncronline.org
November 26, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Countries at the U.N. climate talks did little to counteract papal criticism that "failing" political will is undermining global efforts to stave off dangerous levels of global warming, say Catholic officials who attended the COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil, at the edge of the Amazon rainforest.
Reposted by Brian Roewe
BREAKING: COP30 Blue Zone venue is being evacuated after a firealarm was triggered. Smoke visible.
November 20, 2025 at 5:11 PM
BREAKING: COP30 Blue Zone venue is being evacuated after a firealarm was triggered. Smoke visible.
Reposted by Brian Roewe
Archaic procedures and technocratic framing have failed to address the climate crisis for 30 years. Frustration over the lack of progress boiled over into a short occupation of the COP30 negotiation zone on day two of the climate talks in Brazil.
Built to Fail: Rules at UN Climate Talks Favor the Status Quo, Not Progress - Inside Climate News
Experts say stifling bureaucratic procedures that are disconnected from the climate crisis have consistently stalled COP negotiations.
insideclimatenews.org
November 13, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Archaic procedures and technocratic framing have failed to address the climate crisis for 30 years. Frustration over the lack of progress boiled over into a short occupation of the COP30 negotiation zone on day two of the climate talks in Brazil.
Reposted by Brian Roewe
Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels are projected to rise to an all-time high this year, according to a report.
At this rate, it will take the world four years to pass the threshold experts agree would constitute catastrophic warming, the authors said.
At this rate, it will take the world four years to pass the threshold experts agree would constitute catastrophic warming, the authors said.
Despite surging renewables, fossil fuel emissions will hit record this year
Emission-rate increases will accelerate in the U.S. and E.U. but will slow in China and India, according to a report published Wednesday.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels are projected to rise to an all-time high this year, according to a report.
At this rate, it will take the world four years to pass the threshold experts agree would constitute catastrophic warming, the authors said.
At this rate, it will take the world four years to pass the threshold experts agree would constitute catastrophic warming, the authors said.
NEW: The head of Caritas Internationalis, the Catholic Church's global aid network, said the massive scaleback in foreign assistance by the U.S., along with lesser cuts by European nations, signals "the golden age of aid being over."
"We will see millions of people die as a result of these cuts."
"We will see millions of people die as a result of these cuts."
Caritas leader Q&A: 'The golden age of aid' is over
"We're not going to see that money coming back," said Alistair Dutton, Caritas Internationalis secretary general, who spoke with NCR about the ramifications of cuts in funding for international develo...
www.ncronline.org
November 12, 2025 at 2:57 PM
NEW: The head of Caritas Internationalis, the Catholic Church's global aid network, said the massive scaleback in foreign assistance by the U.S., along with lesser cuts by European nations, signals "the golden age of aid being over."
"We will see millions of people die as a result of these cuts."
"We will see millions of people die as a result of these cuts."
Last week, two waves of trucks supplied by Catholic Relief Services with tents and other shelter equipment rolled into Gaza.
Following the latest ceasefire, the Catholic development agency has begun to ramp up its work to assist millions of Palestinians recover and rebuild after two years of war.
Following the latest ceasefire, the Catholic development agency has begun to ramp up its work to assist millions of Palestinians recover and rebuild after two years of war.
Amid tenuous ceasefire, Catholic Relief Services restarts aid in Gaza
For CRS, the days since the Oct. 10 ceasefire have focused on reestablishing its networks, reconnecting with its distribution centers and reassessing need after two years of war and near-daily bombard...
www.ncronline.org
October 21, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Last week, two waves of trucks supplied by Catholic Relief Services with tents and other shelter equipment rolled into Gaza.
Following the latest ceasefire, the Catholic development agency has begun to ramp up its work to assist millions of Palestinians recover and rebuild after two years of war.
Following the latest ceasefire, the Catholic development agency has begun to ramp up its work to assist millions of Palestinians recover and rebuild after two years of war.
Reposted by Brian Roewe
Corals are disappearing, pushing Earth to its first major ‘tipping point’
A new report says Earth has reached a dire milestone with the widespread death of warm-water coral reefs. But it's not too late to save what remains.
grist.org/oceans/coral...
#Coral #Ocean #Environment #Climate #Science
A new report says Earth has reached a dire milestone with the widespread death of warm-water coral reefs. But it's not too late to save what remains.
grist.org/oceans/coral...
#Coral #Ocean #Environment #Climate #Science
Corals are disappearing, pushing Earth to its first major ‘tipping point’
A new report says Earth has reached a dire milestone with the widespread death of warm-water coral reefs. It's not too late to save what remains.
grist.org
October 16, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Corals are disappearing, pushing Earth to its first major ‘tipping point’
A new report says Earth has reached a dire milestone with the widespread death of warm-water coral reefs. But it's not too late to save what remains.
grist.org/oceans/coral...
#Coral #Ocean #Environment #Climate #Science
A new report says Earth has reached a dire milestone with the widespread death of warm-water coral reefs. But it's not too late to save what remains.
grist.org/oceans/coral...
#Coral #Ocean #Environment #Climate #Science
NEW: Ahead of the COP30 climate summit, the Holy See has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Vatican City-State at least 28% by 2035.
Key to those plans is a 1,000-acre solar farm outside Rome that is set to fully power the Vatican and make it the world’s first carbon-neutral state.
Key to those plans is a 1,000-acre solar farm outside Rome that is set to fully power the Vatican and make it the world’s first carbon-neutral state.
Vatican pledges to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 28%
The Holy See said it will cut its emissions within the Vatican City State by at least 28% by 2035 compared to 2011 levels.
www.ncronline.org
October 16, 2025 at 7:11 PM
NEW: Ahead of the COP30 climate summit, the Holy See has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Vatican City-State at least 28% by 2035.
Key to those plans is a 1,000-acre solar farm outside Rome that is set to fully power the Vatican and make it the world’s first carbon-neutral state.
Key to those plans is a 1,000-acre solar farm outside Rome that is set to fully power the Vatican and make it the world’s first carbon-neutral state.
Reposted by Brian Roewe
California governor rejects bill to phase out "forever" chemicals used in cookware, children's products
California governor rejects bill to phase out "forever" chemicals used in cookware, children's products
Gov. Gavin Newsom votoes bill to phase out a range of popular consumer products, including nonstick pots and pans, that contain synthetic chemicals with links to cancer.
www.latimes.com
October 14, 2025 at 1:28 AM
California governor rejects bill to phase out "forever" chemicals used in cookware, children's products
Reposted by Brian Roewe
As Trump champions fossil fuels, the world is betting on renewable energy.
Despite a U.S. retreat, solar and wind are overtaking fossil fuels globally, according to two new reports.
grist.org/internationa...
#Solar #Wind #Climate #Renewables #Energy
Despite a U.S. retreat, solar and wind are overtaking fossil fuels globally, according to two new reports.
grist.org/internationa...
#Solar #Wind #Climate #Renewables #Energy
As Trump champions fossil fuels, the world is betting on renewable energy
Despite a U.S. retreat, solar and wind are overtaking fossil fuels globally, according to two reports published this week.
grist.org
October 12, 2025 at 7:58 PM
As Trump champions fossil fuels, the world is betting on renewable energy.
Despite a U.S. retreat, solar and wind are overtaking fossil fuels globally, according to two new reports.
grist.org/internationa...
#Solar #Wind #Climate #Renewables #Energy
Despite a U.S. retreat, solar and wind are overtaking fossil fuels globally, according to two new reports.
grist.org/internationa...
#Solar #Wind #Climate #Renewables #Energy
Reposted by Brian Roewe
Climate tipping points are being crossed, scientists warn ahead of COP30 reut.rs/4nTrk1G
Climate tipping points are being crossed, scientists warn ahead of COP30
Global warming is crossing dangerous thresholds sooner than expected with the world’s coral reefs now in an almost irreversible die-off, marking what scientists on Monday described as the first “tipping point” in climate-driven ecosystem collapse.
reut.rs
October 13, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Climate tipping points are being crossed, scientists warn ahead of COP30 reut.rs/4nTrk1G
Reposted by Brian Roewe
My @rns.org column: #PopeLeo embraces Francis’ concerns on #globalwarming and the #environment religionnews.com/2025/10/07/p...
Pope Leo embraces Francis’ concerns on global warming and the environment
(RNS) — ‘The challenges identified in Laudato Si’ are in fact even more relevant today than they were ten years ago.’
religionnews.com
October 7, 2025 at 5:42 PM
My @rns.org column: #PopeLeo embraces Francis’ concerns on #globalwarming and the #environment religionnews.com/2025/10/07/p...
Reposted by Brian Roewe
On Wednesday, the Pontiff delivered his first address on climate change at a conference taking place at the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo calling for a “true ecological conversion… that transforms both personal and communal lifestyles.” By @brianroewe.bsky.social
Pope Leo calls for 'true ecological conversion' from words to action on environment
The pope spoke Oct. 1 at the start of a conference marking the 10-year anniversary of Laudato Si', Pope Francis' landmark document that encapsulated church teaching on the environment.
buff.ly
October 6, 2025 at 9:11 PM
On Wednesday, the Pontiff delivered his first address on climate change at a conference taking place at the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo calling for a “true ecological conversion… that transforms both personal and communal lifestyles.” By @brianroewe.bsky.social
Reposted by Brian Roewe
BREAKING: Pope Leo XIV bluntly called out inequality and indifference to the plight of the poor in the first major teaching document of his pontificate.
Pope Leo blasts elitism, indifference toward poor in first major document
"I am convinced that the preferential choice for the poor is a source of extraordinary renewal both for the church and for society," the pope wrote in Dilexi Te.
bit.ly
October 9, 2025 at 2:07 PM
BREAKING: Pope Leo XIV bluntly called out inequality and indifference to the plight of the poor in the first major teaching document of his pontificate.
Two words continually rang out at a Vatican conference marking the 10-year anniversary of Pope Francis' socio-environmental encyclical "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home."
Hope and heart.
Attendees saw both as pathways to draw more Catholics to the church's teachings on the environment.
Hope and heart.
Attendees saw both as pathways to draw more Catholics to the church's teachings on the environment.
At Laudato Si' conference, Catholics stress hope, heart to animate church on climate
"In the face of this deepening crisis, how do we dare raise hope? Our answer is this: We do it together," said Yeb Sano, board director for the Laudato Si' Movement.
www.ncronline.org
October 3, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Two words continually rang out at a Vatican conference marking the 10-year anniversary of Pope Francis' socio-environmental encyclical "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home."
Hope and heart.
Attendees saw both as pathways to draw more Catholics to the church's teachings on the environment.
Hope and heart.
Attendees saw both as pathways to draw more Catholics to the church's teachings on the environment.
In 2021, Jane Goodall on a Vatican-sponsored webinar said she draws hope for better environmental conservation from young people, science and Pope Francis.
"One of my reasons for hope is Pope Francis, because in that position ... his stand on the environment really has made a big difference."
"One of my reasons for hope is Pope Francis, because in that position ... his stand on the environment really has made a big difference."
Jane Goodall with Vatican cardinal: Human survival depends on biodiversity
A Vatican-sponsored webinar this week paired famed primatologist Jane Goodall with Cardinal Peter Turkson for a conversation about the importance of preserving biodiversity to preserve life on Earth.
www.ncronline.org
October 2, 2025 at 5:57 AM
In 2021, Jane Goodall on a Vatican-sponsored webinar said she draws hope for better environmental conservation from young people, science and Pope Francis.
"One of my reasons for hope is Pope Francis, because in that position ... his stand on the environment really has made a big difference."
"One of my reasons for hope is Pope Francis, because in that position ... his stand on the environment really has made a big difference."
Opening a global church summit to mark the 10-year anniversary of Pope Francis' papal letter Laudato Si', Pope Leo XIV affirmed his predecessor's ecological vision while calling on Catholics to ensure creation care does not become a fading trend or fall into tribalism.
Story @ncronline.bsky.social
Story @ncronline.bsky.social
Pope Leo calls for 'true ecological conversion' from words to action on environment
The pope spoke Oct. 1 at the start of a conference marking the 10-year anniversary of Laudato Si', Pope Francis' landmark document that encapsulated church teaching on the environment.
www.ncronline.org
October 1, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Opening a global church summit to mark the 10-year anniversary of Pope Francis' papal letter Laudato Si', Pope Leo XIV affirmed his predecessor's ecological vision while calling on Catholics to ensure creation care does not become a fading trend or fall into tribalism.
Story @ncronline.bsky.social
Story @ncronline.bsky.social
Catholic and other faith-based organizations, including the U.S. bishops, submitted nearly 10,000 comments opposing the Trump administration's attempt to revoke the "endangerment finding" that underpins federal regulations on polluting emissions that drive climate change and harm human health.
Thousands of Catholics oppose Trump plan to erase scientific basis for climate regulations
"My Catholic faith compels me to urge you to leave the Endangerment Finding in place," wrote Patricia Sills-Trausch, a staff member at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona.
www.ncronline.org
September 23, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Catholic and other faith-based organizations, including the U.S. bishops, submitted nearly 10,000 comments opposing the Trump administration's attempt to revoke the "endangerment finding" that underpins federal regulations on polluting emissions that drive climate change and harm human health.
Reposted by Brian Roewe
I wrote about the em dash
Stop AI-Shaming Our Precious, Kindly Em Dashes—Please
Human writers have always used the em dash. In fact, it’s the most human punctuation mark there is.
www.theringer.com
August 20, 2025 at 2:51 PM
I wrote about the em dash
"Disappointed but not surprised," said Sr. Patty Johnson in response to nations' failure earlier this month to reach a treaty to reduce pollution from plastics and minimize its related harms to human health and ecosystems from plastics.
EarthBeat story for @ncronline.bsky.social
EarthBeat story for @ncronline.bsky.social
With no treaty to control plastics, concern over harm to people and planet grows
A global treaty to address plastic pollution remains elusive, but Catholic environmental activists remain hopeful for the reduction of this fossil fuel product that harms people and planet.
www.ncronline.org
August 21, 2025 at 3:01 PM
"Disappointed but not surprised," said Sr. Patty Johnson in response to nations' failure earlier this month to reach a treaty to reduce pollution from plastics and minimize its related harms to human health and ecosystems from plastics.
EarthBeat story for @ncronline.bsky.social
EarthBeat story for @ncronline.bsky.social
Reposted by Brian Roewe
Nations worked for 11 days to try to complete a landmark treaty.
But they were deadlocked over whether the treaty should reduce exponential growth of plastic production and put global, legally binding controls on toxic chemicals used to make plastics. https://to.pbs.org/3HBzCv9
But they were deadlocked over whether the treaty should reduce exponential growth of plastic production and put global, legally binding controls on toxic chemicals used to make plastics. https://to.pbs.org/3HBzCv9
Plastic pollution treaty talks in Geneva end without an agreement
Nations worked for 11 days at the United Nations office to try to complete a landmark treaty to end the plastic pollution crisis.
to.pbs.org
August 15, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Nations worked for 11 days to try to complete a landmark treaty.
But they were deadlocked over whether the treaty should reduce exponential growth of plastic production and put global, legally binding controls on toxic chemicals used to make plastics. https://to.pbs.org/3HBzCv9
But they were deadlocked over whether the treaty should reduce exponential growth of plastic production and put global, legally binding controls on toxic chemicals used to make plastics. https://to.pbs.org/3HBzCv9