
By Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D.; Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C.; and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**\_Editor’s note:** \_This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for
Our Common Home, Laudato Si’\_\_

Did you know that in 2015, Pope Francis published an encyclical On Care for Our Common
Home “Laudato Si’?” An encyclical is one of the highest forms of communication by a pope and
usually deals with some aspect of Catholic teaching. “Laudato Si’” is an appeal for “every person
living on this planet” to enter into dialogue with him on the future of our Mother Earth.

He calls all to acknowledge the urgency of our environmental challenges, and join him with hope
and determination. Sept. 1 is celebrated annually as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of
Creation, beginning the Season of Creation that ends on Oct. 4, the feast day of Saint Francis of
Assisi. Pope Francis describes the 2020 Season of Creation as a “Jubilee for the Earth.”
This series of columns aims to help readers understand and take to heart Pope Francis’ wisdom
from his Earliest Notes (Nos. 1-16) in “Laudato Si’.” They put into practice Pope Francis’ truths.
But first, an open mindset is necessary.

Let our hearts and eyes be open to seeing the real changes our planet is going through with
wildfires, storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts and floods – and how we as stewards can help
encourage, inspire and advocate more for its well-being. A great YouTube video to watch is
Love Song to the Earth (3:48 minutes) by Dominican Sister Michelle Sherliza. Visit
YouTube.com and search Michelle Sherliza to find the video.

Pope Francis speaks about our Mother Earth and, frankly, how foolish we’ve been in the use of
our air, water and land. The first Earth Day was 50 years ago, and the last six popes have shown
great concern for our planet. In the mid-1900’s, environmental conditions in the United States
were so horrendous that the federal government passed the National Environmental Policy Act.
What a blessing it has been!

St. Francis of Assisi is a blessing, too – the patron saint of ecology. He believed every creature
was a sister, mother or brother united to him by bonds of affection. In his message for the Sept. 1
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, Pope Francis said that it is a time to remember all
things are connected; a time to return love and care to our Mother Earth; a time for us to rest and
rediscover life; a time to restore air, water and land; and a time to rejoice. “ … if we no longer
speak the language of fraternity and beauty in our relationship with the world, our attitude will be
that of masters, consumers, ruthless exploiters, unable to set limits on their immediate needs”
(Laudato Si’ 11).

The question is: Will we heed the call and enter into dialogue with Pope Francis?

## What can we do?

Google https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/ and learn more about Global Warming and Climate
Change, and read by purchasing or downloading Laudato Si’: Publication No. 7-502, United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops Communications, Washington, DC, ISBN 978-1-60137-
502-5. Or you can visit this [website](http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/francis/pope-francis-encyclical-laudato-si-on-environment.cfm).

Also, please read The Birdsand the Bees written by Brenda Hopf on page 4 of the Aug. 7, 2020 issue
of The Message,available online at evdiomessage.org. We never have enough sugar water for all God’s
creatures!

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](evdiomessage.org) on November 20, 2020.


A ‘Jubilee for the Earth’


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:** _This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for
Our Common Home, Laudato Si’_

Did you know that in 1970, President Richard Nixon signed the National Environmental Policy
Act, which required some federal agencies to take part in certain regulations, policies, projects,
licensing, and permitting? The NEPA has been a blessing for 50 years because it requires
projects to realize their impacts on the environment, and be held accountable. It was developed
to avoid, minimize, and mitigate/lessen our impacts upon Earth’s air, water and soil.

In some larger projects, NEPA has even required millions of trees to be planted, preserved in
place, and protected forever, along with avoidance and protection of many other human and
natural resource issues. As Christians around the world committed to enriching the lives of
others through our faith and humanitarian aid, how can we find a loving balance in humanity and
nature,and a sustainability of goodwill towards our Mother Earth for another 50 years?

We urge you to take to heart Pope Francis’ wisdom from Chapter 1 of “Laudato Si’” – “What is
Happening to our Common Home?” Pope Francis calls all people in the world to discover ways
to protect nature and “Save our Planet Earth.”

Our world is a precious gift given to us by God, and we oversee its health. But to do this,
questions arise. Among them:

- How can we be heroes to our Mother Earth following Pope Francis’ encyclical and fully
  take to heart our earthly actions?
- What are the best practices to reduce greenhouse gases and for us to become carbon
  neutral, so we can breathe better and not witness so many devastating storms and
  wildfires?
- How can we participate in a Climate Action Plan and implement it while also meeting
  carbon-neutral goals like greater use of clean renewable energy forms, protecting and
  promoting biodiversity, and guaranteeing clean water to all?
- How can we set aside ways in our own lives to care for our common home, our Mother
  Earth, one day at a time?

In 1962, Rachel Carson wrote the book “Silent Spring,” which urged humans to act responsibly,
carefully and in haste. It left an indelible mark on the concept of reducing pollution. In 1965,
Adlai Stevenson, then the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, said, “We travel
together, passengers on a little spaceship, dependent on its vulnerable resources of air, water, and
soil, for our safety, to its security and peace as preserved from annihilation only by the care, the
work, and the love we give our fragile craft.” In 2018, a young 15-year old Swede named Greta
Thunberg inspired millions in an international movement to fight climate change.

Today, we encourage agencies, universities, scientists, engineers, companies, farmers, teachers,
and others to resolve climate change, consumerism, pollution, global warming and urban sprawl.
Working with Pope Francis, let’s care for and protect our Mother Earth as we would a brother or
sister. As good people with endless potential, possibilities, and heart, let’s empower humankind
to act with urgency, love and support for our Mother Earth. To do this, though, we need
everyone – including you! We need your wisdom, strengths, compassion and dedication so we
can follow the moral compass that proclaims, “Do no harm!”

## What can we do?

Please consider any of the following:

- Visit the City of Evansville’s website to learn more about its Draft Climate Action Plan.
- Carefully measure and clean up your household&#39;s carbon footprint (Visit:
  https://www.carbonneutralindiana.org/about).
- Join the local interfaith group Tri-State Creation Care (Visit:
  www.facebook.com/tristatecreationcare).
- Join the statewide network of Indiana Catholics for Creation (Visit:
  www.ourcommonhome.org).
- Join the Global Catholic Climate Movement.
- Encourage and promote a “green team” at your parish.
- Be a role model. Pick up litter, safely dispose of chemicals, plant trees, garden, compost,
  reduce, recycle and reuse.
- Pray for all of our earthly actions to shine love upon our Mother Earth!

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on December 18, 2020.


A Team Effort of Love


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:**
_This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’ and his 2021 Platform Goals._

In 1963, Peter, Paul and Mary (an American folk group) released their version of the Bob Dylan
song “Blowin’ in the Wind.” In it, they sing, “Where have all the flowers gone?” Today, these
lyrics could easily become, “Where have all the bees, butterflies and earthworms gone?” These
animals may be considered sentinel species used to detect risks to humans, very much like a
canary sent into a coal mine. If it died, that was an early warning.

Bees are well-known pollinators. Few of us know that one out of every three mouthfuls of food
in America is a product of honeybee pollination. The Natural Resources Defense Council said
“42% of the bee colonies collapsed in the United States alone in 2015, causing our food supply
to be at serious risk.” Bees can be affected by pesticides (especially neonicotinoids), loss of
habitat, climate change and disease. The rusty-patched bumblebee was federally listed as
endangered in 2017 after losing 90% of its population. It is very important that we eliminate
these factors and plant more grasslands for bee conservation.

Butterflies are decreasing, too. An example of an at-risk butterfly is the monarch butterfly. “Save
Our Monarchs” said, “Their numbers are down 90% from what they were in 1992. And the
milkweed plant population, which is indispensable to the monarch, is also down 90%.” The best
way to help the monarchs is to rebuild their habitat and provide the food they need to survive –in
a pollinator garden at school, home or park; or in a hedge, fencerow, highway or utility right-of-
way. Like bees, butterflies are pollinators, and affected by similar factors. Butterfly conservation
also depends upon increasing grasslands.

In addition, earthworms are decreasing in intensely tilled agricultural fields [Briones and
Schmidt, May 2, 2017, Conventional tillage decreases the abundance and biomass of earthworms
and alters their community structure in a global meta-analysis, Global Change Biology, Vol.
23(1):4396-4419]. Charles Darwin called earthworms “nature’s plough” because they consume
soil and excrete castings, which enhance soil fertility. He found about 54,000 earthworms
inhabited each acre of land, and that each of these populations turned over tens of tons of topsoil
every year (University College Dublin, Tillage farming damaging earthworm populations:
Reduced tillage practices will restore productive earthworm populations and help maintain soil
structure and nutrient recycling. Science Daily. May 8, 2017).

Earthworms mix, aerate and loosen the soil, which improves water retention and soil health.
They also create burrows and tilth (fitness as a seedbed) that make suitable habitats for smaller
soil animals and micro-organisms. Earthworms are food for many animals, and can be affected
by pesticides, herbicides and metal residues (Reynolds, John, The Earthworms of Ontario, Life
Sci. Misc. Pub., R. Ont. Mus., June 15, 1977). Worm farms are excellent ways to compost
household food scraps, and they can increase soil fertility in yards by incorporating leaves into
the soil.

## What can we do?

1. Plant milkweed and other grassland plants, and promote no-till farming practices.
2. Support organizations that help bees, butterflies and earthworms.
3. Visit: https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2017/Q2/corn-seed-treatment-insecticides-pose-risks-to-honey-bees,-yield-benefits-elusive.html for more information.
4. Learn/Register: https://monarchjointventure.org/mjvprograms/education/monarch-
   classes-and-training

William Cowper said in “The Task” (1784), “I would not enter on my list of friends, (Tho’grac’d
with polish’d manners and fine sense, Yet wanting sensibility) the man who needlessly sets foot
upon a worm.”

Bees, butterflies and earthworms are God’s special creatures. How can we help them ― help us?

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on January 28th, 2022.


Bees, Butterflies and Earthworms


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Author’s note:** _This worldwide website encourages, inspires, and informs citizens to act now, and to practice
ecological principles in our journey “On Care for Our Common Home.”_

**Introduction**

Biodiversity includes richness or the number of species, including the identity, dominance, and rarity of these
species. Did you know the [main driver in the loss of biodiversity remains in humans’ use of land primarily for food
production](https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/biodiversity) with humans altering over 70% of all ice-free land? When land is converted for agriculture or
development, animals and plants lose their habitat. We, as stewards and ambassadors of planet Earth, need to avoid
destroying natural habitats.

The _London School of Economics and Political Science_ says, “Currently, species are disappearing 10 to 1,000 times
faster than the normal ‘background’ rate of extinction. All this suggests that we have entered the ‘6th mass extinction
event,’ the first in Earth’s history to be driven primarily by human activity.” _Inside Climate News_ reported [more than
half of bird species in the United States are in decline](https://insideclimatenews.org/news/22102022/whats-good-for-birds-is-good-for-people-and-the-planet-but-more-than-half-of-bird-species-in-the-u-s-are-in-decline/).

A recent study in _Nature Climate Change_ reported [scientists found 65% of insect populations they examined
could go extinct over the next century](https://climate.nasa.gov/news/3231/climate-change-can-put-more-insects-at-risk-for-extinction/), while _Harvard University_ reported, “[over-exploitation, agriculture, and
development have been the primary culprits in the dramatic loss of biodiversity](https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2020/losing-ground/), which, when compounded by
the effects of climate change, stand to wreak further havoc.”

Biodiversity gives balance to nature, but when this balance is disrupted, the stability of an ecosystem could be in
jeopardy. “Scientists generally agree that as the number of species in any particular type of ecological system declines,
that [system can potentially lose its ability to rebound](https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/diversity-and-biological-balance).” _National Geographic_ reported [deforestation is leading to more human infectious diseases](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/deforestation-leading-to-more-infectious-diseases-in-humans).

In addition, biodiversity supports a healthy food chain. When lack of diversity causes elimination of parts of the food
chain, it can ultimately mean the collapse of that chain, which could mean possible starvation for many animals,
including humans.

In the Amazon, the world’s largest reservoir of biodiversity, [2/3’s of the species have lost habitat to fire and
deforestation](https://insideclimatenews.org/news/01092021/amazon-rainforest-biodiversity-deforestation-fires/), and in a report from _Inside Climate News_ found up to [80% of threatened animal and plant species have
had their habitat damaged by mining, agriculture or logging](https://insideclimatenews.org/news/14032018/climate-change-species-at-risk-biodiversity-plants-animal-migration-global-warming/).

## What Can You Do?

**Protect Rainforests** - The Amazon and other rainforests provide so many benefits essential to life on Earth.
“Not only do they provide air, water, medicine, food, and shelter to a multitude of living beings, they are also
one of our [best natural defenses against climate change](https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/everyday-actions/9-rainforest-facts-everyone-should-know/) because of their capacity to absorb greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.” In addition, [rainforests cool the planet, and essentially act as air conditioners](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070409181831.htm) for the world.

**Outdoor Spaces** - Manage your property as a park by planting trees, flowers, gardens, and developing habitat
for pollinators and other wildlife. To help, [add diversity to your landscape, plant native species, reduce use of
pesticides/herbicides, and limit outdoor lighting](https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/earth-systems/the-insect-effect/). Lighting should be directed downward to eliminate sky glow,
and you can reduce lighting by using motion detectors.

**Community Planning**- Municipalities should use Geographic Information System mapping for their planned
growth needs. Avoiding and minimizing impacts to environmentally sensitive habitats is a must, and cities
should not resort to urban sprawl. Conversely, they should use existing disturbed habitats, and avoid, minimize,
or mitigate impacts.

<iframe width="800" height="500" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAju0353w9I?si=H6hUQI2eNMYBCXJe" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Quote:

> “Every species is a masterpiece, exquisitely adapted to the particular environment in which it has survived. Who
> are we to destroy or even diminish biodiversity?” – Edward O. Wilson, world renowned biologist and multiple
> Pulitzer Prize winner. Some call him the “Father of Biodiversity.”

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon and ecologist in the Evansville Diocese. He graduated from St. Bonaventure, a
Franciscan University. Sister Maureen Houlihan D.C. is a member of the “Care of Earth” Committee - St.
Louise Province of the Daughters of Charity USA. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an English Language
Learner teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family, and teaches at Joshua Academy Charter
School. Michael Cervone, BS. a web developer who lives in Evansville, Indiana._


Biodiversity


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:**
_This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’ and his 2021 Platform Goals._

Did you know the TV show “Highway to Heaven” produced many episodes about the
environment? Merry Christmas from Grandpa (1989; Season 5/Episode 13) aired 33 years ago.
It’s significant because many issues then －exist today. Similarly, Katharine Hayhoe, Ph.D., had
a great video entitled “The most important thing you can do to fight climate change” (12/14/18).

PBS/NOVA aired “Can we cool the Earth” (Ben Kalina, 10/22/20). Experts agree the first step
for cooling the planet is preventing carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and other greenhouse gases from
entering the atmosphere. This documentary addressed a combination of seven methods:

- direct air capture
- recycling emissions
- using carbon in making materials
- marine-cloud brightening
- release of fine particle aerosols in the stratosphere
- preservation, reforestation and afforestation
- composting on grasslands and soils

**Direct air capture** works on a small-scale; is very expensive; and requires much water to eject
and store carbon into the earth. **Recycling emissions** uses sunlight, ambient air, and water vapor
to drive a reaction capable of flying a large jet, but it costs six times normal fuels. **Using carbon
in making materials** is good for concrete companies to reduce CO 2 emissions. Incorporating
CO 2 into concrete with fly ash makes for durable concrete. **Marine-cloud brightening** adds
small saltwater particles to generate clouds, which act as floating sun reflectors. **Release of fine
particle aerosols into the stratosphere** reflects sunlight too.

Natural ways of capturing CO~2 from the atmosphere are **preservation** of existing forests, and
**reforestation and afforestation** of 2.5 billion acres worldwide “outside urban and farming
areas.” For a 3-D worldwide carbon profile, a Global Ecosystem Dynamic Investigation
instrument is needed on one of our satellites. It would help us know where to save our carbon
sources and where to invest in new carbon sources. Using **compost** layered on grassland and
farmland is another way to increase plant growth 78% and soil carbon 37% in 3 years (Ben
Kalina, “Can we cool the Earth,” PBS/NOVA).

Biogas is produced when food or animal wastes are broken down by microorganisms in the
absence of oxygen. An example of a biogas is methane from landfills (“Your trash is emitting
methane in the landfill. Here’s why it matters for the climate,” Bruggers et al., 7/13/21, NPR).
Methane is more than 25 times stronger than CO 2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere (EPA,
6/9/2022). Air travel is another source of  air pollution . (“New Concept hybrid planes could
reduce deadly air pollution by 95%,” Tiffany Duong, 2/12/21, EcoWatch).

Consider joining Dr. Douglas Tallamy to learn how small actions by individuals can
make a big environmental impact (University of Evansville, Ridgway University Center,
Eykamp Hall, 6-9 p.m. Oct. 1). Free tickets are available at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dr-doug-tallamy-presentation-tickets-398905155057

Tri-State Creation Care will host Evansville’s first-ever Electric Vehicle ride-and-drive, “EVs for
EVV,” from 4-7 p.m. CT Oct. 2, in the parking lot between Michael&#39;s and Arby&#39;s at the NW
corner of the Lloyd Expressway and Burkhardt Road.

## What can we do? Please Visit:

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BvcToPZCLI
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeYJTluQ5tM
- https://www.epa.gov/gmi/importance-methane#

**Please Read:**

All We Can Save, 2020. Edited by Ayana Johnson and Katharine Wilkinson.
The Future We Choose. 2020. Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac
Under the Sky We Make. 2021. Kimberly Nicholas, Ph.D.

> “The warnings about global warming have been extremely clear for a long time. We are facing a
> global climate crisis. It is deepening. We are entering a period of consequences” - Al Gore.

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on September 30th, 2022.


Can We Cool the Earth?


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:**
_This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’ and his 2021 Platform Goals._

The majority of greenhouse gases in the United States, like carbon dioxide, come from burning
fossil fuels for electricity, heat and transportation (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). They
cause climate change by trapping heat, and have far-ranging environmental and health effects
(National Geographic, Carbon dioxide levels are at a record high. Here’s what you need to know.
Christina Nunez, 5/13/19). A simple way to help Our Mother Earth is to become carbon neutral.

What is carbon neutral? Daniel Poynter from Carbon Neutral Indiana says, “Every individual and
organization has a carbon footprint, and this is the amount of GHGs they release annually. A
person or thing is carbon neutral when it does not add GHGs to the atmosphere. Carbon
neutrality means being net-neutral (i.e. the entity still emits some GHGs, but it takes
responsibility for its carbon footprint and cleans up its “carbon trash.”) How? It invests
financially in projects that soak up the same amount it emits (e.g. a tree-planting project or a
landfill-methane-capture project).”

There are very few carbon-neutral organizations in the country, and CNI is the only one in
Indiana. Their mission is to help households and businesses clean up their carbon footprints and
shift culture so that it’s normal to be carbon neutral. They are a non-profit 501-c-3 organization.
Working with CNI or any other reliable carbon-neutral organization, members can attain carbon
neutrality by cleaning up their carbon trash. By doing so, people make a big difference in the
climate crisis. Becoming carbon neutral allows people to do something positive rather than do
nothing. It also helps us become part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Carbon
neutral is especially important when we consider that Indiana is ranked eighth in carbon dioxide
emissions in the country (World Atlas, US States by Carbon Dioxide Emissions per Capita,
Amber Pariona, 4/25/17).

You may consider contacting CNI or any other reliable carbon-neutral organization for help in
becoming carbon neutral. The former uses a carbon calculator developed by the University of
Califonia, Berkeley. From your responses in a short phone interview, they can calculate your
carbon sequestration (carbon captured) on your property compared with carbon released.

CNI and other carbon-neutral organizations can reduce global warming and climate change by
investing, for example, in preserving existing forests; reforestation; development of more
grasslands and wetlands; improvements in agriculture practices; reduction of methane from
landfills; and more. For example, CNI reported helping in 2020:

- 200+ people measure their carbon footprints
- 160+ households and businesses become carbon neutral
- Clean-up 5,000+ tons of CO2e (annualized), like taking 1,000 cars off the road forever
- Prevent over $1.1 million in social damages.

Therefore, it is in our best interest to become carbon neutral and then be proactive in other ways
to improve air quality. It will help protect Our Mother Earth now and for future generations.

Other ways of helping Our Mother Earth are to consider putting into practice the 10 Ways
Dioceses Care for God’s Creation by Jonathon Braden (1/3/22, Laudato Si’ Movement), and the
52 Ways to Care for Creation by Pedro Jimenez (12/22/21, Laudato Si’ Movement).

## What can we do? Please visit:

- https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/greenhouse-gases
- https://www.carbonneutralindiana.org/
- https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/us-states-by-carbon-dioxide-emissions-per-capita.html
- https://laudatosimovement.org/2022/01/03/10-ways-care-creation-dioceses/
- https://laudatosimovement.org/2021/12/22/52-ways-to-care-for-creation-en-news/

“It is our collective and individual responsibility…to preserve and tend to the world in which we
all live” (Dalai Lama, Nobel Laureate 1989). Pray and thank God for all our blessings, and
become carbon neutral.

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on March 18th, 2022.


Carbon Neutrality


<sub>Biden signs executive actions in the Oval Office of the White House on Jan. 28.</sub>
<br/>
<sub>Credit: Pool/Getty Images</sub>

Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Author’s note:** _This worldwide website encourages, inspires, and informs citizens to act now, and to practice
ecological principles in our journey “On Care for Our Common Home.”_

**Introduction**

Do you know that as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic climate agenda, the American Civilian
Climate Corps (CCC) was established on September 20, 2023, where more than 20,000 Americans will
conserve and restore our land, air and water, and make our communities more climate resilient? It is a
workforce to help young people gain access to training necessary for good-paying careers in clean energy and in
the climate field. [It’s mission is to engage young people and veterans in activities to help and make better the
health, diversity, and productivity of our public lands.](https://www.blm.gov/careers/students-and-grads/civilian-climate-corps)

The CCC will also address and promote clean energy, implement energy efficient technologies, and advance
environmental justice. [All of these benefits will create high-quality, good-paying clean energy and climate
resilience jobs in the public and private sectors after participants complete their paid training program.](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/21/what-they-are-saying-biden-harris-administration-launches-american-climate-corps/)

In addition, this program will provide employment and education for people ages 16-30 (and returning veterans
up to the age of 35) in natural and cultural resource conservation, professional development, and scientific
studies by using the Public Land Corps Act (PLCA) of 1993. [It will also attract and recruit entry-level
employees to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) within two years of completing their 640 hours of
creditable service.](https://www.blm.gov/careers/students-and-grads/civilian-climate-corps) Consistent with President Biden’s call for Congress to increase the AmeriCorps living
allowance, [CCC members will receive a compensation package equivalent to $15 an hour, including lodging,
transportation, clothing, a living allowance, health benefits, and much more. No prior education or experience
will be required.](https://americorps.gov/newsroom/press-release/president-biden-launches-american-climate-corps-announces-new-americorps)

To help lift the United States out of the Great Depression in 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established
the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to improve America’s public lands, forests, and parks. Now in 2023, we
have the Civilian Climate Corps so young people can work toward sustaining natural resources in communities
and state and national parks, while enhancing their professional, educational, and personal goals. They will also
build a strong foundation for starting their career, which will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Similarly,
[veterans often find it a pathway to careers](https://ccc.ca.gov/how-to-join/frequently-asked-questions/) in firefighting, transportation departments and in fish and wildlife
departments concurrent with giving opportunities to see beautiful and unique places, create lifelong memories,
and form lasting relationships with fellow Corps members.

**What Can You Do?**

If interested, [there are many credited U.S. youth corps in the United States](https://corpsnetwork.org/find-a-corps) , e.g., [Minnesotta and Iowa.](https://corpsnetwork.org/organizations/conservation-corps-minnesota-iowa/) A youth
corps is a locally based organization whose goal is to help young adults and veterans in meaningful service
projects and in the development of environmental stewardship. Service terms can range from a few months to a
year. During this time, Corps members not only gain significant work experience, but also have access to
mentoring and career counseling among other benefits. It also connects the BLM with youth corps and other
organizations to provide conservation work and training opportunities. [For additional information about “How
to Get Involved” in Youth Engagement Programs or the Civilian Climate Corps, please go to this website.](https://www.blm.gov/careers/students-and-grads/civilian-climate-corps)

<iframe width="800" height="500" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N7C_R0Z8Hkg?si=KuZr7d6gjjU6GBGQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Quote:

> _“The creation of the American Climate Corps will mobilize young people who care so deeply about the future
> of our planet and who are ready to take on the existential threat of climate change. It’s a good start. Let’s go
> forward together”_ <br/> - **Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders**.

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon and ecologist in Evansville, Indiana. He graduated from St. Bonaventure, a
Franciscan University. Sister Maureen Houlihan D.C. is a member of the “Care of Earth” Committee - St.
Louise Province of the Daughters of Charity USA and member of Seton Harvest Farm, a Community Supported
Agriculture Farm that grows all natural produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS.
is an English Language Learner teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family, and teaches at
Joshua Academy Charter School. Michael Cervone, BS. is a web developer and designer who lives in
Evansville, Indiana._


Civilian Climate Corps


**Photo Credit**: ENCARNI PINDADO and BBC

Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. M.S.

Our Planet Earth

**Author’s note**: _This worldwide website encourages, inspires, and informs people to act now, and to have an ecological conversion － so we can all Care for Our Common Home._

## **Introduction**

[The International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC)](https://connect.icmc.net/what-and-who-are-climate-refugees/) said, “Climate refugees also referred to as **climate change refugees** and **climate migrants** are individuals who have been displaced from their homes due to natural disasters and climate change. This includes floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, desertification, droughts, rising sea levels, and more. These events not only affect the safety of individuals, but can also cause food, water, and other long-term resource shortages that push people from their homes”. They also said, the term “climate migrant” is more accurate than climate change refugee because, much like internally [displaced persons](https://connect.icmc.net/icmc-displaced-people/), climate migrants are not recognized as refugees under [international refugee law](https://connect.icmc.net/what-is-the-1951-refugee-convention-and-who-does-it-protect/). This means they do not have the same protections and rights when seeking asylum as people who have fled their home country to escape persecution based on religion, race, nationality, or political opinion.

Nonetheless, climate change is happening throughout the world, and it’s changing weather patterns from earlier years. These changes come from global warming where greenhouse gases absorb heat from the sun in the atmosphere. Looking at but one greenhouse gas called carbon dioxide (CO2); it remains in the atmosphere for hundreds to a thousand years. Our goal is to stop burning fossil fuels that emit CO2 and use renewable forms of energy like solar, wind, geothermal, or hydroelectric. Burning fossil fuels worsens conditions in the atmosphere to become more heated, and thus creating greater climate change effects. Did you know our atmosphere before the Industrial Revolution in the mid-1700’s was 280 ppm (parts per million) or less, and based on the annual report from the [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Global Monitoring Lab](https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-atmospheric-carbon-dioxide), the global average atmospheric CO2 level in 2022 was 417.06 ppm, setting a new record high.

<img src="/images/article-pictures/CO2_emissions_vs_concentrations_1751-2022.png" alt="Chart of CO2 emissions vs concentrations" />

Global warming can change the jet stream which can change ocean currents. All of these cause weather patterns to change from what they were at an earlier time to something much more different today. For instance, some places have heavy rainfall and flooding for extended periods of time, while other areas experience the exact opposite with lack of rainfall and droughts for extended periods of time. If these conditions continue year after year, it forces people to migrate from their homes to other areas to survive. One example is in small island developing states where sea level rise is inundating islands causing people to leave.

## **What Can You Do?**

“[The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees](https://www.unhcr.org/news/press-releases/unhcr-calls-concerted-action-forced-displacement-hits-new-record-2022) calls for concerted actions since forced displacement hit a new record high in 2022 as driven by the Ukraine war; revised estimates for Afghan refugees; and further fighting, especially in Sudan; all pushing the global total to 110 million”. An excellent humanitarian you tube video is “May God bless your journey” where volunteers drop water, food, and messages of strength for migrants. We can make a difference by funding, praying, and supporting equal rights for all God’s children.

<iframe width="900" height="500" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WN1STPmlaN8?start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

According to the [World Bank Report](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2021/09/13/climate-change-could-force-216-million-people-to-migrate-within-their-own-countries-by-2050) released in September 2021, more than 200 million people are likely to migrate over the next three decades because of extreme weather events or from the slow degradation of their environment. Furthermore, negotiators from [COP26](https://insideclimatenews.org/news/02112021/climate-refugees-international-law-cop26) are unlikely to deal with the challenges posed by climate migration, a failure that some experts say shows “a lack of political will”.

Quote:

> “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed” (Mahatma Gandhi).

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon in the Evansville Diocese (Indiana) with 50 years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan University. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities - Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL (English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._


Climate Migrants


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**_Author’s note:_** _This worldwide website encourages, inspires, and informs citizens to act now, and to practice
ecological principles in our journey “On Care for Our Common Home.”_

Introduction

Have you ever been without water or food? Have you ever been homeless? Have you ever had little to no
money? Well, many people have －which makes them vulnerable, anxious, and in dire need of help. Many poor
people even need to migrate to new countries and find new places to live.

[The World Bank](https://www.worldvision.org/sponsorship-news-stories/global-poverty-facts) says there are about 9.2% of the world living on less than $2.15 a day, and in the United
States, 11.6% of the population lived in poverty as of 2021. Last August, in front of a crowd of 500,000 people
gathered in Lisbon, Portugal, [Pope Francis led a chant of &quot;Todos, todos, todos.&quot; &quot;Everyone! Everyone!
Everyone!&quot;](https://www.globalsistersreport.org/columns/todos-todos-todos-it-will-take-all-us?) &quot;There is space for everyone.&quot; Cry of the poor is a social and environmental issue.

“[The poor continue to be conveniently forgotten or ignored](https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/listening-to-the-cry-of-the-poor/) at the high table of world affairs. There exists an
amnesia of the poor on the part of the rich and powerful minority elite who are at the helm of world economy
and politics.” They further purport how we can respond to the groaning of the poor and creation. One response
is for the faithful to marshal spiritual resources, e.g., scripture and social teachings. Hunger, migration, and
climate change are huge respect-for-life issues (Caroline Nellis, per. com.)

St. John Chrysostom said: Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them
of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2446). St. Teresa of
Calcutta is well-known for helping the poor. Mother Teresa, awarded the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize, dedicated her
life to the sick and hungry. [Her simple message was “the poor must know that we love them.”](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1979/teresa/documentary/) Let’s welcome all
children of God as shown in the [Global Sisters Report](https://www.globalsistersreport.org/news/opening-us-mexico-wall-aid-groups-welcome-strangers) where asylum-seekers are welcomed by Good
Samaritans. Humanitarian aid is never a crime.

## What Can You Do?

**Become More Active in the Legislative Process** - Develop a sensitivity to recognizing many people are poor
from how mankind has treated the Earth. A solution is to become more active in regulations like the Federal
Action in 1994 that addressed [Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations](https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-executive-order-12898-federal-actions-address-environmental-justice) as
signed by President William J. Clinton. It was a landmark order that brought environmental protection for all
communities.

**Fund Charitable Organizations** - There are many reputable organizations we can select in helping the poor.
Do what you can to help them live a life of purpose, so they can be citizens of a country that truly believes in its
people, and loves to share each others talents and resources.

**Support Steps for the Poor to Help Others** - The poor have a multitude of abilities that can individually and
collectively help society. Be aware of these assets, and welcome the poor to work towards gaining a place of
value in society. They are your brothers and sisters, and many are simply asking for a path to citizenship and
conveyance of rights like our forefathers were given in the early part of the 20 th century.

<iframe width="800" height="500" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pwe_bd0TUjk?si=RKNuy9ViLgeH8dBU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

**Quote:**

> “To the powerful I ask: Why do you want to preserve a power that will be remembered for its inability to stop
> the climate crisis when it was urgent and necessary.” Pope Francis.

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon and ecologist in the Evansville Diocese. He graduated from St. Bonaventure, a
Franciscan University. Sister Maureen Houlihan D.C. is a member of the “Care of Earth” Committee - St.
Louise Province of the Daughters of Charity USA and member of Seton Harvest Farm, a Community Supported
Agriculture Farm that grows all natural produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS.
is an English Language Learner teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family, and teaches at
Joshua Academy Charter School. Michael Cervone, BS. is a web developer and designer who lives in
Evansville, Indiana._


Cry of the Poor


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:**
_This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’ and his 2021 Platform Goals._

Have you heard about the Louisville, Kentucky, “Green Heart” project －“Do trees make you
healthier?” This 6-year study (the first of its kind) will transform four neighborhoods in South
Louisville with 8,000 trees. Trees, shrubs and other plants will be placed where they can best
soak up lung-damaging pollution (James Bruggers, 10/26/17, Courier Journal). Trees give us
oxygen to breathe; shade; sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; and filter pollutants.

Louisville lost some 54,000 trees annually between 2004 and 2012 to development, storms, pests
and old age; and the tree canopy has dropped to 37 percent, well below other cities in the region.
Since 1996, The American Lung Association has given Louisville a failing grade (Judy
Woodruff, 12/12/19, PBS News Hour). The city is also one of the nation’s fastest-warming urban
heat islands, with parts of the city 10º F hotter than surrounding areas. For a variety of reasons,
there’s also a dramatic longevity difference with trees between east Louisville (13 years higher)
and the west side, with fewer trees. “These conditions were before the emerald ash borer began
wiping out tens of thousands of trees locally and 100 million trees in the Midwest” (James
Bruggers, 10/26/17, Courier Journal).

Aruni Bhatnagar, Ph.D., a medical professor at the University of Louisville, said, “This work
will tell us exactly how to design a neighborhood that supports human health, one that might
provide protection from everything from asthma to heart disease to dementia.” In this study, his
team will compare health for 700 participants from four neighborhoods with and without tree
plantings. One earlier project included trees and shrubbery planted in the front lawn of St.
Margaret Mary Catholic School to act as filters for air pollution from Shelbyville Road. “Levels
of the smallest particulates dropped 60 percent, and there were indications that some students’
immune systems improved,” said, Bhatnagar.

The Nature Conservancy (Green Heart Louisville Project, 8/21/18) gives benefits of urban trees
as:

- filtering up to a third of fine particle pollutants within 300 yards of a tree
- cooling city streets by 2-4⁰ F, and reducing deaths from heat and cutting energy use
- reducing rates of cardiac disease, strokes, and asthma due to improved air quality
- protecting biodiversity, including habitat for migrating birds and pollinators
- reducing obesity levels by increasing physical activity like walking and cycling
- managing stormwater, keeping pollutants out of waterways, and reducing urban flooding
- increasing neighborhood property values
- reducing stress by helping interrupt thought patterns that lead to anxiety and depression

In an independent study, Linda George, Ph.D., found a relationship between the reduction of
nitrogen dioxide and where there was vegetation. “So wherever there seemed to be trees, there
seemed to be less NO2 (Elizabeth Hendrickson, 10/6/14, Vanguard, “Study looks at relationship
between trees and NO2” ).

Even though trees are important, some people are allergic to tree pollen. “Thankfully, only about
100 of more than 50,000 tree species cause allergies” (Pollen Library: Plants that cause allergies
\- Healthline, Michael Kerr, 11/13/18). Therefore, care should be taken in the types of trees we
plant and their locations.

## What can we do?

Attend the Diocese of Evansville’s first Season of Creation Green Mass at 11 a.m. CDT Oct. at
Sts. Mary and John Church in Evansville. Diocesan Vicar General Very Rev. Alex Zenthoefer
will preside.

**Please Visit:**

- https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/ambitious-louisville-study-seeks-to-understand-impact-of-trees-on-our-health
- https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/kentucky/stories-in-kentucky/green-heart-project/
- https://www.courier-journal.com/story/tech/science/environment/2017/10/26/tree-plantings-test-health-benefits-louisville/769628001/
- https://archive.psuvanguard.com/study-looks-at-relationship-between-trees-and-nitrogen-dioxide/

> &quot;Someone&#39;s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.&quot;
> – **Warren Buffett**

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on August 19th, 2022.


Do Trees Make You Healthier?


###### <sub>Gaylord Nelson received the Presidential Freedom Award from President Bill Clinton in 1995.<sub>

Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

_Editor’s note: This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical － “On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’”_

Gaylord Nelson, who founded Earth Day, saw, in the 1960’s, a deteriorating environment and Anti-Vietnam
War protests. Both gave him the idea for a “teach-in” about environmental issues on April 22, 1970, the first
Earth Day. It’s estimated that 20 million people participated in this event, according to “The History of Earth
Day, Adirondack Council.” The first two websites under “What can we do!” give ideas for Earth Day on April
22, 2023.

In addition, we find, in the Vatican’s archives and libraries from 1948 to today, how the Church has embraced
care for creation long before the ecological crisis became part of the global discourse (Theodore Lai and Cecilia
Tortajada, “The Holy See and the Global Environmental Movement,” 7/22/2021). The last seven popes have
voiced their concerns.

In 2015, Pope Francis called for a change in the world’s energy system, saying, “There is an urgent need to
develop policies so that, in the next few years, the emission of carbon dioxide and other highly polluting gases
can be drastically reduced, e.g., substituting for fossil fuels and developing sources of renewable energy”
(Laudato Si’, 26).

In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI asked people to take action to safeguard the climate, saying, “degradation of the
environment is a pressing moral problem that threatens peace and human life itself. We cannot remain
indifferent to what is happening around us, for the deterioration of any one part of the planet affects us all”
(Pope’s peace message focuses on environment, 1/1/2010).
In 1989, Pope John Paul II said, “In our day, there is a growing awareness that world peace is threatened not
only by the arms race, regional conflicts and continued injustices among peoples and nations, but also by a lack
of due respect for nature ….” (No. 1, Pope John Paul II, The Ecological Crisis: A Common Responsibility,
12/8/1989).

In 1971, then-Archbishop Albino Luciani (later Pope John Paul I) suggested dioceses in rich countries tithe 1%
of their income to Vatican charities working in the developing world. This should be given, he said, “not as
alms, but as something that is owed ....” (“Pope John Paul I, an alternative to the ‘celebrity saint’,” Our Faith, J.
Peter Nixon, 8/31/2022).

In 1971, Pope Paul VI, in “Octogesima adveniens,” warned, “we risk destroying nature and then becoming a
victim of its degradation. He refers to pollution, refuse and the absolute destructive capacity of the human race
.…” (Philip Booth, Online Course Unit 8, The environment, Catholic social teaching and public policy, St.
Mary’s University, Twickenham, London).

In 1963, Pope John XXIII supported the use of renewable energy – including solar, wind and geothermal – well
before the rest of the world. (Theodore Lai and Cecilia Tortajada, “The Holy See and the Global Environmental
Movement,” 7/22/2021).

In 1948, Pope Pius XII spoke to delegates from the European nations, and the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations, which led to the formation of the Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council
(Thompson, R. J., 1943, The United Nations Conference on Food and Agriculture. J. R. Stat. Soc. 106,
273–276).

## What can we do! Visit:

- https://www.nrdc.org/stories/5-ways-make-earth-day-really-count?
- https://www.sustainableharvest.org/blog/2022/4/20/shis-thirteen-sustainable-practices?
- https://www.usccb.org/resources/renewing-earth
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcomm.2021.715900/full

> St. Pope John Paul II, for the celebration of the World Day of Peace on Jan. 1, 1990, proclaimed peace with
> God the Creator and peace with all of creation (“The Ecological Crisis: A Common Responsibility,” The
> Vatican, 1/1/1990).

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50 years of
experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan University. Sister Maureen
Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to
the Communities - Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL (English
Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on April 22nd, 2023.


Earth Day and the Catholic Church


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:**
_This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’ and his 2021 Platform Goals._

During a nice day, what do you see in the sky? Maybe a blue sky with drifting white clouds and
sunlight striking (heating) the Earth? It’s so glorious and vast from Earth; but from space, it’s so
very thin. Do you know it’s our atmosphere that contains oxygen for us to breathe, and it is our
security blanket protecting us from ultraviolet rays? If we had no atmosphere, there would be no
life. The atmosphere even allows us to hear.

We watched the Oct. 13, 2021, launch of Blue Origin. During this 11-minute trip to outer space
and back, we heard 90-year-old William Shatner say, “This comforter of blue that we have
around us. We think, Oh, that’s blue sky. And then suddenly, you shoot through it; and all of a
sudden, you’re looking into blackness.” The experience of going from our Mother Earth and
light to darkness (space), and then back to light and our living planet, overwhelmed Shatner.

Similarly, Astronaut Joan Higginbotham saw a thin blue line on the horizon – our atmosphere
–while orbiting the Earth one morning the Space Shuttle Discovery during a December 2006
mission. She thought, “Is this the only thing that is keeping everything on Earth from
extinction?” She added, “We need to take care of it;” and from her experience, she had a greater
appreciation for humanity and our planet, and believed it made her a gentler, kinder person.

Our atmosphere contains 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% carbon dioxide and trace gases.
It’s about 62 miles to space (above the Karman line) with 80% of our atmosphere contained in its
lowest level, the troposphere, which averages 7.5 miles thick (Alan Buis, 10/2/19, The
Atmosphere: Earth’s Security Blanket, NASA Jet Propulsion Lab).

Kevin Bowman of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab said, “The chemistry of Earth’s atmosphere is
remarkably stable, providing a relatively safe place for animals and plants to thrive. One key to
this stability is the hydroxyl radical (OH), a chemical that plays a central role in the ability of
Earth’s atmosphere to cleanse itself of pollutants. Still, scientists want to know how climate
change affects OH’s stability.”

Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), a heat-absorbing molecule in the atmosphere, acts differently. It is long-
lived. “It persists in the atmosphere 300-1,000 years with half of the increase in CO 2
concentrations in the last 300 years happening since 1980, and one quarter of it since 2000. The
concentration of CO 2 in the Earth’s atmosphere is now at nearly 412 parts per million, and rising.
This represents a 47% increase since the beginning of the Industrial Age. Atmospheric CO 2 is the
principal human-produced driver of climate change” (Buis, Alan, October 9, 2019, The
Atmosphere: Getting a Handle on CO 2 , NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab).

Monitoring atmospheric content comes from orbiting satellites like the Atmospheric Infrared
Sounder instrument on NASA’s Aqua satellite. It can even recognize carbon monoxide levels
from fires burning in the Amazon basin and Africa (Alan Buis, October 30, 2019, The
Atmosphere: Keeping a Weather Eye on Earth’s Climate Instabilities, NASA’s Jet Propulsion
Lab).

## What can we do? Please Visit:

- https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2914/the-atmosphere-earths-security-blanket/
- https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2915/the-atmosphere-getting-a-handle-on-carbon-dioxide/
- https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2918/the-atmosphere-keeping-a-weather-eye-on-earths-climate-instabilities/

Our atmosphere is a gift from God, and we have no Planet B. Live simply so others may simply
live (Mother Theresa). Earth is what we all have in common (Wendell Berry). Pray for peace in
Ukraine.

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on April 15th, 2022.


Earth’s Atmosphere


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:**
_This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’ and his 2021 Platform Goals._

In previous articles, we’ve highlighted Pope Francis’ efforts in “Laudato Si’” and discussed
many ecological principles. But there’s more, such as melting of the Earth’s permafrost; melting
of glaciers and icebergs; and a reduction in albedo (reflectivity of the sun’s rays) by snow
covered areas in the world.

“Fossil fuel emissions from human activities are driving up the Earth’s temperature, and nature is
responding by raising temperatures even higher” reports Climate Emergency-Feedback Loops
(Moving Still Productions, Inc., 2021). They say, “We need to reduce fossil fuel emissions, re-
green the Earth, and stop deforestation” so that we can offset global warming and climate
change. Sanctuaries in Southern Indiana: A Faith-based View of Sycamore’s Work by Rabbi
Brian Besser (The Twig, Winter-Spring 2021, pages 14-16) is another reference that gives even
more reasons for preservation, conservation and restoration measures.

The melting of permafrost is a significant issue. Permafrost takes up about one quarter of the
northern hemisphere, and has much carbon in its soil. It’s normally frozen, and melts and
refreezes for short periods of time. But with global warming, it melts earlier and freezes later
allowing microbes in the soil to digest the carbon that produces carbon dioxide and methane.
These greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere at alarming rates today.

The reduction of albedo is another important issue. The poles can reflect significant amounts of
the sun’s rays and act as natural mirrors. But with melting of the poles, glaciers and icebergs, we
have more water that absorbs heat; and more greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere that
contribute to sea-level rise. In some ocean basins, sea levels have risen 6-8 inches since the start
of the satellite record in 1993 (Rebecca Lindsey, NOAA Climate.gov, January 25, 2021). With
sea levels rising, what will happen to people living along the coast?

Our atmosphere has too many greenhouse gases, and we need to reduce them by not burning
fossil fuels. With these gases is water vapor. Clouds may cool the Earth’s surface by reflection,
or they may heat the Earth’s surface by trapping heat. When we emit fossil fuel gases, the
atmospheric temperature rises, oceans warm, water vapor increases from evaporation, all of
which trap more heat in the atmosphere. This scenario drives hurricanes, which have been
predicted to increase in number and severity.

Also, “greenhouse gases are increasingly disrupting the jet stream, a powerful river of winds that
steers weather systems in the Northern Hemisphere that cause more frequent summer droughts,
floods and wildfires” (Inside Climate News, Bob Berwyn, 10/31/2018). Regions normally wet
will have more flooding, and regions usually dry will show more droughts. Melting of Greenland
and polar caps is affecting the Gulf Stream too (Tim Radford, Concern as Climate Impacts on
Gulf Stream Flow, Our World – Brought to you by United Nations University, 4/2/2015).

In summary, we need to reduce fossil-fuel emissions, re-green the Earth, stop deforestation and
stop all losses to green ecosystems throughout the world. We need to return Earth back to nearly
how our Lord created it, and in this way we will be “good and faithful servants.” As the United
Nations Secretary-General (Antonio Guterrres) said on 8/9/2021, “There is no time for delay,
and no room for excuses.”

## What can we do?

- Visit: http://feedbackloopsclimate.com
- Visit: https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-global-sea-level
- Visit: https://ourworld.unu.edu/en/concern-as-climate-impacts-on-gulf-stream-flow
- Visit: https://www.un.org/climatechange?gclid=Cj0KCQjwvO2IBhCzARIsALw3ASqg0BLhgI4-lGP6kDwQfjccygprMykfHYtAcsD6GxbeCfAwDusTyvEaAjwGEALw_wcB

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on September 17th, 2021.


Global Warming and Climate Change


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:**
_This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’ and his 2021 Platform Goals._

“On Sept. 5, 2021, more than 200 medical journals released an unprecedented joint editorial that
urged world leaders to act. The science is unequivocal, they write. A global increase of 1.5⁰ C
above the pre-industrial average and the continued loss of biodiversity risk catastrophic harm to
health” (Amy McKeever, National Geographic, 9/9/21).

McKeever continues: “People around the world are witnessing firsthand how climate change can
wreak havoc on the planet. Steadily rising average temperatures fuel increasingly intense
wildfires, hurricanes, and other disasters that are now impossible to ignore. And while the world
has been plunged into a deadly pandemic, scientists are sounding the alarm once more that
climate change is still the greatest threat to human health.”

Even the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said, on Sept. 23, 2021: “Many of the
changes observed in the climate are unprecedented and some of the changes already set in
motion—such as continued sea level rise—are irreversible over hundreds to thousands of years.”

To help, the Diocese of Evansville published, in the last year, monthly installments of the “Our
Mother Earth” column in The Message (https://evdiomessage.org/our-mother-earth/). Titles are:

- A year of jubilee
- A team effort of love
- Pollution, waste and a throwaway culture
- Water quality wisdom and our commitment for a greener and healthier world
- The importance of biodiversity
- The value of forests and trees
- Pope Francis calls us to action on ecological issues
- Wetlands, clean air and water, save soil
- Healthy soils reduce flooding, global warming and run-off
- Grasslands, pollinators and our health
- Global warming and climate change
- Species of greatest conservation need

These articles compliment the “Vatican’s peace and justice office inviting Catholic communities
across the world to join a grassroots movement…toward a ‘total sustainability’ in the coming
decade, a path that would include carbon neutrality, simpler lifestyles and divestment in fossil
fuels.” Also and within “Laudato Si’,” the dicastery outlined a multi-year “Laudato Si&#39;” Action
Platform that asks families, dioceses, businesses, farmers, hospitals, schools and others to
commit to a seven-year journey toward ecological conversion.

Some others embracing “Laudato Si’” are the Archdiocese of Washington, and the Archdiocese
of Indianapolis (https://ourcommonhome.org/). Both suggest ways that individuals, families,
schools, and dioceses can help.

There is no wrong way to address Pope Francis’ seven goals. However if we ignore doing
anything about them, the planet is at risk. Conversely, if we do what Pope Francis encourages,
we can learn, start and follow through with an Action Plan (e.g., the Climate Action Plan for
Evansville) that can save our common home. But we need everyone to join the “Noah’s Ark” of
caring and loving our brothers and sisters, and all plants, animals and ecosystems.

## What can we do?

- Visit: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/why-climate-change-is-still-the-greatest-threat-to-human-health
- Visit:  https://adw.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/21Booklet-Laudato-Si-Action-Plan-ENG-FINAL-electronic.pdf
- Visit: https://www.ipcc.ch/2021/08/09/ar6-wg1-20210809-pr/
- Visit: https://www.evansvillegov.org/egov/apps/document/center.egov?view=item;id=7244

Also, pray for progress in World Climate Summits like the recent World Leaders Summit
(COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, which concluded Nov. 12. It attracted 197 parties to the UN
Framework Convention on Climate Change. Tomás Insua, founding Global Coordinator of the
“Laudato Si’” movement, said, on Nov. 2, “Over 100,000 signatures of the Healthy Planet,
Healthy People petition, supported by over 400 Catholic organizations, were presented during
COP26.”

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on November 19th, 2021.


Good News About Pope Francis’ ‘Laudato Si’’


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:**
_This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’ and his 2021 Platform Goals._

Grasslands go by different names. In the U.S. Midwest, they’re called prairies; in South
America, pampas; in Central Eurasia, steppes; and in Africa, savannas. What they all have in
common are perennial, bunch grasses (little bluestem, big bluestem, Indiangrass) and
wildflowers (milkweed, coneflowers, sunflowers).

Prescribed fires conducted by authorized and trained personnel are essential to maintaining
prairies and killing tree saplings before they produce seeds. Fires also clear out ground litter so
sunlight can reach prairie plants, with roots of some prairie plants extending 10 feet or more into
the soil keeping plants protected from fires. One excellent example of a prairie is Kankakee
Sands (Visit - Efroymson Restoration at Kankakee Sands, 2021, The Nature Conservancy)
including its grazing American bison.

About one quarter of Earth’s land is covered with grasslands. Many of these grasslands have
been converted to farmland because their rich black soils (with soil carbon) and other nutrients
are great for growing crops. For this reason, the Indiana State Wildlife Action Plan identified
grassland habitat loss as the largest habitat decline in the state.

Grasslands are important because they absorb water; recharge groundwater; reduce flooding and
run-off into streams; keep watersheds free of pollutants; and serve as habitat for many animals.
Many of our most vulnerable species live in grasslands. Examples are bobwhite quail, Henslow’s
sparrow, loggerhead shrike and ring-necked pheasant. Some species no longer exist in Indiana,
like the greater prairie chicken. Its last sighting in Indiana was 1972 (Greater Prairie Chicken,
Tippecanoe Audubon, posted June 21, 2012).

There is hope with Indiana DNR’s plan to establish more acres of new grasslands, which will
benefit threatened and endangered species and pollinators. Pollinators are any animals (bees,
wasps, moths, butterflies, beetles, birds and mammals) that help carry pollen to the female part
of the same or another flower.

Did you know grasslands are globally important, because they are natural carbon sinks? These
ecosystems capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and act like forests, oceans and
wetlands, capturing and storing this heat-absorbing molecule. “A study from the University of
California, Davis, found grasslands are more resilient carbon sinks than forests” (Kat Kerline ,
July 9, 2018). Also ― did you know about 15% of Indiana was once grassland with less than
1,000 acres left today (Our Land, Our Literature: Environment – Tall Grass Prairies)?

Indiana DNR is making a difference though in more grasslands with its 2015 Grasslands for
Gamebirds and Songbirds (GGS) Initiative. Its goals are to:

- develop and improve grasslands and pollinator habitats
- improve soil health and water quality
- promote species diversity
- grow outdoor recreation opportunities
- enrich human health
- increase funding to local economies
- preserve cultural heritage

By preserving and developing more grasslands, we improve air and water quality, and protect
soils, plants and animals. Through many years of conversion into farmland, grasslands have
decreased in size and number causing a loss of vulnerable species like the Monarch butterfly,
rusty patched bumblebee, grasshopper sparrow and many others. Fortunately, the Indiana DNR
manages and restores grasslands for birds and other species on public land and private land.

## What can we do?

- Visit: on.IN.gov/Grasslands
- Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk2ven6z1rc
- Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVA4hhDEvSQ
- Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6Gn_UnzpjU
- Consider donating to GGS by contacting Emily Jacob, ejacob@dnr.in.gov or 812-699-0264.
- Support grasslands. It is said by Brianne Lowe, State Biologist (NRCS) that generally “one
  out of every three bites of food we take is thanks to a pollinator.” Planting grasslands
  increases pollinators!

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on August 20th, 2021.


Grasslands, Pollinators, and Our Health


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:**
_This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’ and his 2021 Platform Goals._

Did you know that, through years of soil degradation, nitrogen, phosphorus and sediments have
run off into rivers that enter the Mississippi River creating a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico the
size of New Jersey (The Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone - SERC – Carleton, 10/15/2019)?

Did you know that 1% of organic matter in the top six inches of soil can hold approximately
27,000 gallons of water/acre (USDA/NRCS, Soil Health Key Points, February 2013)? Did you
know healthy soils are living ecosystems and a key to long-term agricultural production?

Healthy soils act as “sponges,” and having cover crops throughout the year help absorb more
water; reduce chemical and sediment run-off; reduce flooding; and reduce air temperatures by
removing atmospheric carbon dioxide, a heat-absorbing molecule, and storing it in the ground.
Healthy soils can be a great sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Through photosynthesis, soils are given nutrients. With healthy soils, their bacteria, fungi,
earthworms, minerals, organic matter, water and air interact in a way that sustains life. Joe
Schalasky at Seton Harvest Farm says, “Soil is a living, breathing organism. It breathes in and
out on a daily basis like we do, but at a slower rate.”

Through photosynthesis, cover crops and no-till farming, we can replenish nutrients in the soil
and bring back our agricultural heroes: earthworms! Earthworms do so much for mixing and
aerating the soil. And guess what? They don’t ask for anything except a home!

Indiana has about two-thirds of its land in farmland. It’s ranked 10th nationally in total
agricultural production, in the top five for crop production, fifth for swine and third for poultry
(Indiana Agriculture, Farm Flavor, 2021). Traditionally, Indiana farmland has been tilled.

But no-till farming provides for healthy soils because it has roots in the ground throughout the
year that help hold water and nutrients for crops to grow. Cover crops with no-till farming
increase soil organic carbon, which can reduce atmospheric temperatures and flooding. Former
black prairie soils had high carbon levels, and showed a high crop productivity.

Ray McCormick, Conservationist of the Year (IDNR, 1988) and farmer of 2,000 acres in Knox
County, has used cover crops and no-till farming since the 1980’s. He’s passionate about
conservation and farming, and says, “If you love the land, you’ll take care of it.” Similarly, in
Episode 1104 of “Growing a Greener World, former NFL football player Jason Brown presents a
life of service in providing “first fruits” for all people.

This giving mentality carries on at Seton Harvest Farm, which is an excellent example of a
community-supported farm sponsored by the Daughters of Charity. This Certified Naturally
Grown farm uses the land in an environmentally conscious way by sharing locally grown food

with shareholders, and persons who are financially poor and hungry. A portion of each week’s
harvest goes directly to nearly a dozen different charities. Since 2006, Seton Harvest has
harvested 590,577 pounds and donated 133,428 pounds of fresh, naturally grown produce (e.g.,
strawberries, carrots, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, cabbage, eggplant, radishes and more).

## What can we do?

- Visit: https://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/stories/environment/farming-for-a-future-of-healthy-soil-clean-water
- Visit: https://serc.carleton.edu/microbelife/topics/deadzone/index.html
- Visit: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1082147.pdf
- Visit: http://wordpress.iaswcd.org/
- Visit: https://www.setonharvest.org/

Let’s follow the example of Joe Schalasky, Ray McCormick, Jason Brown, USDA/NRCS,
IASWCD and Seton Harvest Farm in managing healthy soils, and producing healthier produce
within a healthier and greener world!

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on July 30th, 2021.


Healthy Soils Reduce Flooding, Global Warming and Run-off


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. M.S.

Our Planet Earth

**_Author’s note_**: _This worldwide website encourages, inspires, and informs citizens to act now, and to practice
ecological principles in our journey On Care for Our Common Home._

# Introduction

Did you know future droughts in the world may even surpass the [Sahel disaster](https://www2.cgd.ucar.edu/cas/adai/news/Dai_Drought_MSNBC.htm)? Droughts in the African
countries of the Sahel caused massive losses of agricultural production and livestock, loss of human lives to
hunger, malnutrition and disease, huge displacements of people, and shattered economies. According to the
[USA for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees](https://www.unrefugees.org/emergencies/sahel-crisis), more than 4.2 million people have been displaced
across the region; 3.7 million people have been internally displaced; and more than 10 million children are in
need of humanitarian assistance. [Climate change](https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/december-2013/sahel-one-region-many-crises) could bring about even more consequences.

Droughts are not only in other countries, but [crops in the Midwest](https://kansasreflector.com/2023/06/28/drought-hits-the-midwest-threatening-crops-and-the-worlds-food-supply/) have been affected as well as the world’s
food supply, and some have even found a
[strong correlation between times of drought and the major collapse of the Maya civilization](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-11/7%20Drought%20and%20the%20Ancient%20Maya%20Civilization%20-%20FINAL%20OCT%202021.pdf). Other factors that contributed to the Mayan collapse may be overpopulation,
deforestation, soil erosion, and disease. The [Current Indiana Drought Map](https://www.drought.gov/states/indiana#historical-conditions) shows 14.4% abnormally dry and
62.5% moderate drought.

On May 1, 2023 on I-55 in Illinois, 8 people died and over 30 people injured by a dust storm causing a pile-up
of 72-vehicles. The Illinois State Police said, “excessive winds blowing dirt from farm fields across the highway
led to zero visibility.” [News reports noted dust storms](https://blog.ucsusa.org/karen-perry-stillerman/illinois-dust-storm-disaster-is-a-warning-for-agriculture/) are rare in Illinois, but drier, hotter conditions in many
farming communities could make such events more frequent and deadly.

In the 1930’s, we had the drought-stricken Dust Bowl. [It killed around 7,000 people and left 2 million homeless](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dust-bowl-heat-wave-climate-change-twice-as-likely-study-says/).
The heat, drought and dust storms had a cascade effect too on the U.S. agriculture. Wheat production fell by
36% and maize production  plummeted by 48%.

# What Can You Do?

**Reduce loss of soil** - “ [Soil is a living thing](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/Montana-Soil-Is-Alive.pdf). It is very slowly moving, changing and growing all the time. Just
like other living things, soil breathes and needs air and water to stay alive. Healthy, living soil provides all of us
with our everyday needs.” Many animals, fungi, bacteria, and plants live in the soil and help control erosion and
decomposition. No-till farming reduces erosion and helps maintain important groundwater levels.

**Plant cover crops** - Agricultural fields must have cover crops throughout the year with roots in the ground.
“ [Planting cover crops provides multiple benefits](https://www.usda.gov/peoples-garden/soil-health/cover-crops-crop-rotation#:) such as controlling erosion, suppressing weeds, reducing soil compaction, increasing moisture and nutrient content of soil, improving yield potential, attracting pollinators, and providing habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife, and food to animals.” Elsewhere, we should preserve, restore, and create more wetlands, forests, and grasslands.

**Plant filter strips along waterways** - Filter strips along ditches and streams in proximity to farmlands help
greatly in controlling erosion and keeping chemicals and sediments from entering waterways.
A [two-stage ditch helps keep water clear and limits the input of farm chemicals](https://www.indianawatershedinitiative.com/uploads/8/0/9/5/80953414/davis_et_al_2015.pdf). Such ditches have benches that are [planted with grasses that significantly absorb or reduce phosphorus concentrations and reduce turbidity](https://www.indianawatershedinitiative.com/uploads/8/0/9/5/80953414/mahl_et_al_2015.pdf). Nitrogen removal was also increased especially when benches were flooded. These two-stage ditches act similar to
a constructed wetland for wastewater treatment.

<iframe width="800" height="500" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jyYIqR5jCls?si=CVo--V62cKfPgxfU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Quote:

> “Essentially, all life depends upon the soil… There can be no life without soil and no soil without life; they
> have evolved together.” - Dr. Charles E. Kellogg, Soil Scientist and Chief of the USDA’s Bureau for Chemistry
> and Soils

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon in the Evansville Diocese (Indiana) with 50 years of experience in ecology. He
graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan University. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a
support sister on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural produce for
shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL (English Language
Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._


How do droughts affect people?


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. M.S.

Our Planet Earth

**_Author’s note_**: _This worldwide website encourages, inspires, and informs citizens to act now, and to practice
ecological principles in our journey On Care for Our Common Home._

## <u>Introduction</u>

Did you know [July 2023 was hotter than any other month on record](https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-clocks-july-2023-as-hottest-month-on-record-ever-since-1880) as felt by billions around the world?
Throughout the country, Americans are now experiencing firsthand, the effects of climate change. To address
this issue, the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden on August 16, 2022. The
National Aeronautics and Space Administrator Bill Nelson says, “The science is clear. We must act now to
protect our communities and planet; it’s the only one we have.”

Scientists have warned us for decades about global warming and climate change. “A recent report from the
United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [underscored the need for international action](https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-cycle/) to
avoid increasingly severe climate impacts in the years to come. Steps outlined in the report, and by climate
experts, include major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from sectors such as energy production and
transportation.” How Americans feel about climate change, and what steps they think the United States should
take may be found at the [Pew Research Center](https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/08/09/what-the-data-says-about-americans-views-of-climate-change/). With a  [majority of people](https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2022/08/31/climate-change-remains-top-global-threat-across-19-country-survey/)  aware of the calamitous threats posed
by climate change, Cardinal Michael Czerny at Gonzaga University said, “the real problem now is not
convincing people that it&#39;s happening, but rather indifference and despair in the face of that reality.”

Knowing our actions affect ourselves, families, and many generations to come, it’s our duty to prevent getting
to a “tipping” point of no return as said by the [Dalai Lama](https://xrpdx.org/tipping-points-and-greta-and-the-dalai-lama-oh-my/). At this time, our only living smart option is to live in
a way that maximizes our returns.

## <u>What Can You Do?</u>

**Reduce Greenhouse Gases escaping into the Atmosphere** - Methods include: transforming our energy needs
from non-renewable to renewable; slowly reduce the number of miles we travel in cars, trucks, planes, or trains;
rethink use of electric and hybrid vehicles; vacation near home; use less electricity; go carbon neutral; wake up
earlier, and go to bed earlier; take opportunities to see local friends and neighbors, and by phone or computer,
call distant friends and family; and turn our properties into park like and green havens.

**Water Use** - As we grow in population, our water consumption will increase and groundwater availability will
decrease. Thus, it is most important that we reduce impervious surfaces and increase soft green surfaces for
water absorption, percolation, and raise groundwater levels and their quality. We need also to increase no-till
farming and use of cover crops year round, since we can not afford to waste water through run-off that increases
soil erosion, and chemical contamination in streams, rivers and oceans.
[Be concerned about soil health, and capturing rainwater for other uses](https://www.epa.gov/soakuptherain/what-you-can-do-soak-rain).

**Live a Simpler Life with Fewer Needs** - We have Our Planet Earth to nurture us. Treat the Earth respectfully,
and be active outside during the day when it is cooler. At your home, maybe use a basement in summer and
upstairs in winter. In addition, insulate walls and attic; use curtains and blinds, and [shade your property](https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention/sun-protection/preventing-skin-cancer/shade/) well
with trees to keep cool in summer, and warm in winter. Also, consider using energy-efficient windows and take
advantage of the aspect of your home, where generally the south-facing side is hotter than north-facing, and
west-facing is warmer than east-facing. Living smart is very important.

<iframe width="800" height="500" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0k2-SzlDGko?si=vg36II19V9e8bL1r" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

> Quote:
> “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning” <br/>
> -Albert Einstein.

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon in the Evansville Diocese (Indiana) with 50 years of experience in ecology. He
graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan University. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a
support sister on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural produce for
shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL (English Language
Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._


Living Smart


Image Credit to: [Vatican News](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-05/laudato-si-inspires-new-communication-project.html)

Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**_Author’s note:_** _This worldwide website encourages, inspires, and informs citizens to act now, and to practice
ecological principles in our journey “On Care for Our Common Home.”_

**Introduction**

Did you know that you can register in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform (LSAP) and announce your proposed
action(s) to help our planet earth? This is a pro-active, and very much needed response that follows the seven
goals of Pope Francis for his assigned **seven commitment groups.** They are:

- Families
- Dioceses
- Schools
- Universities/colleges
- Hospitals/health care centers
- Businesses/farms
- Religious orders/provinces

For more information on registration, please go to info@laudatosiactionplatform.org where you’ll find help
from a staff member. The Director of LSAP is John Mundell, P.E., L.P.G. located in Indianapolis, Indiana.

# **GENERAL STEPS IN THE REGISTRATION PROCESS**

**Step #1: Sign-up.** A commitment group (one of the above) contacts LSAP and signs up. It’s free and easy!
<br/>
**Step #2: Write a Short Reflection.** The commitment group writes a short reflection that commits to the LSAP.
If you have a mission statement, that may help generate thoughts for your reflection.
<br/>
**Step #3: Write an Action Plan.** Talking with others in the commitment group, an Action Plan is created that
announces your intention to follow the seven platform goals of Pope Francis. The Plan can be simple or more
complex depending upon the wishes of the commitment group. It simply needs to be something that is doable.
<br/>
**Step #4: Implementation.** The last step is implementing the Action Plan, and at the end of each year, telling
the LSAP how the commitment went from this year, and then plan for the next platform goal the following year.

The **seven platform goals** are:

- Respond to the Cry of the Earth
- Respond to the Cry of the Poor
- Foster Ecological Economics
- Adopt a Sustainable Lifestyle
- Offer Ecological Education
- Develop Ecological Spirituality
- Community Engagement and Participatory Action.

## **What Can You Do?**

**Pray for Achieving Your Action** - Each commitment group should think of reasonable ways they may address
“each year” one of the Laudato Si’ goals. Then the next year, another goal. Slow but sure, improvements will be
forthcoming.
<br/>
**Complete Actions that are Meaningful** - In your efforts in registering, complete things that your commitment
group feels are meaningful and will have a positive impact and give a good start in promoting and involving
others in registering too.
<br/>
**Convey your Commitment Group’s Involvement in LSAP** - It is important that you motivate others by your
example and gain momentum for more people to implement improvements to help our planet earth. As we all
get more people involved, more helpful actions will occur that make our planet a better place.
<br/>
**Talk to Leaders in Government and Other Commitment Groups** - Through word of mouth, tell others what
you are doing, and tell them they can register too. With them on board, even more improvements will happen.
Registration is open to all children of God.

<iframe width="800" height="500" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qPrasrX5P20?si=yXujbWths_3MMflQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Quote: Scott Russell Sanders, Professor Emeritus in English from Indiana University (Bloomington) wrote a
brilliant [article in the Notre Dame Magazine](https://magazine.nd.edu/stories/mending-the-riven-planet/) . One paragraph from the above article is: “No amount of human effort can undo all the damage. We can’t mend every broken strand in the web of life. But we can mend some.
We can stitch up tears in our local lands and waters, in our neighborhoods and communities, trusting that people
elsewhere, everywhere, will do the same in their own home regions.”

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon and ecologist in the Evansville Diocese. He graduated from St. Bonaventure, a
Franciscan University. Sister Maureen Houlihan D.C. is a member of the “Care of Earth” Committee - St.
Louise Province of the Daughters of Charity USA and member of Seton Harvest Farm, a Community Supported
Agriculture Farm that grows all natural produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS.
is an English Language Learner teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family, and teaches at
Joshua Academy Charter School. Michael Cervone, BS. is a web developer and designer who lives in
Evansville, Indiana._


New Year Resolution: Register in Laudato Si’ Action Platform, a Global Community


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:**
_This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’ and his 2021 Platform Goals._

Did you know the that U.S. Department of the Interior protects coastlines for the Atlantic and
Pacific Oceans, Gulf of Mexico, and our five Great Lakes? Lake Michigan touches 45 miles of
Indiana coastline, including Indiana Dunes National Park. It was authorized by Congress in 1966
as the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, and re-designated as the nation&#39;s 61st National Park
Feb 15, 2019. Oceans, coastlines and the Great Lakes need protection because they are God’s
gifts for our enjoyment and survival, and they affect people throughout the world.

Oceans make up 71% of the Earth. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says
that our oceans provide vast benefits, including:

- Oxygen - over half of world’s production
- CO 2 storage – stores 50X more than the atmosphere
- Climate regulation – transports heat from the equator to poles regulating climate and weather patterns
- Transportation – involves 76% of all U.S. trade
- Food – great variety
- Recreation – provides fishing, boating and tourism
- Economy – $282 billion in U.S. goods and service with businesses employing almost 3 million people
- Medicines – provide many medicinal products including ingredients that fight cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.

In addition, coastlines are important because they bring fresh and saltwater together in close
proximity to dry land, creating a diverse range of nutrients for marine and land life. Many animals
and plants live along coastlines, with one especially important ecosystem being coral reefs. MIT
Science Policy Review (Rivera, Chan, and Luu, 8/20/20) reports, “Coral reefs provide
ecosystem services worth $11 trillion annually by protecting coasts, sustaining fisheries,
generating tourism and creating jobs across the tropics. However, ocean warming is
widespread and a threat to coral reefs globally. International climate agreements that aim to
continually reduce carbon emissions are our best hopes for the survival of reefs.”

The 2017 Netflix film “Chasing Corals” reported that 50% of coral reefs in the world, and
80-90% of coral reefs in Florida, have been lost. It shows coral reefs dying from high
ocean water temperatures, similar to what happens when humans have a life-threatening
fever. “ A Plastic Ocean” (Netflix, 2016) is another powerful movie on how the ocean and
coastlines are being adversely affected by plastic. Please visit: Five Simple Changes to
Move You Closer to a Plastic-Free Home (Earth 911, M. Somerville, 3/8/19) for reducing
plastic use.

The Great Lakes also are very important natural resources. “They are the world’s largest surface
freshwater ecosystem and contain 20 percent of all surface freshwater on the planet. More than
35 million people in eight states and Canada depend on the Great Lakes for drinking water. The
Great Lakes watershed provides habitat for wildlife – with millions of migratory birds passing
through in the spring and fall ― and they are home to many fish. In spite of their majesty, the
Great Lakes are fragile and face serious threats from invasive species, toxins, water diversion,
wetland destruction, sewage overflows and climate change.” (National Wildlife Federation).
National Geographic published “North America’s Most Valuable Resource Is at Risk” (Tim
Folger, 11/17/20), in which he emphasized the importance of diatoms (single-celled algae having
a cell wall of silica) in the Great Lakes that produce atmospheric oxygen.

## What can we do? Please visit:

- https://aambpublicoceanservice.blob.core.windows.net/oceanserviceprod/news/june14/our-ocean.pdf
- https://sciencepolicyreview.org/2020/08/coral-reefs-are-critical-for-our-food-supply-tourism-and-ocean-health-we-can-protect-them-from-climate-change/
- www.chasingcoral.com
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju_2NuK5O-E
- https://www.nwf.org/Our-Work/Waters/Great-Waters-Restoration/Great-Lakes

Healthy oceans, coastlines and freshwater lakes make for a healthy planet. Let’s protect all
people, animals and plants in perpetuity!

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on February 18th, 2022.


Oceans, Coastlines and the Great Lakes


_Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. M.S.
Our Planet Earth_

**Editor’s note:** _This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical－ On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’_

Did you know that nearly 85% of wildfires in the United States are caused by humans (2000-2017 data based on
Wildland Fire Management Information, and U.S. Forest Service Research Data Archive), while others by
lightning? Human-caused fires result from campfires left unattended, burning of debris, equipment use and
malfunctions, negligently discarded cigarettes and intentional acts of arson (National Park Service, Wildfire
Causes and Evaluations). Smokey Bear’s fire prevention message today is, “Only you can prevent wildfires.”
Personal responsibilities:

- Check weather and drought conditions before lighting a fire
- Use extreme caution in lighting a fire in nature and be sure to douse it when you are done
- Know and follow local regulations regarding fire (burn bans, using fire rings, fireworks regulations)
- Know that prescribed (controlled) burns are set by authorized fire experts for natural ecosystems
- Maintain your vehicle and keep it out of dry grass
- Maintain tires, bearings, and axles on pull-behind trailers

As of Dec. 1, 2022, the United States had experienced 61,390 wildfires impacting 7,251,835 acres (Fire
Weather and Avalanche Center, Fire Map). On this fire map, Indiana showed no wildfires at that time; but the
Geographic Area Large Incident Report showed the Morgan Cave wildfire, started 10/19/22, burned 900 acres
at Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Indiana.

Wildfires kill people, animals and plants; destroy structures and towns; and create harmful smoke. Mudslides
and flooding may occur after wildfires because there is little ground cover to absorb rainwater. Colorado
Department of Transportation records show that agency crews have closed I-70 25 times due to mudslides since a
2020 fire (The Denver Post, Bruce Finley, 8/22/22). Biodiversity also can be affected by wildfires. The 2019-
2020 bush fires in Australia destroyed an area roughly the size of the United Kingdom with nearly 3 billion
animals killed or harmed (TheLetterFilm, released in the U.S. on 6/9/20).

Wildfires are becoming stronger and occurring more often. Recent years have seen record-breaking wildfire
seasons across the world (United Nation environment programme, 2/23/22, Spreading like Wildfire: The Rising
Threat of Extraordinary Landscape Fires ). They report climate and land-use changes are making wildfires worse
and anticipate a global increase of extreme fires even in areas previously unaffected.

With global temperatures and droughts on the rise, the need to reduce wildfire risk is especially important.
Experts recommend rethinking the approach to extreme wildfires by calling for a new “Fire Ready Formula”
that recognizes the importance of ecosystem restoration and utilizing prescribed burning to purposely set fire to
an area in a controlled setting rather than risk the chance of a wildfire. This technique is a “win-win” because
controlled burning removes accumulated hazardous wildfire fuel, while at the same time benefiting the
ecosystem because most habitats are accustomed to periodic intervals of fire to sustain themselves.

The Nature Conservancy, in “Wildfires and Forest Management” (9/19/22), recognized the importance of fire as
a management tool stating, “Fire has been essential to the health of forest ecosystems for millennia … and
wildfires have shaped the diversity of life with nearly 80% of the native vegetation in North America evolved
with fire … Indigenous peoples in North America skillfully used fire to manage the land, benefiting people and
nature.”

## What can we do?

- Visit: https://www.fireweatheravalanche.org/fire/state/indiana
- https://gacc.nifc.gov/eacc/predictive_services/intelligence/documents/large_incident_report.pdf

> Margo Robbins from the Yurok Tribe of the Indigenous Peoples Burn Network says,“You can fight fire with
> fire. There’s good fire and bad fire. And the good fire prevents the bad.”

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Parish in Evansville, and he has 50 years of experience in
ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan University. Daughter of Charity Sister
Maureen Houlihan is a support sister on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity. This
community-supported-agriculture farm grows all-natural produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole
Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL (English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville
with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on December 16th, 2022.


Only You Can Prevent Wildfires


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:** _This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for
Our Common Home, Laudato Si’_

Did you know air pollutants can cause health problems like cancer, and change the Earth’s
climate too? For instance, greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide
absorb heat, and increase air and ocean temperatures resulting in global warming. It is global
warming ― warmer temperatures, melting glaciers, and increasing sea levels ― that causes
climate change, which forces people and animals from their homes.

Concurrent with global warming, COVID-19 has taken many precious lives; and being sheltered
in place, we’ve had time to think about what is important and to examine how we live our lives.
We’ve seen air quality improve, and we’ve helped many friends and family each day survive.
Through these acts of mercy, we’ve shown many holy moments.

We urge you to take to heart Pope Francis’ wisdom from Chapter 1 of “Laudato Si’,”
specifically: Pollution, Waste and a Throwaway Culture. Just think of the frequency, severity and
magnitude of storms, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, wildfires and hurricanes. Our goal is to
respond, resolve and repair causes of global warming; and, thus, undo climate change. Just like
there is social justice, so too, there is climate justice.

But pollution is not just limited to the air. Our water and soil have been polluted by mining,
burning of fossil fuels, and contaminated dumps, landfills, and brownfields. Our laws do protect
us, but there is also a powerful force destroying us; and frankly ― it’s us! Albert Einstein once
said, “Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all
living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.”

“The waste problem is a vast and growing problem, and impacts the health of our planet and
everyone,” says Nicole Richards, CEO of Allonnia. What’s exciting about this company is its
mission to facilitate a “waste-free, pollution-free environment.” Allonnia copies natural
processes to recycle wastes. It uses enzymes, proteins and/or microbes to break down
contaminants, rendering them inert or binding valuable elements such as metals and plastics for
upcycling. Nature already contains the “ingredients” to do this work, but it takes time. Allonnia
takes these ingredients and improves them so the process is done quickly and efficiently. As
Aristotle said more than 2,000 years ago, “In all things of nature, there is something marvelous.”

Changes in society are happening so fast, leaving us with more products, choices, wastes and
pollutants. Littering, dumping of wastes and deforestation are major concerns; and, regrettably,
we are called a throwaway culture. The Earth is our home, and we can no longer take it for
granted. To help our Mother Earth, we encourage more interest in conservation, preservation,
restoration and remediation.

Climate change is a global problem that won’t get better until humans make it their first priority.
Use of renewable energy sources like water, wind, solar and geothermal will help. Excellent
habitats for capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide are healthy soils, wetlands, forests
and oceans. If we are resolute not to pollute, our legacy of hope for our children and
grandchildren will be clean air, clean water and healthy soils.

## What can we do?

Please consider the following:

- Visit https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-solutions-of-air-pollution.php
  to learn more ways of conserving energy.
- Use less energy; reduce, reuse and recycle; drive fewer miles; drive energy efficient
  vehicles; telecommunicate more; and reduce utilities.
- In addition, donate money to reliable global efforts to plant trees, maintain rainforests,
  invest in clean water, and empower people in caring for themselves, crops, and livestock.
- Let us show compassion for all our neighbors throughout the world!

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on January 22, 2021.


Pollution, Waste and a Throwaway Culture


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:**
_This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’ and his 2021 Platform Goals._

Did you know that, on May 24, 2015, Pope Francis signed an encyclical called “Laudato Si’ –
On Care for our Common Home?” Five years later, he announced an Anniversary Year from
May 24, 2020, to May 24, 2021, where he encourages a new way of living. During this
Anniversary Year, Pope Francis established seven public commitment groups and seven platform
goals.

This “grassroots effort” addresses worldwide ecological issues important for today and for future
generations. At the end of the Anniversary Year, the Vatican office invites the Church to
Laudato Si’ Week, to be held May 16-24, 2021. Laudato Si’ Week is a time to reflect on what
the pandemic has taught us, and motivate us ― to help Our Mother Earth together.

Pope Francis’ seven commitment groups are:

1. Families
2. Dioceses
3. Schools
4. Universities/colleges
5. Hospitals/health care centers
6. Businesses/farms
7. Religious orders/provinces.

Each commitment group has the same seven platform goals assigned to them. These are
described below as taken generally from the pope’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human
Development.

**1. Cry of the Earth** – Our response includes the use of clean renewable energy sources to
achieve carbon neutrality. In addition, it promotes biodiversity, clean water, clean air, and
healthy soils.

**2. Cry of the Poor** – Our response embraces protecting human life from conception to
death, and protecting all life on Earth, especially vulnerable groups.

**3. Ecological Economics** – Our response addresses fair-trade policies, sustainable
production of products, ethical use of resources and investments, and the removal of any
economic activities harmful to the planet and to its people.

**4. Simple Lifestyles** – Our response praises living a more thoughtful, considerate and
simpler lifestyle related to the use of natural resources and energy. It also advocates
adopting a more plant-based diet, greater use of public transportation, and not polluting
our water, air and soil.

**5. Ecological Education** – Our response directs us to rethink and redesign educational
curriculum and our schools, and create more ecological awareness, action, and vocations.

**6. Ecological Spirituality** – Our response emphasizes God’s creation, encourages more
contact with nature, promotes creation-centered liturgical celebrations, and develops
more opportunities for ecological catechesis, prayer, retreats, and formation.

**7. Emphasis on Community Involvement and Participatory Action** – Our response
emphasizes “care for creation” at the local, regional, national and international levels.

To implement these goals, Pope Francis will invite a certain group(s) to begin their 7-year
journey in the first year. In subsequent years, he will encourage new groups to being their
journeys. Progress is expected to be exponential, and outstanding awards in each group are
planned. Let’s join Pope Francis in “addressing his seven platform goals.”

There is much to do, as described in the websites below from the Vatican; Tri-State Creation
Care; Catholic Climate Covenant; and Global Goals for Sustainable Development. The simple
question is: What platform goal(s) will you accomplish first?

## What can we do?

- Visit: https://www.humandevelopment.va/en/news/2020/laudato-si-special-anniversary-year-plan.html
- Visit: https://www.ncronline.org/news/earthbeat/vatican-office-invites-church-journey-total-sustainability-next-decade
- Visit: catholicclimatecovenant.org, https://www.facebook.com/tristatecreationcare/, and
  https://www.globalgoals.org/
- As a committed group of creation care advocates, let’s act together now to develop action
  plans for each of the platform goals, and hold ourselves accountable by evaluating our
  performance each year.
- To accomplish planned goals, mankind throughout the world needs to accept each other
  and their cultures, and help each other ― in dealing with worldwide issues!

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on May 14th, 2021.


Pope Francis Calls Us to Action on Ecological Issues


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:** _This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical － On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’_

Do you know how important you are? For every stewardship decision you make, you change and impact the
world! As good and faithful stewards, and as a Christian community, we are required to praise, seek and follow
God in everything we do because He is guiding us to do the best for our planet Earth. It should not be a one-
day-a-year event on Earth Day. It should be a daily requirement of our faith according to the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops, which says that, in that requirement, “We show our respect for the Creator by
our stewardship in protecting people and the planet, and to live our relationship with all of God’s creation.”

Our paths in life require us to recognize a universal “sense of responsible stewardship (Laudato Si’, 116) …
directing us to be stewards of all creation (Laudato Si’, 236).” In detail, our stewardship follows what St. Teresa
of Avila teaches us: “Christ has no body now but yours.” Archbishop Patrick O’Regan says that most of us
don’t realize that, “all we have and all that we are is a gift from God. When we realize this, then our role
changes from (ownership) to care and look after.” We truly are the caregivers of all creation and Earth; and
everything you do, Jesus does through you.

In Indiana alone, natural disasters have more than tripled and costs have doubled. This significant increase in
“billion-dollar disasters” is linked to global warming from the emission of greenhouse gases. The Evansville
Climate Action Plan 2021 in Vanderburgh County (Source: Purdue University Indiana Climate Change Impacts
Assessment, page 28) reports:

- In 1981-2000, we had 17 events totaling $5-10 billion.
- While in 2001-2020, we had 55 events totaling $10-20 billion (NOAA Temperature Time Series)

Pope Francis calls all religions and the secular world to partner on care for our common home, with Cardinal
Robert McElroy emphasizing how fragile the Earth is in many places of the world. TheLetterFilm/watch,
released in the U.S. on 6/9/20, reported how indigenous communities still maintain 80 percent of the world’s
biodiversity, and that, by 2050, experts predict there could be as many as 1.2 billion people displaced by climate
change. As of November 2022, the world population is reported at 7.98 billion (World Population Clock).

As responsible caregivers of all creation and Earth, we should leave this world more beautiful and bountiful
than it was when we inherited it. Let’s bring goodness and kindness, and preserve our Mother Earth. Praise be
to you, my Lord, for all of the blessings you have bestowed upon us, and help us continue our Care for Our
Mother Earth.

## What can we do?

- Join a group that focuses on methods to better our land, water and air quality
- Make “green” improvements to your property

> “Good stewardship of the environment is not just a personal responsibility; it is a public value... Our duty is to
> use the land well, and sometimes not to use it at all. This is our responsibility as citizens, but more than that, it
> is our calling as stewards of the earth” - Former President George W. Bush.

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50 years of
experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan University. Sister Maureen
Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to
the Communities - Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL (English
Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on November 18th, 2022.


Praise be to you, my Lord!


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

_Editor’s note: This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical － “On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’”_

There are simple and economic ways to live an environmentally sensitive and thoughtful lifestyle. For instance,
we could rethink, reduce, reuse, recycle and restore. Applying these five R’s will reduce our carbon footprint,
promote healthy environments, increase soil fertility, and improve Earth’s air, water, and land.

The Evansville Climate Action Plan (2021) of Vanderburgh County, Indiana (pg. 28) says, “weather records
show that Indiana has become warmer and wetter, with more heavy downpours. Indiana scientists have
concluded these climate trends will continue and intensify, affecting the health and well-being of all Hoosiers”
(Purdue University Indiana Climate Change Impacts Assessment). As a result, implementing the five R’s is so
important.

Rethink could mean to buy local. Michael Shuman (Going Local, 2000) says, “Going local does not mean
walling off the outside world. It means nurturing locally own businesses that use local resources sustainably,
employ local workers, and serve local consumers to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on
imports.” Also, we may rethink the mail, food we eat, bags we use, energy use, consuming less, closer vacations
and living simpler lives.

Reduce means using less. Many things we have can be donated, and having fewer things can simplify our lives.
Kimberly Nicholas (Under the Sky We Make, 2021) says, “Both individual and collective actions, in private
and professional life, are needed to reduce emissions toward zero fast (pg.143-144); we will not solve climate
change without reducing over consumption from high emitters (pg.145); and if you start by reducing flights,
driving and meat, you’ll be having the biggest bang for your climate buck (pg.146).” Buying less is great too.

Reuse is to use something again. For example, using a permanent straw in a permanent water container that can
be cleaned. Another example of reusing comes from Chuck Masek, founder of Vanguard Medical Concepts,
Inc., where he innovated and developed the reprocessing of medical devices labeled single-use industry. Also,
composting converts wastes into mulch or soil, and having products repaired helps the economy and earth.

Recycle is when we sort items at home and business for collection in urban and rural areas, and use these
materials again. Some examples are rain barrels to collect rainwater for watering gardens during times of
drought; cities having a &quot;Tox Away Day” for safe disposal of household hazardous chemicals; and cities having
a recyclable day for electronics. Remember – recyclables should be empty, clean, and dry.

Restore means to make green. For example, let’s restore prairies, forests, wetlands and stream banks; and design
complete streets, rain gardens, green roofs and green bridges. Properties should be permeable and park-like with
less lawn. In addition, consider growing flowers and vegetables together (foodscaping); and growing trees on
managed farms that provide shade and food to livestock and shade to crops (silvopasture). Also, appreciate the
great benefits of Evansville’s many parks, the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage and Kentucky’s Green River
National Wildlife Refuge along the Ohio River. They all reduce flooding, capture greenhouse gases, cool the air
and offer recreational opportunities.

## What can we do?

Visit:

- https://www.evansvillegov.org/city/topic/index.php?topicid=195&amp;structureid=90
- https://www.epa.gov/recycle
- https://iclei.org

> “Now is the time for urgent action. Nature underpins our very existence and livelihoods and is integral to the
> effective functioning and well-being of urban communities” (Mayor Valérie Plante, City of Montréal, Canada
> and Global Ambassador for Local Biodiversity of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiative).

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50 years of
experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan University. Sister Maureen
Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to
the Communities - Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL (English
Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on February 17th, 2023.


Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Restore


###### <sub>Americans once used DDT with abandon, as on this Long Island, New York, beach, ca. 1945. (Pictorial Press Ltd/Alamy Stock Photo)<sub>

Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

_Editor’s note: This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical － “On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’”_

Historically, we’ve learned much about righting wrongs to promote environmental protection. Two notable
authors are Aldo Leopold (“A Sand County Almanac”) and Rachel Carson (“Silent Spring”). Both were helpful
in passing legislation like:

- 1970 National Environmental Policy Act; Clean Air Act; Clean Water Act
- 1972 Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act
- 1973 Endangered Species Act
- 1976 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
- 1980 Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act

Today, we have Pope Francis, Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop Paul Coakley, Greta Thunberg and many
others – maybe even you – advocating for social and environmental justice.

In the 1940’s, DDT was used as an insecticide for insect-borne human diseases. It was also effective in crop and
livestock production, institutions, homes and gardens (EPA, A brief history and status, 4/21/2022). But due to
its toxicity, classification as a possible human carcinogen (Center for Disease Control, 11/2009) and its ability
to bio accumulate in animals, it was banned in the United States in 1972. Banning DDT helped populations of
bald eagles and other birds of prey recover.

Another example of righting wrongs is the total worldwide ban of lead in gasoline in 2021. Lead was added to
gasoline in the 1920s to reduce engine noise, but it proved to be a toxic pollutant – especially for children
(Hannah Ritchie, 1/11/2022, How the world eliminated lead from gasoline, Our World in Data).

The Montreal Protocol has protected our ozone layer for 25 years by banning the global production and use of
ozone-damaging chemicals. Because of it, the ozone layer is expected to return to 1980 levels by 2045-2060
(Ian Rae, 9/9/2012, Saving the ozone layer: Why the Montreal Protocol worked, The Conversation). But other
concerns exist today – e.g. global warming, use of neonicotinoids, and habitat destruction.

Global warming comes from greenhouse gases. To solve, a transition from fossil fuels to renewable forms of
energy is needed. A national bill passed in 2022 called the Infrastructure Reduction Act contains money to help
with this transition. In Indiana, a hearing was held Feb. 20 for Senate Bill 335 (Climate Solutions Task Force
bill). The Hoosier Environmental Council called the hearing itself a milestone, but said, “While SB 335 did not
advance in the Environmental Affairs Committee, we must keep the conversation going.”

Neonicotinoids are insecticides used on agricultural crops, lawns, gardens, golf courses, and in flea and tick pet
treatments. Developed in the mid-1990s, they’re now the single most popular insecticide in the United States,
and found to kill pollinators (Courtney Lindwall, 5/25/2022, Neonicotinoids 101: The effect on humans and
bees). Today, a few states and some major change stores have banned using and/or selling them.

Also under consideration nationally is the FOREST Act of 2021 (S2950/HR5508), written to protect and restore
tropical forests globally by restricting goods originating from illegally deforested lands. Visit the USCCB
website below for more information.

## What can we do?

Visit:

- https://rainforestfoundation.org/engage/10-things-you-can-do/
- https://www.usccb.org/resources/letter-congress-support-forest-act-may-23-2022

“There is a growing sensitivity to the environment and the need to protect nature, along with a growing concern,
both genuine and distressing, for what is happening to our planet. Our goal is not to amass information or to
satisfy curiosity, but rather to become painfully aware, to dare to turn what is happening to the world into our
own personal suffering and thus to discover what each of us can do about it” (Laudato Si’, 19).

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50 years of
experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan University. Sister Maureen
Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to
the Communities - Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL (English
Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on March 16th, 2023.


Righting Wrongs Through Legislation


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:**
_This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’ and his 2021 Platform Goals._

A nature sanctuary is a protected area for animals, plants and natural communities. In Indiana,
we have three National Wildlife Refuges – Muscatatuck, Patoka River and Big Oaks. In
Kentucky, there are two in our region – Green River and Clarks River. Also, we have many other
parks, preserves, and natural areas.

Muscatatuck (established in 1966) provides resting and feeding areas for waterfowl during their
annual migrations. More than 280 species of birds have been seen there. It is recognized as a
“Continentally Important” bird area, and includes 7,724 acres near Seymour, Indiana, and 78
acres ( Restle Unit ) near Bloomington, Indiana.

Patoka River (established in 1994) is one of the most significant bottomland hardwood forest
habitats remaining in the Midwest. With an acquisition goal of 22,472-acres, it now consists of
10,642-acres. The Cane Ridge Wildlife Management Area is a satellite unit west of Princeton,
Indiana. Both areas are designated as &quot;Important Bird Areas” where over 1,000 acres have been
restored with 500,000-plus hardwood trees. Its office is in Oakland City, Indiana.

Big Oaks (established in 2000) is known for 500-plus pairs of Henslow&#39;s sparrows estimated to
breed in its grasslands. This refuge has been designated as a “Globally Important Bird Area”
because of its value to Henslow&#39;s sparrows and other migratory birds. It includes 50,000 acres.
Its office is located on the cantonment area of the former Jefferson Proving Grounds off the
south end of the refuge.

In addition, Indiana has more than 290 state preserves. One is Wesselman Woods Nature
Preserve, including Howell Wetlands, in Evansville. Wesselman Woods features 200 acres of
old-growth lowland hardwood forest and is home to more than 300 species of wildflowers, 150
species of birds, and many reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

Howell Wetlands features 35 acres of marshland, bald cypress slough, oxbow lake, lowland
hardwood forest, and prairie. Beavers, green tree frogs, wood ducks, geese and deer can be seen
there. Both Wesselman Woods and Howell Wetlands are tranquil nature sanctuaries and offer
great opportunities to relax in nature.

North of Evansville is the Blue Grass Fish and Wildlife Area, Pike State Forest, and Sugar Ridge
Fish and Wildlife Area; west of Evansville is Twin Swamps Nature Preserve, and Hovey Lake
Fish and Wildlife Area. South of Evansville is Burdette Park and Eagle Slough Natural Area.

Immediately south of Evansville in Kentucky is the Green River NWR (established in 2019),
which now has about 440 acres of a proposed 53,000-acre Conservation Partnership Area. This
region is best known for wetland forests associated with the confluence of the Ohio and Green
Rivers. Once established, it will provide many benefits, e.g., hunting, fishing, removing CO 2
from the atmosphere to offset climate change, and much more. It is currently supervised by the
Manager of Clarks River NWR in Benton, Kentucky. Also in Kentucky and near Evansville is
the John James Audubon State Park and Nature Preserve, Green River State Forest, and Sloughs
Wildlife Management Area.

## What can we do?

1. Visit (pages 14-16): https://sycamorelandtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TheTwig_Winter2021_Final_forweb.pdf for Sanctuaries in Southern Indiana.
2. Consider supporting the Friends of the Green River National Wildlife Refuge
   (https://friendsgreenrivernwr.org/), Friends of the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge
   (http://www.patokarefugefriends.org/), Friends of Goose Pond (Greene County, Indiana)
   https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofGoosePond/ and other nature sanctuaries.
3. Visit a nature sanctuary. Relax and pray. Thank God for your blessings. In your prayers, commit
   to helping Our Mother Earth in the best ways you can.

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on December 17th, 2021.


Sanctuaries in Nature


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:**
_This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’ and his 2021 Platform Goals._

Dave Hudak, a former Field Office Supervisor for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, showed
great wisdom when he’d say, “Save the dirt.” He was really saying, “Save the soil.” If you give
life to the soil and make it healthy, you’ll resolve many land, water and air issues. An excellent
article is, “The Soil is Alive, Protecting Soil Biodiversity across Europe” (European
Commission, 5/22/08). Soils with high biodiversity can be noisy (Ute Eberle, 2/9/22, Life in the
soil was thought to be silent. What if it isn’t? Living World). Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “A
nation that destroys its soil, destroys itself.”

Our goal is to remove carbon from the atmosphere and increase it in the soil. An article that
describes common soil issues is, “Can Dirt Save the Earth?” by Moises Velasquez-Manoff
(4/18/18, The New York Times), which reported, “The world is warming not only because fossil
fuels are being burned, but also because soils, forests and wetlands are being ravaged.” In this
article, we learn about soil health and the benefits of compost. It also said, “Society could
theoretically remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it in the earth, and at the same time
enhance the fortunes of farmers and the overall stability of the nation’s food supply.” By
focusing on soil health, one farmer reduced his herbicide use 75% and fertilizers 45%; found that
mulch and cover crops prevented weeds from growing; and he didn’t use insecticides. These
successes suggest farmers can increase carbon in the soil while actually reducing their overall
expenses.

In California, local governments will make compost more accessible for farmers, helping them
retain water in soils; fight droughts; boost soil health; and reduce methane from being released
into the atmosphere. Compared to carbon dioxide, methane is 80 times more potent as a
greenhouse gas (“California gears up for a new composting law to cut methane emissions and
enrich soil,” Grace van Deelen, 6/1/2022, Politics and Policy). Another helpful article is the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s special report on climate change, desertification,
land degradation, food security, sustainable land management, and greenhouse gas fluxes in
terrestrial ecosystems.

Just think how great it would be to have healthy soils that:

- promote deeper roots in the ground throughout the year for more CO 2 sequestration;
- hold more water to reduce flooding and run-off of agro-chemicals;
- have cover crops to protect against erosion from wind and rain; and
- have super-improved habitat for soil fauna and flora.

Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension in New Jersey also studied soil health. It found leaf
mulching helped soil health, and that it could easily be integrated into any crop-production
system with proper planning and management. Through partnerships with local municipalities,
agriculture can help solve a leaf problem that affects cities/towns. Leaf mulching can improve
on-farm income, reduce municipal disposal costs, reduce soil erosion and increase the
productivity of farms (Daniel Kluchinski et al., 3/1996, USDA-NRCS, “On-Farm Leaf
Mulching: Effects on Soils, Crop Yield, and Pests”).

## What can we do? Please Visit:

- https://ec.europa.eu/environment/archives/soil/pdf/handouts_bonn.pdf
- https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/18/magazine/dirt-save-earth-carbon-farming-climate-change.html
- https://www.ipcc.ch/srccl/

“... if this is to be a permanent nation, we must save this most indispensable of all our God-given
assets － the soil from which comes our food and raiment (clothing). If we fail in this, remember
that, much sooner than we have expected, this will be a nation of subsoil (i.e. below topsoil)
farmers.” - H.H. Bennett 1933 (Father of Soil Conservation).

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on June 24th, 2022.


Save the Dirt


<sub><sup>Photo courtesy of the Forest History Society, Durham, N.C., circa 1909/1910</sub></sup>
<br/>
<small>Also, can find picture in [Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Article](https://www.allianceforthebay.org/2018/10/american-chestnut-ghosts-of-our-eastern-forests/)</small>

Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. M.S.

Our Planet Earth

**_Author’s note_**: _This worldwide website encourages, inspires, and informs citizens to act now, and to practice
ecological principles in our journey On Care for Our Common Home._

**Introduction**

In 1904, a fungal disease, _Cryphonectria parasitica_, was introduced from Japanese [chestnut trees brought into
the Bronx Zoo](https://www.npr.org/local/305/2021/10/18/1047023029/the-american-chestnut-was-wiped-out-a-century-ago-could-it-make-a-comeback). By the year 1906, [98% of the chestnut trees in the Bronx](https://patriciatemplesphotography.com/2020/02/06/trees-and-their-stories-2/) were infected. In 40 years, 4 billion
American chestnuts perished.

The American chestnut tree was once called the “redwood of the eastern forest.” It was fast-growing and had
majestic heights, trunks, and an extensive mast crop. It’s heritage is remembered fondly, e.g., do you remember
Nat King Cole (1961) singing “chestnuts roasting on an open fire….” But today, the chestnut tree is [listed as
endangered in the United States and Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_chestnut). Nonetheless, we’re fortunate this fungus did not affect the roots
where today, small shoots grow from former live trees until they get infected too. [Outside it’s natural range](https://myqualityday.blogspot.com/2017/07/american-chestnut-in-michigan.html),
many mature American Chestnut trees have been reported.

It’s wood is rot-resistant, straight-grained, and used for building and furniture. The nuts were food for many
wildlife and humans. Chestnut wood was also used for log cabin foundations, fence posts, flooring, caskets,
[railroad ties, and both telephone and telegraph poles, many of which are still in use today](https://tacf.org/the-american-chestnut/history-american-chestnut/). Some trees lived 600
years and had 17-foot diameters (largest). Please visit the podcast of Joe Lamp’l on [Restoring the American
Chestnut: An All-Out Effort to Save this Iconic Species](https://joegardener.com/podcast/restoring-the-american-chestnut/).

**What Can You Do?**

[The American Chestnut Foundation](https://tacf.org/) (TACF) is leading the rescue mission. [Since 1983, they’ve tried many
methods](https://tacf.org/science-strategies/3bur/) to create “a disease tolerant and genetically diverse population of American chestnut trees that will be
adaptable to broad and changing climates.” Please watch their trailer below and become a member.

<iframe width="800" height="500" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-HADqJgYMJ0?si=ostyo-UpxWjyFBnB&amp;start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Methods for rescuing the American Chestnut include:

- Breeding - Crossing blight resistant Chinese chestnuts with American chestnuts producing improved blight
  resistant American chestnuts. After 4 generations, TACF’s program has produced a genetically diverse
  population of American chestnut hybrids as carried out at their farm in Meadowview, Virginia, and at many
  other orchards across TACF chapters throughout it’s range.

- Biotechnology - Inserting a gene from a wheat plant which produces an enzyme called oxalate oxidase,
  which enhances blight tolerance. The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and
  Forestry (SUNY-ESF) discovered chestnut trees that contain this resistance gene can be infected by the
  chestnut blight, but do not die. This resistance gene is passed down to the tree&#39;s offspring to provide
  subsequent generations with partial blight resistance. Extensive testing done on this Darling 58 transgenic
  variant showed [survival, pollen use, and reproduction of bumble bees](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34110572/) were not affected by oxalate oxidase
  at typical concentrations used. On August 19, 2020, SUNY-ESF submitted a petition to the United States
  Department of Agriculture for Determination of Non-regulated Status for Blight-Resistant Darling 58
  American chestnut in the Federal Register of government documents. Darling 58 could be the first
  genetically modified forest trees released in the wild in the United States.

- Biocontrol - Something called hypovirulence where a virus is inserted that reduces the ability of the
  chestnut blight fungus to cause lethal infections.

Lastly, American chestnuts can be infected by _Phytophthora cinnamomi_ that causes root rot or ink disease.
TACF and others are making efforts to breed American chestnut trees that are resistant to this disease.

**Quote**:

> “All of biology stays with the species. Species by species is how we are going to save life on this earth. And we
> are going to do it” -EO Wilson.

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon in the Evansville Diocese (Indiana) with 50 years of experience in ecology. He
graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan University. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a
support sister on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural produce for
shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL (English Language
Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._


Saving the American Chestnut Tree


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:**
_This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’ and his 2021 Platform Goals._

Why should we care about this anniversary? Maybe because anniversaries become useful when we
use them to ask questions like, “Have we listened to Pope Francis, and is the temperature of the Earth
really increasing?” Compared with a decade ago, more Americans say protecting the environment
and dealing with global climate change should be top priorities (PEW Research Center, Funk and
Kennedy, How Americans see climate change and the environment in seven charts, 4/21/20).

Today, we find more dioceses developing Action Platform Plans; cities Climate Action Plans and
Green Heart Projects (Louisville, Kentucky); and greater education on environmental issues,
notably by our Catholic religious sisters. Also, there are more creation-care groups. One global
example is the Laudato Si’ Movement, and two local examples are Tri-State Creation Care and
Congregations Acting for Justice and Empowerment. Please see the “What can we do?” section
below for more.

The Laudato Si’ Movement, formerly Global Catholic Climate Movement, was founded in 2015.
Today, it is active on six continents and helps in spirituality, lifestyles and sustainability. Its
executive director reminds us this year about:

- Laudato Si’ Week (May 22-29);
- Season of Creation from September 1 to October 4;
- the Laudato Si’ movie;
- recommends a larger turnout and better results at COP27.

Tri-State Creation Care formed in 2015 to plan for its first speaker, Maryknoll Sister Janet
Miller. This group provides information on protecting land, water and air, and promotes
renewable energy. It annually holds a conference, plus about nine presentations. Its 2022
conference focused on sustainable agriculture for a livable, healthy planet. On Oct. 1, it will have
poet laureate Matthew Graham read nature-based poems at Seton Harvest Farm. Also, it plans to
initiate &quot;EVs for EVV,&quot; an Evansville ride-and-drive event for electric vehicles.

CAJE was founded in 2003. Listening sessions are held in the member congregations annually in
September; and in November, topics are chosen in the Community Problems Assembly. Topics
include, but are not limited to, affordable housing initiatives; safe neighborhoods; a jail-diversion
program; justice in care for mental-health patients, including those with autism; and advocating
for the provision of NARCAN for administration by first responders.  Every spring, CAJE holds
its Nehemiah Action, inviting those in power to come before member congregations to address
the specific problems of the community.

Earlier this year, Bishop Joseph M. Siegel celebrated the Diocese of Evansville’s annual
Rogation Mass, which celebrates the importance of farming. Also, Deacon Jim Rush from the
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana wrote an article published in the April 3 issue of the Lafayette
diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Moment, headlined, “Catholic community strives to honor
creation, becoming advocates for the environment.” Deacon Jim writes about the seventh
commandment, Thou shall not steal, which is what we’re doing to our global neighbors and
future generations. Earth Day was April 22; its theme was “Invest in our planet.” Arbor Day was
April 29.

We want everyone to feel good that we’ve achieved two huge milestones:

- “The world has finally stopped using leaded gasoline…..” (Camila Domonaske, NPR,8/30/21), and
- “We saved the ozone layer. We can save the climate” (David Doniger, NRDC, 4/17/19).

Excellent precursors to “Laudato Si’” include:

- “The Ecological Crisis: A Common Responsibility,” by St. Pope John Paul II (12/8/89);
- “Renewing the Earth,” by Catholic Bishops, USA (1992); and
- “Care for the Earth,” by the Indiana Catholic Conference (May 2000).

## What can we do? Please Visit:

- https://ourcommonhome.org/ic4c/
- https://catholicclimatecovenant.org/
- https://www.usccb.org/resources/renewing-earth
- https://bit.ly/3kxpuVj
- https://www.nrdc.org/experts/david-doniger/we-saved-ozone-layer-we-can-save-climate

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us.

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on May 15th, 2022.


Seventh anniversary of ‘Laudato Si’’


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:**
_This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’ and his 2021 Platform Goals._

Did you know Indiana has a list of 157 endangered and special-concern wildlife species (Indiana
Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife, November 2020)? To address
these species, a State Wildlife Action Plan was created that “provides an overview of
conservation threats in Indiana and identifies needed actions.” Did you know loss of habitat is
the No. 1 cause for loss of species? For example, in the Amazon, the world’s largest reservoir of
biodiversity, two-thirds of the species have lost habitat to fire and deforestation (Georgina
Gustin, 9/1/2021, Inside Climate News).

One vulnerable group of wildlife in Indiana are bats that hibernate in caves. In 2012, the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service estimated 5.5 to 6.7 million bats in the United States died from a
fungal disease called White-Nose Syndrome. It kills 70-90% or more of bats in an affected cave
(Center for Biol. Diversity) and is caused by a cold-loving fungus called Pseudogymnoascus
destructans, first found in New York (2006) and later in Indiana (January 2011).

WNS predominantly affects hibernating bats (e.g. the Indiana bat, little brown bat, northern long-
eared bat and tri-colored bat) because they cluster in caves for warmth in winter and to groom
each other. One theory regarding why bats die from this fungal infection is they wake more often
during hibernation, thus depleting their fat reserves.

Bats are creatures of the night and are seldom seen, but serve a special purpose. They eat half
their body weight nightly in insects, includingsome that can destroy crops or carry diseases. With
losses from WNS, their ability to eat pest insects has declined. It is estimated that, with fewer
bats, farmers may need to spend $74 per acre more in pesticides (Boyles et al., Econ. Importance
of Bats in Agriculture. Science, 4/1/2011).

“Bats Under an Indiana Bridge” (Cervone et al., Proc. Indiana Acad. of Science, 125(2):91-102;
and in the worldwide bat database in Geneva, Switzerland) reported observing 8,570 bats from
2006-2011 under a bridge over a large river. Bats visited this bridge year after year, and Indiana
bats (federally endangered species) used it as a stopover during migration. The bridge also
provided protection from wind, rain, sunlight and predators; provided available food and water;
and was a constant in their life cycle. Indiana bats arrived as early as March 28 and departed as
late as Dec. 3. Under this bridge, little brown bats gave birth and nursed pups in June; young
were flying in July; mating was observed in August and September; and bats departed in October
and November. Studying these bats helped owners inspect other bridges for bats, and to make
repairs or demolish them when bats are not present.

WNS was introduced to the United States – like the gypsy moth, emerald ash borer, medfly, and
many other species. Our goal now is for people and nature to thrive together. Three suggested
ways to do this are: (1) shift to renewable energy sources, (2) restore biodiversity, and (3) end
deforestation (Key Takeaways from David Attenborough’s New Film, ‘A Life on our Planet’,
Earth.org, 10/8/2020).

## What can we do?

- Visit: https://www.in.gov/dnr/nature-preserves/files/fw-Endangered_Species_List.pdf
- Visit:https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/bat_crisis_white-nose_syndrome/Q_and_A.html
- Visit: https://earth.org/david-attenborough-new-film-a-life-on-our-planet/

Consider supporting nongame and endangered species conservation by donating to the Indiana
Nongame Wildlife Fund. To donate, visit: on.IN.gov/nongamewildlifefund Thank you!

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on October 29th, 2021.


Species of Greatest Conservation Need


<sub>Pope John Paul II is embraced by Cambodian Buddhist monk Maha Ghosananda during an interreligious encounter in Assisi, Italy, Oct. 27, 1986. (CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano)</sub>

Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**_Author’s note:_** _This worldwide website encourages, inspires, and informs citizens to act now, and to practice
ecological principles in our journey “On Care for Our Common Home.”_

## Introduction

Do you know that joy and peace come from when we spiritually care for and love others besides ourselves? Our
greatest joys are when we help people, and by doing so, we help ourselves. One definition of spirituality is: [“a
process of making the mind face our fears, worries, and non-stop thinking, and experiencing inner peace and
bliss in one’s everyday life”](https://www.successconsciousness.com/blog/spirituality/what-is-spirituality-meaning-and-definition/). Spirituality is about making peace with the universe , and accepting facts as they are
and trying to live in harmony. Great examples of spirituality are Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Dalai
Lama, and Nelson Mandela.

It does no good to isolate ourselves and treat others as outsiders. Being judgemental is simply wrong since we
live in a world with so many exciting people. Two excellent examples of inclusivity are Martin Luther King, Jr.
and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who spent their entire careers promoting justice and reconciliation for all.
The world is global, and people are moving from one country to another creating more of a mixture of all
different types of people. It is our hope that newcomers will be accepted for who they are because spiritually, it
will make each and every one of us happier. Having family and friends does not mean you shouldn’t meet and
make new friends. Loving others will expand our horizons in learning, caring, and loving all people, and by
doing this, we will receive joy, peace, and love.

[On October 27 of 1986, representatives of various Christian denominations and world religions came at the
invitation of Pope John Paul II to Assisi, the city of St Francis. They were united by a common goal — the
desire for peace](https://slmedia.org/blog/jp-ii-we-love-you-pope-john-paul-ii-embraced-by-buddhist-monk).

## What Can You Do?

**Be More Open-Minded** - People throughout the world are different in many regards, but learning more about
their language, culture, cuisine, and religion can be rewarding in so many ways. Our mindset needs to be
welcoming, and not judgemental, and we cannot always think we’re right and everyone else is wrong.

**Give Food, Clothing, Water, and Education** - We can give these resources by funding charities so others can
tend livestock, grow crops, and live sustainably. We can also help people who are hungry and helpless,
regardless of their religion, race, or age, by helping at soup kitchens, food banks, or rescue missions.

**Work for All to have a Home** - Homelessness is a travesty of justice and commonly seen in many
communities. Let’s work with city governments to help get people into homes that they can call their own.
Everyone needs a safe, warm, and peaceful place to live.

**Show Charity** - To love others, we need to go out to them and show them we care and that we are willing to
help them. This includes many things, but the most important is being there for them and having reasonable
choices and expectations open for their needs. We need to reach out to people early in the process before
desperation sets in for them, which can open them to even more vulnerability and abuse.

<iframe width="800" height="500" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KruX4-a8MSk?si=JhKhUjI9E-tU0W5V" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Quote:

> “The present is that elusive moment between what no longer exists and what has not yet happened. Spirituality,
> however, corresponds to the development of human qualities such as love, compassion, patience, tolerance,
> forgiveness, or a sense of responsibility.” - Dalai Lama.

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon and ecologist in Evansville, Indiana. He graduated from St. Bonaventure, a
Franciscan University. Sister Maureen Houlihan D.C. is a member of the “Care of Earth” Committee - St.
Louise Province of the Daughters of Charity USA and member of Seton Harvest Farm, a Community Supported
Agriculture Farm that grows all natural produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS.
is an English Language Learner teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family, and teaches at
Joshua Academy Charter School. Michael Cervone, BS. is a web developer and designer who lives in
Evansville, Indiana._


Spirituality Gives Joy, Peace, and Love


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. M.S.

Our Planet Earth

**Author’s note:** _This worldwide website encourages, inspires, and informs citizens to act now, and to practice
ecological principles in our journey “On Care for Our Common Home.”_

**Introduction**

Did you know [spirituality involves the recognition](https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/docs/default-source/members/sigs/spirituality-spsig/what-is-spirituality-maya-spencer-x.pdf) or feeling or belief that there is something greater than
yourself, something more to being human than a sensory experience? Dr. Maya Spencer from the Royal College
of Psychiatrists goes on to say, “Our lives have significance in a context beyond a mundane everyday existence
at the level of biological needs, and knowing that we are a significant part of a purposeful unfolding of life in
our universe.”

Spirituality gives us eyes to see and a heart to love nature which is not something to exploit nor take for granted.
Indigenous people have practiced for years living with and respecting nature. Despite representing less than
5% of the world’s population, indigenous peoples steward more than [a quarter of Earth’s land and seas, and
protect 80% of our global biodiversity](https://www.conservation.org/blog/3-ways-indigenous-knowledge-protects-nature). But for all their efforts in the Brazilian Amazon, they’ve been beaten
and killed by drug [trafficking cartels, and companies mining, land grabbing, and conducting illegal logging](https://news.mongabay.com/2022/08/crime-and-no-punishment-impunity-shrouds-killings-of-indigenous-amazonian-defenders/).

Since the early 1970s, the Amazon has lost much of its forest, and scientists are concerned that deforestation,
combined with forest degradation and the impacts of climate change, may put large areas of the rainforest at
risk, leading to [severe consequences for the region’s carbon storage, biodiversity, and rainfall patterns, plus the
well-being of local communities](https://news.mongabay.com/2023/09/deforestation-in-the-amazon-rainforest-continues-to-plunge/). Cardinal Joseph Tobin says though, [“Faith leaders can influence the world on
climate change”](https://www.ncronline.org/earthbeat/viewpoints/cardinal-tobin-faith-leaders-can-influence-world-climate-change) especially at the COP28 in Dubai.

To combat illegal deforestation, we are pleased to report the FOREST Act of 2023 was recently re-introduced
into the Senate with Senators Braun (IN-R) and Schatz (D-HI) serving as cosponsors. Its purpose is to prohibit
the importation of products made wholly or in part of certain commodities produced on land undergoing illegal
deforestation.

## **What Can You Do?**

**Pray for an Ecological Conversion** - An example is when St. Pope John Paul II hosted 60 different religions at
Assisi, Italy in 1986 to pray for peace. It brought together different religions under one purpose, to love each
other and learn to communicate rather than wage war. When people get to know each other, they become
friends not enemies. A beautiful photo at the summit was a Buddhist monk hugging the pope. Pray that all
countries in the world see one world where everything is connected. Pray for those who live in war zones.

**Be a Great Example of Stewardship** - There are many organizations trying to do the right thing related to the
environment. However, leadership is a critical component in what gets done or not. One way of making a big
change in the world is to purchase land and keep it in a natural state in perpetuity.

**Get Involved in a Community, State or Federal Government** - Our governments have elected officials. Let’s
tell them how we feel about issues. One way is to support the FOREST Act of 2023. You can do this by
acknowledging Senator Mike Braun and Senator Brian Schatz for cosponsoring it, and contacting the World
Wildlife Fund (lauren.gleason@wwfus.org) or Environmental Investigation Agency U.S. (dstilley@eia-global.org) for more information. Reach out to them respectfully!

<iframe width="800" height="500" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Yk1pGlOGzw?si=9hxnicnN7Le0n43k" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Quote:

> “There is a reason why each of us is alive right now. Say yes to the opportunities to show care.”
> – Sister Maureen Houlihan, Daughters of Charity

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon and ecologist in the Evansville Diocese. He graduated from St. Bonaventure, a
Franciscan University. Sister Maureen Houlihan D.C. is a member of the “Care of Earth” Committee - St.
Louise Province of the Daughters of Charity USA and member of Seton Harvest Farm, a Community Supported
Agriculture Farm that grows all natural produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS.
is an English Language Learner teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family, and teaches at
Joshua Academy Charter School. Michael Cervone, BS. is a web developer and designer who lives in
Evansville, Indiana._


Spirituality


<sub><sup>Image credit CNN</sup></sub>

Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. M.S.

Our Planet Earth

**Editor’s note:** _This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical － On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’_

Before her death, a reporter friend said she thought it was very important for her readers “to see a need before
they would act.”

For nearly three years, this column in The Message has consistently given good reasons to be less consumer-
driven and more eco-friendly. It has promoted “Laudato Si’” to all people and to all religions in the world, as
requested by Pope Francis - including through his “Ten Commandments for Climate Change” (See _What can we
do section_).

Similarly, a book entitled “The Ten Commandments for the Environment: Pope Benedict XVI Speaks Out for
Creation and Justice,” by Woodeene Koenig-Bricker (6/1/2009) is a great resource.

On March 9, 2023, Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human
Development said, “the  majority of people are now aware of the calamitous threats posed by climate change,
but the real problem is not convincing people that it’s happening, but rather their indifference and despair in the
face of that reality” (Brian Roewe, Earthbeat, 3/11/2023).

Just like Moses transcribed the Ten Commandments from God for everyone, we, as earth citizens, need help for
ecological awareness and stewardship. The following 10 eco-commandments come from the presentation “Man
and Biosphere,” delivered March 9, 1968, in Paris by Peter Menke-Gluckert to the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (Peter Sogaard Jorgensen, 4/29/2014, “Ten Eco-Commandments,
Evolution and Sustainability”):

1. Respect the laws of nature. Understand the value of nature, and be appreciative for what God has given us
   in our Earth and solar system.
2. Learn, as responsible earth citizens, from the wisdom of nature. It’s our duty to learn about ecosystems
   so we can act with wisdom, care, understanding, and sensitivity.
3. Do not reduce plurality. We need richness, abundance, and biodiversity.
4. Do not pollute! Avoid degrading the land, air and water. Look for ways to clean-up polluted habitats.
5. Face your earth-responsibility every day. It’s a fundamental right of all citizens to live in a world
   unspoiled by man’s refuse and free from wars and hunger.
6. Follow the principle of nature precaution/sustainability in all economic activities! Act like indigenous
   people in using fewer resources and replacing them.
7. Act as you speak! Do not buy or use more than you need.
8. Prefer intelligent bio-economic solutions. Bring nature into your solutions. Be sensitive to nature’s
   balance.
9. Information about environmental damage belongs to all humankind. Sustainable solutions need to be
   known through solidarity and dialogue.
10. Listen carefully to what your own body tells you about impact of your very personal social and
    natural environment. Always listen to your inner core from previous life experiences.

In closing, we recommend renewable rather than non-renewable energy; and living in a greener world that
promotes healthy forests, wetlands, grasslands, oceans, freshwater lakes, no-till farming (including cover crops)
to offset greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion and newly formed arctic sinkholes and melting
of the permafrost, and the loss of glaciers and icebergs causing sea-level rise. All contribute to climate change!
What can we do!

Visit:

- https://www.cnn.com/2015/06/18/world/pope-10-commandments-climate-change/index.html
- https://ncronline.org/earthbeat/faith/gonzaga-cardinal-czerny-calls-universities-action-climate
- https://psj.io/blog/2014/4/29/ten-eco-commandments
- https://www.pbs.org/video/arctic-sinkholes-9jwenj/

> “Much of the damage … on land is … invisible to laymen. An ecologist must … harden his shell … or be the
> doctor who sees … death in a community that believes itself well and wants not to be told otherwise” (Aldo
> Leopold)

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50 years of
experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan University. Sister Maureen
Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to
the Communities - Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL (English
Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._


Ten Eco-Commandments for Earth Citizens


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:** _This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for
Our Common Home, Laudato Si’_

Did you know many animals and plants are becoming extinct in the world, due to
overpopulation, overcrowding, and overconsumption? All species on Earth are gifts from God,
and biodiversity holds a treasure of genes that can offer many possibilities, especially since
“humans are more at risk from diseases as biodiversity disappears” (John Platt, 12/7/10,
Scientific American). So, we urge you to take to heart Pope Francis’ wisdom in his Chapter 1:
Loss of Biodiversity.

Biodiversity is so important! Ecologically, it refers to all life found on Earth, and how it interacts
in a balanced way in different ecosystems. Rich biodiversity provides us with clean air to breathe,
clean water to drink, healthy soils, pollination in plants, pest control, wastewater treatment and
much more. Just like our bodies need to be balanced―so too―do our ecosystems.

However, biodiversity is affected by chemicals, deforestation, and isolating populations caused
by development, infrastructure, and even noise and light pollution. Examples of high biodiverse
areas are uncut forests, wetlands, prairies, mangrove swamps and rainforests. We need these
places to flourish and grow, but this can only happen if we all get involved. We simply need
ecosystems to be diverse and flourish throughout the world!

The bald eagle first gained federal protection in 1940. It was on the federally endangered species
list because of the insecticide DDT. This chemical got into the food chain by killing insects; fish
ate these tainted insects; and eagles ate these contaminated fish. As a result, bio-accumulated
levels of DDT in eagles caused them to produce eggs with very thin shells that broke during
incubation, thus decreasing the number of offspring and their overall population. With DDT
banned in 1972, the number of bald eagles rebounded enough to be removed from the federally
endangered species list. Peregrine falcons and ospreys followed a similar story.

Biodiversity can also be affected by forest fragmentation or the splitting of large, connected
forests into smaller forests. Fragmentation affects forest interior birds, like many federal and
state listed warblers. Increasing edge habitat reduces the interior forest habitat. Introducing new
species into a new environment is harmful and can cause an invasive species, like the
mosquitofish introduced for mosquito control, to outcompete a native species like the blackstripe
topminnow. Sutton, Zeiber and Fisher (Journal of Freshwater Ecology, January 2012, 28(1):1-16)
found the mosquitofish more aggressive, thus displacing blackstripe topminnows.

We also have many invasive plants like kudzu, Japanese knotweed, English ivy, winter creeper,
bush honeysuckle, Autumn olive, Bradford pear, purple loosestrife and oriental bittersweet that
outcompete native species. What about the emerald ash borer and its effect on our forests; and
before that, the gypsy moth; and since 2006, the millions of bats (a beneficial species to
humankind) that have died from the white-nose syndrome (Pseudogymnoascus destructans)?

Our oceans need protection too, especially the coral reefs, since “more than 90 percent of the
warming that happened on Earth from 1971-2010 occurred in the ocean” (LuAnn Dahlman and
Rebecca Lindsey, 8/17/20, Climate Change: Ocean Heat Content/NOAA Climate.gov). Many
coral reefs, which show high biodiversity, have been lost or degraded from water pollution,
thermal pollution, sedimentation and destructive fishing practices.

Caring for our Mother Earth requires far-sighted planning efforts. If habitats are affected,
mitigation (replacement) should be required, and let’s not forget, human communities are
responsible for protecting high biodiverse areas such as the Amazon and Congo basins, and the
great aquifers and glaciers. Pope Francis specifically calls these areas, the “lungs” of the planet.

## What can we do?

Please consider the following:

- Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Puv0Pss33M
- Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6Ua_zWDH6U
- Plant trees, flowerbeds, gardens, and landscape with food species (foodscaping).
- Stabilize river banks following approved guidelines, and implement two-stage ditches.
- Fund protection of high biodiverse areas in the world, including others planting and
  preserving trees.
- Emphasize healthy soils with roots in the ground all year (no-till farming), which absorb
  (sequester) carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the soil, reducing global warming.

Let’s protect our native plants and animals!

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on March 12th, 2021


The Importance of Biodiversity


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

_Editor’s note: This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical － “On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’”_

“Science tells us, every day with more precision, that it is necessary to act with urgency – if we want to have the
hope of avoiding radical changes in the climate and catastrophes. We have just a few years – scientists calculate
roughly fewer than 30 – to drastically reduce the emissions of gas and the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere.”
(Pope Francis in TED talk: Earth cannot be squeezed ‘like an orange,’ Vatican City, 10/10/20).

Carbon dioxide is one greenhouse gas that requires capture from the atmosphere and storage in the ground or in
plants. Scientists at the University of Southern Denmark reported the top five most efficient ecosystems for
carbon storage are the tundra, seagrass, mangrove forests, salt marshes and tropical forests (Birgitte Svennevig,
10/29/18). The following descriptions give facts about these ecosystems.

The tundra is treeless and found in cold regions north of the Arctic Circle (arctic tundra), or above the
timberline on high mountains (alpine tundra). Both make up about 13% of the Earth’s surface (Hu and Bliss.
Encyclopedia Britannica, 3/12/22). With the tundra warming, its permafrost is thawing, which causes microbial
activity to increase and emit more greenhouse gases. “A key to safeguarding Earth’s tundra habitats are cutting
harmful, planet-warming pollution by switching away from fossil fuels” (Christina Nunez, Tundra Threats
Explained, National Geographic Society, 6/12/19).

Seagrass thrives in underwater coastal zones. They are “under pressure, and actions are needed to preserve and
reestablish them,” says professor Holmer from the University of Southern Denmark (Birgitte Svennevig,
10/29/18). Jayathilake and Costello (Biological Conservation, A modeled global distribution of the seagrass
biome, 10/2018) mapped seagrass. It currently makes up less than 0.1% of the planet’s surface.

Mangrove forests grow at the edge of oceans and seas. They grow fast, store large amounts of carbon, act as
barriers against erosion and provide wildlife habitat. Conservation International reported, “By protecting
mangroves, we can help fight climate change －and protect the coastal communities most threatened by it. Even
though mangrove forests make up 0.1% of the planet’s surface, they store 10 times more carbon than terrestrial
forests.”

Salt marshes are found along the coast and help wildlife, ecosystems and economies (Binns and Gordon, The
Pew Charitable Trusts, 3/1/21). With sea levels rising, what will happen to salt marshes? Matt Kirwan, a marine
ecologist, in “Marshes on the move” (Gabriel Popkin, 6/17/21), believes coastal wetlands can outrun rising seas.
Others are not so sure.

Tropical forests, sometimes called lungs of the planet, absorb much CO<sub>2</sub> and increase local humidity. “They
provide big climate benefits beyond carbon storage,” says Freda Kreier (Nature, 4/1/22). She found that tropical
forests not only cool the planet by removing and storing CO<sub>2</sub> , but they also cool the planet by their ability to
create clouds; humidify the air; and release cooling chemicals.

## What can we do?

- Support efforts to protect and expand natural ecosystems that store CO<sub>2</sub>

In 2019, Iceland residents held the first funeral for a glacier. They… installed a plaque that read, “A letter to the
future. Okjokull is the first Icelandic glacier ... _In the next 200 years all our glaciers are expected to follow…
This monument … acknowledges that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if
we did it. 8/2019. 415ppm CO<sub>2</sub> ”_ (Under the Sky We Make, Kimberly Nicholas, PHD, 2021, page 81).

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50 years of
experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan University. Sister Maureen
Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to
the Communities - Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL (English
Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on January 20th, 2023.


The Most Efficient Ecosystems for Carbon Storage


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:** _This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical － “On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’”_

“God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, grass – grow in silence; see the stars, moon, and
sun, how they move in silence…We need silence …. to touch souls” (Mother Teresa).

“Listen to silence. It has so much to say” (Rumi).

Rhett Herman, Ph.D., physics professor at Radford University in Virginia (Scientific American, 10/26/1998,
How fast is the Earth moving) says, the Earth revolves around the sun in 365 days at a speed of nearly 67,000
mph, and rotates on its axis, at the equator at 1,000 mph. In addition, the sun is a yellow star made of hydrogen
and helium, 93 million miles from earth, and its volume would need 1.3 million earths to fill it (National
Aeronautics and Space Administration).

Being the only star and largest object in our solar system, of which all planets, moons, comets, and asteroids
orbit (Josh Davis, The Sun, Natural History Museum), sunlight takes eight minutes to reach Earth (Light as a
Cosmic Time Machine, Andrew Fraknoi, PBS); provides beautiful sunrises and sunsets; and gives light to the
moon.

“Each sunset brings closure, and each sunrise brings new possibilities, and both have beauty” (Karin Schwan).
The sun gives off radiation consisting of different wavelengths. Visible light gives a rainbow of colors with the
majority of blue and red used in plant photosynthesis. In the process of photosynthesis, light from the sun
activates chlorophyll in leaves to combine carbon dioxide and water to form sugar and oxygen. Clouds are
formed by plant transpiration and by evaporation from water surfaces. So the sun even controls our water cycle.
The earth is heated by the sun. Without the sun, the earth would be frozen. Most importantly, different materials
on earth absorb sunlight differently (e.g., concrete absorbs heat during the day and is a heat sink at night). Also,
the sun’s rays get absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, causing global warming. Even our four
seasons come as a result of the earth&#39;s spin axis being tilted 23.5 degrees with respect to its orbital plane as
Earth orbits around the sun (See diagram in website on seasons).

Energy comes from the sun, which we can capture in solar panels and solar cells. From such a renewable form
of energy, we can generate electricity for our homes, businesses, factories, schools and churches – and make
many products. This energy can also be converted for use in heating, cooking, disinfection and transportation.
The sun also gives us wind by the uneven heating of the earth’s surface, with land heating quicker than water
(Wind explained, U.S. Energy Information Administration).

The sun also creates ocean currents caused by wind; density differences in water masses caused by gravity,
salinity and temperature variations, and from earthquakes or storms (What causes ocean currents, NOAA Ocean
Exploration). Moving heat from the equator toward the poles, ocean currents play a vital role in controlling the
climate. Ocean currents are also very important to sea life because they carry nutrients and food to organisms
that live permanently attached in one place, and carry nutrients, reproductive cells, food and ocean life to new
places (Ocean currents, National Geographic).

## What can we do! Visit:

- https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-fast-is-the-earth-mov/
- https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/solar-system/sun/overview/
- https://www.carecreations.basf.com/core-competencies/all-about-sun/sunlight/no-sun-no-life-on-earth#
- https://www.weather.gov/lmk/seasons#

> “Praise be You, my Lord, with all your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, who is the day … You give us
> light. And he is beautiful …” (St. Francis of Assisi).

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50 years of
experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan University. Sister Maureen
Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to
the Communities - Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL (English
Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on May 19th, 2023.


The Sun


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:** _This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for
Our Common Home, Laudato Si’_

Did you know that, in 1800, Indiana had over 83% of its land area in forests? And by 1900,
forests made up less than 7% (Sam Carman, IDNR, Div. of Forestry)? Also, did you know some
city neighborhoods have few, if any trees? We urge you to take to heart Pope Francis’ wisdom
and his love for trees – and the blessings they give us.

One blessing is atmospheric oxygen to breathe by photosynthetic plants (e.g., trees) assimilating
carbon dioxide and water with sunlight. Other blessings are trees maintaining a constant air
temperature; and in cities, preventing the development of “heat islands.” Trees also provide
timber, paper and many other products.

Trees are also appreciated for their flowers, fruits, leaves, trunks and branches. They embellish
our lives with colors, smells and falling leaves. But trees are so much more! They’re our reliable
friends that protect humankind, animals and plants from wind, sleet, rain and snow. Trees also
provide habitat and shade, regulate climate, store nutrients (especially carbon), filter water,
protect and build soil, and reduce erosion (water conservation).

Trees make up different types of forests in the world, and 31 percent of the world’s land surface,
just over 4 billion hectares, is forested (Earth Policy Institute, 2012). Their numbers are
decreasing though from timbering, droughts, infestations and wildfires.

The removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is critically important because people emit
carbon dioxide into the atmosphere through their activities. For centuries, trees have offset these
carbon emissions. Saving Nature, Inc. (Carbon Footprint Calculator) says “it takes about 1,025
trees to offset the average American’s emissions today, with each tree absorbing about 31 lbs. of
carbon dioxide each year.” So, we need to preserve trees we have now and plant more.

Legislation like The Trillion Tree Act promotes the planting of more trees, and the management
and regeneration of these new trees (Ann Bartuska, 4/6/20, Resources Magazine). ForestIN plans
to plant a million trees in Indiana by 2025. Similarly, Carbon Neutral Indiana receives funds it
puts directly toward planting trees and managing forests. With such help, suitable tree species
will be planted and preserved forever. Please contact an arborist for help in planting trees!

Let’s look at trees – like Bob Ross – the late American painter. He said, &quot;There&#39;s nothing wrong
with having a tree as a friend.” In addition, children love naming trees at home because trees
have always been our friends. An excellent book on trees is “The Hidden Life of Trees – What
They Feel, How They Communicate,” by Peter Wohlleben.

In the future, let’s plan on planting and preserving more trees. God made our Earth green for a
reason; so let’s continue to be friends to trees.

Let’s keep things simple, empower and inspire ourselves to keep our Mother Earth as a green
world of trees, and promote other ecosystems like wetlands and prairies. Do what you can with
what you have, and reduce your carbon footprint by planting trees!

## What can we do?

Please consider the following:

- Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dWJVHIE9S8&amp;vl=en
- Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnwMq1gGjhk
- Visit: https://www.inwoodlands.org
- Join Carbon Neutral Indiana (https://www.carbonneutralindiana.org/), Friends of the
  Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge (http://www.patokarefugefriends.org/) or Friends
  of the Green River National Wildlife Refuge (https://friendsgreenrivernwr.org/).
- Support The National Forest Foundation, Arbor Day Foundation, Indiana Natural
  Resources Foundation or Indiana Forest Alliance.
- See Purdue University for tree species to plant on your property
  https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-531-W.pdf
- Fund planting trees in national and state forests; city parks, nature preserves, and refuges.
  Learn more about classified forests.
- Use paper wisely, and get involved in groups that plant trees!

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on April 2nd, 2021.


The Value of Forests and Trees


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:**
_This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’ and his 2021 Platform Goals._

With much gratitude to Bishop Joseph M. Siegel, publisher of The Message, and Tim Lilley, editor, we
celebrate two years of writing Our Mother Earth monthly. Every column is available by visiting
https://evdiomessage.org/our-mother-earth/ . Titles and dates for each are shown below.

1. [A Year of Jubilee (Nov 2020)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/A%20Jubilee%20for%20the%20Earth)
2. [A Team Effort of Love (Dec 2020)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/A%20Team%20Effort%20of%20Love)
3. [Pollution, Waste and a Throwaway Culture (Jan 2021)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/Pollution,%20Waste%20and%20a%20Throwaway%20Culture)
4. [Water Quality Wisdom and Our Commitment for a Greener and Healthier World (Feb 2021)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/Water%20Quality%20Wisdom%20and%20Our%20Commitment%20for%20a%20Greener%20and%20Healthier%20World)
5. [The Importance of Biodiversity (March 2021)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/The%20importance%20of%20biodiversity)
6. [The Value of Forests and Trees (April 2021)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/The%20value%20of%20forests%20and%20trees)
7. [Pope Francis calls us to action on ecological issues (May 2021)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/Pope%20Francis%20calls%20us%20to%20action%20on%20ecological%20issues)
8. [Wetlands clean air, water and save soil (June 2021)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/Wetlands%20clean%20air%20and%20water,%20and%20save%20soil)
9. [Healthy soils reduce flooding, global warming and run-off (July 2021)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/Healthy%20soils%20reduce%20flooding,%20global%20warming%20and%20run-off)
10. [Grasslands, pollinators and our health (Aug 2021)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/Grasslands,%20pollinators,%20and%20our%20health)
11. [Global warming and climate change (Sept 2021)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/Global%20warming%20and%20climate%20change)
12. [Species of greatest conservation need (Oct 2021)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/Species%20of%20greatest%20conservation%20need) 13.[Good news about Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ (Nov 2021)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/Good%20news%20about%20Pope%20Francis%E2%80%99%20%E2%80%98Laudato%20Si%E2%80%99%E2%80%99)
13. [Sanctuaries in nature (Dec 2021)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/Sanctuaries%20in%20nature) 14.[Bees, butterflies and earthworms (Jan 2022)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/Bees,%20butterflies%20and%20earthworms)
14. [Oceans, coastlines and Great Lakes (Feb 2022)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/Oceans,%20coastlines%20and%20the%20Great%20Lakes)
15. [Carbon neutrality (March 2022)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/Carbon%20Neutrality)
16. [Our atmosphere gives life (April 2022)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/Earth%E2%80%99s%20atmosphere)
17. [Seventh anniversary of Laudato Si’ (May 2022)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/Seventh%20anniversary%20of%20%E2%80%98Laudato%20Si%E2%80%99%E2%80%99)
18. [Save the dirt (June 2022)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/Save%20the%20Dirt)
19. [United States Conference of Catholic Bishops address Care for Creation (July 2022)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/United%20States%20Conference%20of%20Catholic%20Bishops%20Address%20Care%20for%20Creation)
20. [Do tree make you healthier? (Aug 2022)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/Do%20trees%20make%20you%20healthier)
21. [Can we cool the Earth? (Sept 2022)](https://our-mother-earth.vercel.app/article/Can%20we%20cool%20the%20Earth)

God made us stewards of His Planet Earth, and Pope Francis and others are spreading the message to treat Our
Mother Earth －like our mother, father, sister or brother. Let’s cherish our planet and its people, and maintain
the balance God originally created.

A beautiful quote from former President Jimmy Carter about people and the environment is, “I believe that
anyone can be successful in life, regardless of natural talent or the environment within which we live. This is
not based on measuring success by human competitiveness for wealth, possessions, influence, and fame, but
adhering to God&#39;s standards of truth, justice, humility, service, compassion, forgiveness, and love.”

In light of the Vatican’s peace and justice office inviting Catholic communities across the world to join a
grassroots movement in Care for Our Common Home, we believe Our Mother Earth columns are especially
valuable. The Vatican’s Action Platform focuses on …Catholic dioceses, religious orders, schools and
institutions committing to an ecological conversion and total sustainability. We hope these articles have and will
continue to educate and encourage good stewardship.

Our articles give readers ways to help planet Earth, that complement Laudato Si,’ especially during the Season
of Creation from September 1 (World day of Prayer) to October 4 (Feast of St. Francis of Assisi). As good and
faithful stewards, God calls us all to love and care for Our Mother Earth.

## What can we do? Consider on your property:

- Rethink, reuse and recycle
- Preserve and plant trees of proper species and location(s)
- Retain rainwater by increasing greenness
- Use renewable forms of energy
- Stop urban sprawl and promote groundwater recharge
- Plant gardens for pollinators
- Reduce your carbon footprint
- In farming, implement methods that hold water and reduce run-off using fewer chemicals
- Help save our natural resources

> “The earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the
> land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations” - John Paul II.

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on October 21th, 2022.


Two-year anniversary of Our Mother Earth columns in The Message


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:**
_This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’ and his 2021 Platform Goals._

Did you know the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Domestic Justice
and Human Development sent a letter to Congress on Budget Reconciliation and Climate
Change on June 8, 2022, supporting $555 billion in climate investments, $320 billion in clean-
energy tax credits, $20 billion in agricultural-conservation investments, and $105 billion
investments in resilience, such as wildfire-mitigation projects and forest preservation? The
USCCB also encouraged people of faith to take action, and contact elected representatives to
express their concerns and opinions on upcoming legislation. Such investments are needed to
meet the Paris Agreement goals to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. Jose Aguto,
Executive Director of Catholic Climate Covenant says, “such actions will be a civilizational
game-changer.”

Within “Care for Creation,” the USCCB described how Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI and
St. John Paul II were instrumental in environmental reform. The USCCB also said, “We show
our respect for the Creator by our stewardship. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan,
it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, and to live our
faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This challenge has fundamental moral and ethical
dimensions that cannot be ignored.” On June 15, 2001, the USCCB published Global Climate
Change: A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence and the Common Good. A noteworthy example of
climate change is featured in the article “As the Great Salt Lake Dries Up, Utah Faces an
Environmental Nuclear Bomb” (Christopher Favelle, 6/9/22, The New York Times).

On May 18, 2021, Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego, California, presented a heartfelt speech
at a Catholic Climate Conference. His passionate words focused on the fragility of the planet and
how humankind is exploiting many places in the world – like the Amazon rainforest. He sounded
an alarm to stop climate change because it is our duty to our Creator and to future generations.
One powerful moment for him was when young people, in an accusatory way, pointed to him
and others on the Amazon Synod to do more. He offered the carbon tax as one method to reduce
carbon dioxide from the air. He said, “In the end of our lives, we want to see a world more
beautiful than how we received it,” and asked Catholics to speak with legislators; form groups to
educate others; and take action now.

On May 20, 2020, the USCCB had a “Laudato Si’” Roundtable that included Archbishop Paul
Coakley of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; then-auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron of Los Angeles,
California (now bishop of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota); and Bishop McElroy. The moderator
was Sister Marianne Comfort from the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. This roundtable
addressed” Laudato Si’” questions such as:

- What was your most favorite phrase?
- How has the message been received?
- What most influenced Pope Francis?
- How does it invite Catholics?
- What have we learned?

Responses varied, but the consensus was that “Laudato Si’” is a wake-up call for humankind –
and that the planet will experience many deaths and illnesses in the future if we do not address
climate change now. How we respond to Pope Francis’ call makes all the difference in the world.

## What can we do? Please Visit:

- https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/care-for-creation
- https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/environment/index.cfm
- https://catholicclimatecovenant.salsalabs.org/encountercampaignactionalert-a
- https://www.usccb.org/resources/letter-congress-budget-reconciliation-and-climate-change-june-8-2022
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-URAa1bYdI&amp;list=PLXjILMNokmN46t53RBqzRReZCjgzxep_L&amp;index=9&amp;t=4s

> “Care for creation, and especially the climate that affects all life on Earth, is integral to the care for humanity”
> \- **Archbishop Paul Coakley**

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on July 29th, 2022.


U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Address Care for Creation


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:** _This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for
Our Common Home, Laudato Si’_

Did you know about 60% of our bodies are comprised of water, and there is only 3% freshwater
on Earth? Without clean drinking water, we cannot survive. Polluted water can cause cancer,
lead poisoning and many diseases. So why are our waterways and oceans being polluted? We
urge you to take to heart Pope Francis’ wisdom in his Chapter 1: The Issue of Water. Our Mother
Earth needs our help in stopping water unbalances, water shortages, and water pollution.

Water unbalances include above-average rainfall causing floods in some areas and below-
average rainfall causing droughts in others. Water shortages include a depletion of
groundwater; in some coastal areas, groundwater too salty to drink; and acidification in streams
and springs from mining, making them lifeless and ruined. Water pollution in streams could
include dumping trash, tires, carcasses and appliances; while in our oceans and on beaches,
pollution by oil spills and contaminants, and red tides (harmful algal blooms). Even our
emissions into the air produce acid rain.

Let’s talk about rain! During a rainstorm, rainwater washes contaminants from impervious
surfaces (e.g., roofs, roads, parking lots) and directs water into drains. This prevents much of the
water from penetrating into the ground and recharging groundwater. And if a city has a
combined sewer system, there could be overcapacity causing raw sewage to enter a waterway.
As water rises, it erodes banks, taking precious soil downstream.

Here are some ideas! Promote green infrastructure such as greenways, green spaces (parks),
green roofs, wetlands, prairies, temperate forests and rainforests. These habitats maintain
groundwater levels, reduce erosion, and capture carbon dioxide. If we maintain water balances
and stop pollution, we can focus on purifying our water.

“As recently as 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency named the Ohio River as one of
the country&#39;s most polluted. Industrial contaminants, including the “forever chemical”
perfluorooctanoic acid, have been detected ….” (April Johnston, November 15, 2019 in Energy
and Environment, ‘That’s Vinegar’: The Ohio River’s History of Contamination and Progress).
Nonetheless, municipalities along its course treat this water following the Safe Drinking Water
Act (1974), where USEPA sets legal limits for many contaminants. Other watchdogs of the Ohio
River are the Army Corp of Engineers and the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission.

Additional water-treatment methods include wetlands and two-stage ditches. An excellent
constructed wetland for wastewater treatment is the 27-acre wetland designed to remove
combined sewage overflow water from Hawkins Creek (Washington, Indiana). An excellent
two-stage ditch is Shatto Ditch (Kosciusko County, Indiana) which was built to reduce nutrient
run-off into streams from farms. Groundwater protection in limestone areas may include limiting
development, and “No Spray Zones” along roadways.

Overall, water is fascinating and life giving! Water can be a solid, liquid, or gas. Water is polar
and cohesive, making it an excellent solvent with a high heat capacity and high heat of
vaporization. And most importantly — it keeps us all healthy and alive! There’s never been a
better time than now to use our water-quality wisdom to ensure a greener and healthier future!

## What can we do?

Please consider the following:

- Visit: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/11-ways-to-save-water-at-home-stsetivw-vs~32374403
- Visit: https://feedbackloopsclimate.com/
- Keep aquatic ecosystems clean, and promote Riverwatch and Adopt-A-Stream programs.
- Promote downtown development that includes more permeable surfaces and green infrastructure.

**Interesting Facts:** Did you know “one adult saltwater oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water
per day?” says Erin Koenig (22 January 2018, In Oceanus - Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institution, Can Clams and Oysters Help Cleanup Waterways). Andrea Bennett reports (17 July
2014, In The EPA Blog, Our Friends, the Freshwater Mussels), “one adult freshwater mussel can
filter up to 15 gallons of water per day. Mussels filter out pollution from our drinking-water
sources. A 6-mile stretch of mussel beds can remove over 25 tons of particulates per year!”

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on February 19th, 2021.


Water Quality Wisdom and Our Commitment for a Greener and Healthier World


Deacon Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C., and Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed.M.S.

**Our Planet Earth**

**Editor’s note:**
_This series takes a deeper look at Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical ― On Care for Our Common
Home, Laudato Si’ and his 2021 Platform Goals._

Did you know the estimated Indiana wetlands, circa 1780, was 5.6 million acres or 24.1% of the
state? Today, there are 3.5% wetland acres in the State – a loss of 85% (IDNR, Indiana Wetlands
Conservation Plan, June 1996). One million of these acres were in the Grand Kankakee Marsh
(Jack Klasey, 2/2/19, Daily Journal, Kankakee, Illinois) which has been effectively lost today.

Wetland EPA facts (Functions and Values of Wetlands, September 2001) are:

- In 1991, wetland-related ecotourism activities such as hunting, fishing, bird-watching,
  and photography added approximately $59 billion to the national economy.
- According to the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations in 1997, almost
  $79 billion per year is generated from wetland-dependent species.
- An acre of wetland can store 1–1.5 million gallons of floodwater.
- Up to one-half of North American bird species nest or feed in wetlands.
- Although wetlands make-up only about 5% of the land surface in the United States, they
  are home to 31% of our plant species.

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems, equal to rain forests and coral reefs (EPA,
Sept. 2001). They capture a considerable amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide (a greenhouse
gas); function like kidneys in filtering our water; and hold water like a sponge, which reduces
flooding and erosion. They are so important, that a “no net loss wetland policy” was adopted in
1989 by the President George H. W. Bush administration. It is also noteworthy that wetlands are
not always wet, for many are seasonally flooded like river floodplains.

Wetlands can be classified as riverine, lacustrine or palustrine (Cowardin et al., 1979). Riverine
are rivers and streams; lacustrine are lakes; and palustrine are wetlands with emergent mosses,
lichens, grasses, sedges, rushes, shrubs, trees or open water. Examples of wetlands in Indiana are
bogs, dunes and swales, fens, flatwoods, floodplain forests, scrub/shrub, marshes, ponds and
lakes. Each of these wetlands have important functions and values.

Functions can be defined by their habitat, hydrology or water quality. Habitat includes food,
water, shelter, and breeding and nursery areas for insects, fish, shellfish, amphibians, reptiles,
birds and mammals. Hydrologically, wetlands are important to recharge groundwater supplies,
reduce flood risks and reduce streambank erosion. For water-quality purposes, wetlands capture
sediments, assimilate and trap pollutants and perform biochemical processes required to keep
water clean.

Values are recreation, fisheries, hunting, timber, habitat, food, livestock foraging and watering,
shoreline erosion protection, flood peak reduction, pollution control, regulating local climates,
capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, water quality improvements and our overall
physical health and wellness.

In summary, wetlands are our “unsung ecological heroes.” Understanding their importance
allows us to realize their balancing capabilities in helping keep our water and air clean, and soils
in place. Do we need any more reasons to protect and preserve wetlands?

## What can we do?

- Learn more about and visit wetlands in your area (e.g., Hovey Lake, Eagle Slough,
  Sloughs Wildlife Management Area, Audubon State Park, Howell Wetlands and more).
- Join the Friends of the Patoka River and Friends of the Green River National Wildlife
  Refuges, Sycamore Land Trust, Audubon Society, and other wetland organizations.
- Tell others to support and protect wetlands, including your local, state and federal
  representatives.
- As a committed group of environmentally conscious creation care advocates, let’s do our
  part in protecting and caring for our wetlands. It simply is in our best interest!

_Dr. Tom Cervone is a deacon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana with 50
years of experience in ecology. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Franciscan
University. His email is tcervone@evdio.org. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. is a support sister
on the Seton Harvest Farm started by the Daughters of Charity in response to the Communities -
Care of Mother Earth. This CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm grows all natural
produce for shareholders and the poor. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning ELL
(English Language Learner) teacher, who lives in Evansville, Indiana with her family._

Originally printed in [The Message](https://evdiomessage.org/) on June 11th, 2021.


Everything is Connected!