Business and the Earth: A dialogue on the private sector’s role in the green transition through the prism of Laudato Si’

Businesses produce almost everything we buy, use, eat and throw away, thus playing a critical role in driving resource depletion and climate change and, conversely, in determining whether and how societies can halt these problems. In his book ‘Business and the Earth: A Reflection on Laudato Si’’, JESC Secretary for Ecology Edmond Grace SJ argues that Pope Francis’ encyclical should be interpreted not as a critique of business, but as a call to dialogue between nature and its boundaries and the production of wealth. In this regard, while the business world faces complex challenges in aligning itself with the paradigm of sustainability, it can also play a leading role and contribute to innovative solutions to prevent and mitigate the effects of environmental degradation and climate change on the planet and its people.

This webinar will provide an opportunity to engage in a dialogue on the ethical background, the legal and policy frameworks for corporate responsibility, as well as existing good practices that can inform this important question. From corporate social and environmental responsibility to human rights accountability, to diving into the business operational and financial perspective on climate adaptation and mitigation, this discussion will offer concrete directions as to how the Laudato Si’ spirit and the Integral Ecology paradigm can decisively contribute to transformative change for the care of our Common Home.