Amid mounting ecological disruption, Jesuit universities are being called to bold, coordinated climate action.

The closing plenary of the 2025 Assembly of the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU), held at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia, from June 30 to July 3, focused on “Environmental Justice: Responding to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor.” It brought together leaders from around the world to assess Jesuit universities’ response to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ and to strengthen the network’s role as a driver of ecological and social transformation. 

Understanding the Crisis—and Jesuit Higher Education’s Response

According to the Stockholm Resilience Center, six of nine planetary boundaries have already been transgressed, placing the planet’s stability in serious jeopardy. This crisis, deeply intertwined with poverty, inequality, and displacement, demands systemic change—and higher education institutions are uniquely positioned to lead.

To understand and improve how Jesuit institutions are responding, two landmark surveys were introduced:

· The Society-wide “PAU4 Survey,” presented by Fr. Roberto Jaramillo, S.J. (Society of Jesus’ Secretariat for Social Justice and Ecology), gathered input from over 1,400 Jesuit collaborators across six global regions. It identified widespread efforts in non-“cosmetic” interventions, including education and grassroots initiatives, and opportunities to strengthen and scale impacts.

· The IAJU Eco-Social Inventory, presented by Dr. Michael Schuck (Loyola University Chicago, USA), mapped 355 earth-care practices across four dimensions of university life: institutional operations, academic affairs, co-curricular engagement, and civic partnerships. The Inventory not only measures existing efforts but also serves as a resource for sharing best practices and inspiring action.

The following best practices, drawn from plenary presentations, offer a roadmap for Jesuit university leaders ready to embrace this call to ecological justice.

1. Make Environmental Leadership a Strategic Priority

“If we want to build ecological citizenship, the president must make it a top priority.” —Dr. Nancy Tuchman, Loyola University Chicago (USA)

Action:

· Embed environmental goals in strategic plans and mission statements.

· Back leadership with budget and executive-level accountability.

· Align infrastructure planning and financial decisions with sustainability targets.

2. Integrate Ecology Across the Curriculum

“Every student should graduate with an understanding of the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.” —Fr. François Kaboré, Kosyam Jesuit University (Burkina Faso)

Best Practices:

· Require interdisciplinary environmental justice courses. · Promote experiential learning initiatives like SAHAAYA at St. Aloysius University, India.

· Encourage research that bridges environmental science, ethics, and policy.

3. Use the Campus as a Living Laboratory

Action:

· Implement sustainable operations—zero-waste systems, renewable energy, efficient water use.

· Invite students and staff to co-create, monitor, and refine green practices.

· Publicly showcase progress to build institutional pride and accountability.

4. Expand Civic Engagement and Global Collaboration

“We must collaborate—not just care but collaborate—to protect our common home.” —Fr. Roberto Jaramillo, S.J., Society of Jesus’ Secretariat for Social Justice and Ecology (Italy)

Strategies:

· Engage with local and global climate justice networks, NGOs, government agencies, and local agencies, including the ongoing COP30 campaign.

· Amplify student-led advocacy and intergenerational action.

5. Empower Faculty, Students, and Staff

“Integral ecology is part of our integral formation—academic, spiritual, and communal.” —Dr. María Adelaida Farah Quijano, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Colombia)

Implementation:

· Offer environmental justice training for faculty and administrators.

· Include ecological formation in Jesuit and lay leadership programs.

· Create cross-campus teams to champion sustainability efforts.

6. Track Progress and Share What Works

“Regardless of institutional size, we can—and must—do more.” —Dr. Michael Schuck, Loyola University Chicago (USA)

Tools:

· Use the IAJU Eco-Social Inventory and PAU4 Survey to assess performance and guide action.

· Encourage peer learning through regional exchanges and virtual forums.

· Identify gaps and target areas—especially in curriculum and research—for deeper investment.

7. Foster Dialogue, Reflection, and Ecological Spirituality

“Dialogue is a tool of reconciliation. It’s how we begin to transform.” —Dr. Christopher Bacon, Santa Clara University (USA)

Practice:

· Promote campus dialogues rooted in Ignatian reflection on justice and ecology.

· Incorporate Laudato Si’ retreats and spiritual formation that links care for creation with care for the poor.

· Encourage diverse perspectives and intercultural and inter-institutional collaboration in environmental decision-making.

Final Call to Action

Jesuit universities have the mission, the network, and opportunity to shape a global response to the climate crisis. By committing to ecological citizenship, academic integration and leadership, and community collaboration, they can be bold agents of justice and reconciliation.

As COP30 approaches, Jesuit leaders are invited to walk the path of Laudato Si’ with conviction, courage, and creativity—responding not just with words, but with transformative action.