The Letter: A Message for Our Earth
In 2015, Pope Francis wrote an encyclical titled “Laudato si’, mi’ Signore” (Italian “may God’s blessings be upon him”), expounding on the relationship between man and nature, and calling for the protection of the environment to deal with the impact of environmental climate change.
In Laudato Si, Pope Francis argues that climate change is a global problem that affects everyone and is primarily caused by human activities. He called for a rethink and use of natural resources, and for more responsibility and solidarity in dealing with environmental issues. He also highlights the moral and spiritual dimensions of these issues, and their call to action is one of the most pressing issues of our time.
It has been almost eight years since the Pope wrote the letter. There are also voices and stories that are unheard. These voices come from the poor and disenfranchised, locals, young people and wildlife. The Youtube Originals film The Letter: A Message for Our Earth documents the stories of five people chosen by the Vatican to represent these voices.
Representing the poor, Arouna Kandé from Senegal is a climate refugee whose family can no longer continue their centuries-old farming and herding tradition due to extreme droughts and expanding deserts caused by global warming. Indigenous voices were represented by Cacique Dadá, a community leader of the Borarí people living in the indigenous territory of Maró in present-day Brazil’s state of Pará. He has been risking his life fighting illegal loggers and logging companies that are destroying the Amazon because they only see the profit it can bring.
Ridhima Pandey, a young climate activist from India, is a youth spokesperson for environmental protection activities since she was nine years old. She has sued the Indian government and even filed a complaint with the United Nations. Finally, Dr. and Mrs. Greg Asner and Robin Martin represent wild animals. Based in Hawaii, they observe and document the effects of climate change by mapping changes in tropical forests and threatened coral reefs.
The film showcases their first-hand experience with the issue of climate change. Their stories are powerful, often heartbreaking, and more importantly, their stories have never been known to the general public. This was followed by their trip to Rome, where they had a groundbreaking dialogue with the Pope so that the Pope could hear their insights, see their point of view, and find solutions together.
Directed by: Nicolas Brown
