Ignatian Spirituality and Environmental Action
Allen Ottaro, Founder and Executive Director of the Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA), visited Marquette University as a Distinguished Peacemaker with the Center for Peacemaking in late October 2019.
During his time at Marquette, Ottaro met with student groups, spoke with classes, and delivered a keynote presentation. He used these opportunities to speak with hundreds of students about Ignatian spirituality and taking climate action for environmental justice.
Through his participation in MAGIS Kenya, an Ignatian young adult program, Ottaro developed the inspiration and connections to launch a youth network to support environmental action. CYNESA works with 10 countries in Africa, working to bring young people together to fight climate change and combat its effects in their communities.
In Africa, where more than 70% of the population is below 30, the momentum and engagement of young people in fighting climate change is integral. Africa is also the continent most affected, as it is warming at a rate 1.5 times faster than the rest of the world despite contributing the least greenhouse gas emissions.
Ottaro discussed how climate action aligns with Catholic Social Teaching — specifically preferential option for the poor — through the example of the disastrous Cyclone Idai in southeast Africa. This cyclone was destructive to both the economy and environment. The greatest impact is almost always felt by the rural and urban poor, as repercussions such as food insecurity and damaged infrastructure hit them the hardest.
CYNESA works at three levels:
- Formation
- Networking and Advocacy Training
- Environmental Action at Local Level
Formation refers to synthesizing Catholic Social Teaching on the care for creation with contemporary environmental issues. Ottaro credits Ignatian spirituality with much of his personal formation. Two moments he mentions in his formation include reflecting on the desolation of the forests near his childhood home being destroyed by logging projects and realizing that magis (meaning “more” or “greater”) sometimes means giving something up or limiting what you consume and accumulate.
In regards to Networking and Advocacy Training, Ottaro discussed the importance of working with other faith communities, and people of all faith backgrounds. He also mentioned the UN Environment Program, the only UN program housed in the Global South, and how it gives people an opportunity to connect with policymakers and impact change. And if policy stalls at the international or national level, it can still be pursued effectively at the local level.
When talking about environmental action at a local level, Ottaro emphasized the belief that it is not enough to simply be aware, you must also do something. One way we can take action is to not participate in the throwaway culture. Ottaro offered three maxims for groups to plan grassroots environmental action:
● Start where you are
● Use what you have
● Do what you can
While noting that the need for action is imminent and dire, Ottaro also emphasized the hope he has for the future. His hope is grounded in his faith and fostered through seeing young people with great ideas who just need a little push to use their ideas and change their community. He says that it is important to be educated about what is happening, yet it’s equally important to work with hope.
He often turns to Laudato Si, Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for our common home, as a source of hope. Ottaro channels this hope into his work with CYNESA, enabling young people to work towards environmental action from a faith-based perspective.
