Preventing Harms from Mining in the Clean Energy Transition
The exponential rise in demand for minerals required for electrical vehicle technology is prompting concerns about harms to eco-systems and human communities if the need is met with increased mining. We are calling for greater reuse and recycling of minerals to minimize mining, strong social and environmental protections for mining operations, and investments in public transportation to reduce demand for personal vehicles. This 45-minute presentation explains these concerns from the perspectives of a Native community in Arizona challenging a copper mine and of a Catholic priest involved with the Churches and Mining network in Latin America (in Spanish), and offers policy suggestions to mitigate these fears.
Supporting The FOREST Act
The FOREST Act (S.2950/ H.R. 5508) is a critical opportunity to tackle global deforestation and forest degradation that contributes to climate change and biodiversity loss, while promoting good governance and leveling the playing field for responsible businesses at home and abroad. It is sponsored by Sen. Brian Schatz and Rep. Earl Blumenauer and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. Faith groups, including the Inter-religious Working Group on Extractive Industries, support this bill out of our solidarity with Indigenous peoples around the world, including in the Amazon region of South America, who have been protecting critical forest habitats for millennia. We see this bill as one mechanism for weakening the link between deforestation and violent land invasions that lead to food insecurity, loss of livelihoods and even forced displacement. Urge your legislators to support the FOREST Act.
"Purchasing is a Moral Act"
A consumer examination for peace of faith
The stuff we buy goes on a long journey before it ends up in our hands. This process starts with the extraction of raw materials and then advances through production, distribution, consumption, and finally disposal. This process is called a “supply chain.”
Unfortunately, the steps of this process often exploit and harm local workers, nearby communities, and the natural environment, especially the first step: extraction.
This examination will help you identify how the extraction of the raw materials needed to manufacture your purchases impacted workers, nearby communities, and the earth. It will help you imagine new ways to purchase responsibly.
