By Luis Chacon

The quest for a sustainable future took center stage during the two-day seminar “Towards a Sustainable Future,” organized by the RASS (Salesian America Social Network). Held from November 15 to November 16, the event brought together members of SDB USA West Province, including notable participants such as Victoria Figueroa, Miriam Hernandez, and myself. Together, we explored key issues that shed light on the path towards a more sustainable world.

Day 1: A Prayerful Start and Thought-Provoking Discussions

The seminar commenced on November 15 with a prayer led by Brother Richard Danilo, SDB setting a reflective tone for the day. Participants were prompted to contemplate the meaning of the environment, with responses converging on themes of life, home, health, nature, and surroundings.

The highlight of the day was the presentation by Leyla Zelaya from the United Nations Environment Programme. Leyla eloquently defined fundamental concepts such as the environment, system, environmental degradation, and sustainable development. Her insights into climate-related terms like climate change, global warming, mitigation, and adaptation laid the foundation for deeper discussions.

Day 2: Global Solutions and Local Actions

On the second day, the focus shifted to global solutions and local actions to address the planetary crisis. The Conference of the Parties (COP) and the pivotal Paris Agreement were discussed, emphasizing the need to limit temperature increases, assess emission reduction contributions regularly, and provide financial support to developing nations.

A key global initiative, the Global Biodiversity Framework of Kunming-Montreal, was introduced. With 23 goals set for 2030, the framework aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, emphasizing the conservation of land and marine areas, financial commitments, and pollution reduction.

The seminar concluded with practical exercises, inviting participants to calculate their carbon footprint and explore ways to reduce it. Links to resources on responsible consumption and reducing water footprint provided actionable steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

A Call to Urgent Action

As we reflect on the insights gained over these two days, the urgency of addressing climate change, protecting biodiversity, and adopting sustainable practices becomes even clearer. The seminar served as a catalyst for deeper understanding and inspired a collective commitment to building a sustainable future for generations to come.