We are invited to mark the United Nation’s (UN) International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. This day aims to educate us all about the damaging effects of war and armed conflict on the environment.
The devastation of war and conflict goes even further than those tragically dead and wounded soldiers and civilians, destroyed cities and livelihoods. The environments in which people live become a forgotten victim of war. Water wells are polluted, crops torched, forests cut down, soils poisoned and animals killed to gain military advantage.
This UN Day on 6 November each year is an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the role of war has on damaging the natural environment. Let us pray, work and advocate for ways to limit environmental destruction caused by armed conflict.
God of Life, you are present in the whole of creation and in the smallest of creatures. May we truly love, respect and protect our Earth and all her people. Encourage us we pray, in our struggle for justice, love, peace and an end to all war and conflict. Amen.
