Progressio blog

The cry for justice of the poor and voiceless has a new dimension, a new power and a new urgency. It has a new authentic global champion. This time a global superstar with a radical difference. He's a man (“well, you can't win them all” whispers the feminist in me) who has none of the normal trappings and who, in fact, has systematically avoided them. His idea of a good time is not the usual lavish ostentation, it's to kneel down humbly and wash the feet of a prisoner. 

Pope Francis has called the world to act in defence of the planet in his papal encyclical. Talking not just to the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics, but humanity as a whole, he has called for all to join in with the battle against climate change.

In On the care for our common home, Pope Francis has warned the environment is facing "unprecedented destruction". He has made a specific effort to show that he does believe human actions are causing climate change, frequently discussing how humans have plundered the planet to satisfy their own needs. 

After years of environmental damage and degradation the world is waking up to a new ecological consciousness. Now more than ever, we are recognising the importance of green solutions to modern day problems. One of Progressio ICS's main goals is to improve the quality of life of poor and marginalised communities through more equitable and sustainable management of our natural resources and habitat. As we approach World Environment Day, hear from Progressio ICS volunteer Roisin McGovern.

More than 32,000 new trees have been planted in brand new nurseries thanks to the Chembe Community in Malawi. In a single year, the Community managed to plant 10,000 new trees and their dedication their nurseries resulted in an incredible 85% survival rate of these seedlings. This year, they are aiming to increase the area they work in and plant more than 12,000 new trees. These trees will enable the Community to support a healthy environment while diversifying their income to support local families. Find out more about this story in the run up to World Environment Day.

A series of inspiring moments took place in Zimbabwe in March, but not the kind the world will notice. March 27 will go down in local history thanks to the collaboration of some incredibly passionate people. Biogas operators in Guruve, who are Progressio’s partners in Zimbabwe, had a rare opportunity to talk the country’s leading renewable energy technical experts. As we prepare to celebrate World Environment Day, you can read the full story here.

In the Salima District of Malawi, an historic movement of environmental awareness has taken place. The celebration, incorporating World Forestry Day and World Water Day, was the first of its kind in Salima. Progressio worked with our partner organisation, Environment Africa, to make the day a success, ensuring a diverse range of people engaged with the crucial message of climate awareness. Now, as we appraoch World Environment Day, we look back on the day of action.