The Office of Religious Congregations for Integral Ecology

Education

Earth for Sale — Book Launch and Discussion on the Financialization of Nature with Maude Barlow

On June 25, ORCIE hosted a rich and timely online conversation with author and activist Maude Barlow on her newest book, Earth for Sale: The Fight to Stop the Last Plunder of the Planet. This book came at a pivotal moment—just after the Bishops of the Global South released their manifesto ahead of COP30, A Call for Climate Justice and the Common Home: Ecological Conversion, Transformation and Resistance to False Solutions, raising the urgent question: “Who is destroying the Earth, and who is offering false solutions?” 

Together, we explored how the growing financialization of nature is reshaping decisions about land, water, forests, and biodiversity, highlighting why protecting the commons is essential to safeguarding our shared future.

Maude reminded us that, from an Integral Ecology perspective, human rights and the rights of nature are inseparable, each depends on the other for true justice and sustainability. She spoke of promising legal developments, where rivers, forests, and ecosystems have been granted legal personhood and recognized as rights-bearing entities, like the Mag Pie river in Canada. These “rights of nature” affirm that ecosystems have the inherent right to exist, regenerate, and evolve.

One of the highlights of the discussion was Maude’s observation about the striking need to pay attention to the recent release of Canada’s Nature Strategy. The Strategy’s framing raises deep concerns about the potential financialization of nature in Canada and the loosening of environmental protections.

Maude’s reflections underscored the importance of beginning a deeper dialogue in Canada about how the principles presented in the book might inform our own environmental and moral commitments. As Maude reminded us so poignantly, “we owe it to our kids” to ensure that the natural world they inherit is not commodified, but cherished and protected as part of our shared home. 

Webinar Recording: From Belém to Canada—ORCIE at COP30: Insights and Future Advocacy Paths

This webinar reflects on ORCIE’s presence at COP30 in Belém and examines why civil society—and faith communities in particular—play a crucial role in global climate negotiations. We reflect on how religious orders bring a moral and relational perspective to international climate negotiations, and how ORCIE shared our vision for climate justice grounded in Integral Ecology, peace, and solidarity with communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis. We share concrete stories from Brazil where civil society shaped dialogue, where ORCIE built partnerships with Global South leaders, and engaged Canadian delegates on the ethical dimensions of climate policy. The webinar also considers what COP30 revealed about Canada’s actions and silences on the world stage, and how these insights are informing ORCIE’s ongoing advocacy in Canada to advance climate justice, address ecological debt, and stand in solidarity with communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

[Watch the French Translation here: De Belém au Canada — BCRÉI à la COP30 : réflexions et pistes pour l’avenir ]

As we move forward, your voice is essential. We’re inviting supporters to join the Turn Debt Into Hope parliamentary paper petition (EN/FR)—an opportunity to gather signatures, meet with your MP, and help build the public pressure needed for Canada to act on debt justice and climate finance.

ORCIE at the CRC JPIC Coffee Hour: Federal Budget and Economic Justice

On October 27, 2025, ORCIE’s Executive Director, Genevieve Gallant, joined the Canadian Religious Conference (CRC) JPIC Coffee Hour to reflect on federal budget choices through the lens of economic justice and integral ecology.

Her timely intervention, following the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, highlighted how military spending and program cuts affect vulnerable communities, and underscored the need for a just transition plan rooted in systemic change.

This resource showcases ORCIE’s commitment to climate justice and coalition-building, and the importance of faith-based voices in shaping public discourse.

Read the full summary on the CRC website: CRC JPIC Coffee Hour – October 27, 2025.

Webinar Recording- Canada for Global Climate Justice

On September 23, 2025, ORCIE/BCRÉI hosted the Canada for Global Climate Justice virtual training as part of Learning & Lobbying Days 2025. The webinar explored how Canada can do its fair share to confront the global climate crisis — not only by reducing emissions, but also by addressing structural inequalities such as debt burdens, climate finance, and cuts to international aid. Participants learned how to prepare for effective meetings with Members of Parliament, frame their advocacy around fairness and solidarity, and use the “Fair Shares Platform” to support clear and compelling policy asks.

Speakers Seth Klein and Anjali Appadurai from the Climate Emergency Unit shared their expertise on domestic and international climate policy and advocacy strategy, offering practical guidance on talking points ahead of the meetings and on mobilization at both the local and national levels. We are pleased to share the video recording and resource materials from this session to support our members in their continued advocacy and upcoming meetings with MPs in their regions.

Loss and Damage Infographic

Climate-related loss and damage is a serious and growing issue, and it’s hitting low-income countries the hardest — even though they contribute the least to global pollution. As climate disasters happen more often and become more severe, these communities suffer the most, losing their homes, jobs, and even their cultural heritage and natural environments. Wealthy countries like Canada have played a big historical role in causing these issues, but they haven’t done enough to help fix them. The Loss and Damage Fund, set up at COP27, was a good start — but the money committed so far isn’t nearly enough to meet the needs of affected nations. This infographic shows why richer countries need to take more responsibility and how Canada can do its part to support those facing the worst of the climate crisis.

Loss and Damage Infographic_Revised2025Download