Integrated ecology is an approach expressed in Pope Francis’s 2015 Laudato Si’ encyclical of viewing the climate problem as a comprehensive physiological, social, economic and political problem. As such, it demands a transdisciplinary and integrated approach. The professor who will be appointed to the special Laudato Si’ chair will deepen this approach through research, participation in the already existing dialogue among the university’s sustainability initiatives and participation in a network of international universities.
The special chair has been endowed by Radboud University, Socires, the Kansfonds, the R.C. Maagdenhuis Foundation, the Bevordering van het Katholiek Bijzonder Onderwijs Foundation and the Sobriëtas Foundation.
Identity of Radboud University
The attention given to the Laudato Si’ encyclical is in keeping with the special character of Radboud University. The themes of solidarity, stewardship and equality have always held a special meaning for this university, which arose from the Catholic emancipation movement. The recognition of how Laudato Si’ contributes to thinking about ecology and justice in the spirit of charity and hope is in line with the history and the future of Radboud University as a socially involved institute.
Public event 18 November
The intention of establishing the chair will be explained during the public event Van Klimaatdepressie naar Duurzame Hoop [From Climate Depression to Sustainable Hope], to be held on Friday 18 November 2022. During this conference, organised by the Laudato Si’ Alliance Netherlands and the Socires thinktank in collaboration with Radboud University, the speakers, Bishop Gerard de Korte and climate activist Rozemarijn van ’t Einde, will each give a lecture on their efforts for Creation. This will be followed by workshops on sustainability as seen from diverse perspectives ranging from sustainable food or the philosophy of sustainability to climate psychology and monastic communities who till their land ecologically.