Amid worsening ecological crises across Asia, Catholic bishops have cited grassroots environmental initiatives and youth-led climate advocacy as “signs of hope” in the fight against climate change. 

These efforts, they said, reflect resilience and a growing faith-based commitment to protect the planet, even as vulnerable communities continue to bear the brunt of environmental degradation.

In a pastoral letter released on March 15, the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) praised community-driven climate action and young people’s leadership, framing them as vital responses to a crisis threatening both human lives and the integrity of creation.

“Grassroots movements, such as the reforestation efforts and the rehabilitation of mangroves in many parts of Asia, show the resilience of local communities,” the bishops said in the letter titled “To the Local Churches in Asia on the Care of Creation: A Call to Ecological Conversion.” 

“These efforts sustain biodiversity and the livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples, who are at the forefront of climate action,” the prelates added. 

Marking the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for creation, and in observance of the Jubilee of Hope 2025, the FABC highlighted how environmental action is now integrated into Church life through “green audits of parishes”, renewable energy projects, and environmental education in Catholic institutions.

Young people, the bishops noted, are stepping into leadership roles in the climate movement, reflecting Pope Francis’ appeal in Laudate Deum for urgent action.

“Young people in our dioceses are rising as champions of integral ecology, heeding Pope Francis’ call in Laudate Deum to act with urgency for the future of the planet. Their commitment offers hope for the future of creation and challenges us all to act with greater responsibility.”

The bishops emphasized that these initiatives are evidence that “the Holy Spirit is alive and active in our world” and serve as part of a broader call to ecological conversion, a recurring theme in Catholic teaching on environmental stewardship.

Crisis across Asia

While pointing to “signs of hope,” the bishops delivered a stark assessment of Asia’s environmental condition. 

They cited rampant deforestation, rising sea levels, water insecurity, and hazardous air pollution, warning that these challenges are already inflicting widespread harm.

“Creation [is] groaning under the weight of human indifference, abuse, and exploitation,” the letter stated, calling for urgent recognition of the human and ecological toll of environmental degradation.

Rainforests in countries including Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Myanmar, and the Philippines are being destroyed by “illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and mining,” displacing Indigenous communities and threatening biodiversity. 

Coastal populations in the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Vietnam are facing rising sea levels and intensified typhoons, leading to forced displacement and increasing vulnerability.

Urban centers such as Beijing, Dhaka, Delhi, Jakarta, Manila, and Bangkok were cited as suffering from “hazardous levels of air pollution”, contributing to respiratory diseases and reducing quality of life.

“These ecological tragedies affect Asia’s poorest and most vulnerable communities—coastal families whose homes are washed away, farmers who can no longer grow crops, and children who suffer from polluted air and water.”

Four dimensions of action

The bishops emphasized that “hope compels us to action” and outlined four critical dimensions to address the crisis: mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage, legislation, and finance.

They called for stronger national climate commitments to meet the 1.5°C global goal under the Paris Agreement and urged preservation of Asia’s rainforests, coral reefs, and rivers. “We owe it to future generations to protect this shared heritage,” they wrote.

On adaptation, the bishops stressed the need to amplify the voices of the poor and accelerate funding for climate-related loss and damage in vulnerable regions. 

They also demanded environmental legislation that includes clear rules on waste management, mining regulation, and watershed protection, and allows communities to hold corporations accountable.

The letter also addressed the financial dimension, urging climate justice financing, polluter accountability, and debt relief to free poorer nations from economic constraints that hinder climate action.

“What is truly needed is a comprehensive review of the entire system of international loaning—one that prioritizes the well-being of debtor countries rather than perpetuating cycles of dependence and financial subjugation.”

Engagement at COP30, Season of Creation

The FABC encouraged Asian dioceses to actively engage in COP30, the upcoming United Nations climate summit in Belem, Brazil, calling it a “platform for nations and communities to come together and renew their commitment to climate action.”

They also invited local Churches to observe the Season of Creation, from September 1 to October 4, as a time of “spiritual and ecological renewal”. 

This period, they said, should include education on ecological responsibility, promotion of sustainable lifestyles, and the nurturing of a spirituality of creation.

“We must not let fear or apathy paralyze us. Instead, let us walk the Pilgrimage of Hope together, responding with faith and courage.”

Lent as time for ecological reflection

The bishops urged the faithful to use Lent as a period of reflection on “sins against God’s creation”, and to commit to ecological conversion through personal and collective action.

“Let this Lenten Season be an occasion for us to examine our consciences and humbly admit our sins against God’s creation. Let it be an opportunity for us to respond to God’s call to ecological conversion.”

Entrusting the mission to Mary, the Blessed Mother, the bishops expressed hope that her intercession would inspire the Church to act “with courage, wisdom, and compassion for the sake of our common home.”