Eco-Friendly Initiatives at Christ the Redeemer Celebrate Environmental Awareness
RIO DE JANEIRO – In a vibrant display of faith and environmental stewardship, Brazilian Catholic worshippers laid down an eco-friendly carpet in front of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue on Thursday. This event was aimed at raising awareness for the environment as the upcoming UN climate talks loom.
The colorful carpet, made from approximately 1,014 pounds of recycled plastic bottle caps, served as a striking reminder of the importance of recycling and the circular economy. Marcos Martins, an environmental manager at the sanctuary, emphasized the potential dangers of pollution while highlighting how reused materials can play a positive role in celebrations.
Cardinal Orani João Tempesta led celebrations early in the morning, capturing the serene beauty of the scenic view overlooking Guanabara Bay and the famous Sugarloaf mountain. He noted the importance of environmental responsibility, stating that the caps symbolize a collective commitment to protecting the Earth—values deeply rooted in the message of Christ.
This year’s event also honored the late Pope Francis and his environmental encyclical, "Laudato Si’," which calls for moral action towards the care of our planet. The encyclical critiques the imbalance of wealth and the impact of failed economic systems on the environment.
As preparations continue for the upcoming COP30 discussions, marketing director Carlos Lins underscored the relevance of Christ as a powerful symbol for advocating environmental issues. Earlier in the month, the sanctuary hosted various workshops and discussions focused on environmental protection, reinforcing its role in promoting these vital topics.
Brazil has recently faced significant environmental challenges, including severe droughts, wildfires, and devastating floods. In the past week, heavy rains in Rio Grande do Sul tragically claimed at least two lives, once again highlighting the urgent need for attention to ecological issues.
While many scientists point to climate change as a contributing factor to these extreme weather events, the festival at Christ the Redeemer stands as a hopeful reminder that we can come together to protect our planet for future generations.
