On 25 August 2023, the United Nations declared January 26 International Clean Energy Day, urging people to raise awareness and take action in transitioning to clean energy in a fair and inclusive manner, benefiting both humanity and the planet.
Currently, most of the world’s energy comes from fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Burning fossil fuels emits pollutants that not only cause air pollution but also release greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which are major contributors to global warming.
According to data from the 29th UN Climate Change Conference held in November last year in Baku, Azerbaijan, global temperatures are nearing the critical 1.5°C threshold. Reports have clearly shown that many natural disasters—particularly floods, droughts, and storms—are closely linked to rising global temperatures. They severely impact humanity worldwide with impoverished populations bearing the brunt. Thus, taking immediate measures is imperative, and developing clean energy is one of the most effective solutions.
Unlike limited fossil fuels, renewable energy is a form of clean energy that is naturally occurring and inexhaustible. Common sources include solar power, wind power, hydropower, bioenergy, and energy from waste and have a far smaller environmental footprint compared to fossil fuels.
January 26 also marks the founding day of the International Renewable Energy Agency, established by the United Nations in 2009. It serves as a platform for international collaboration, supporting countries in transitioning to clean energy. It also provides the necessary technology, data, and innovative solutions, focusing on policies, finance, and investment to accelerate energy transformation.
Pope Francis has been a vocal advocate for climate action, emphasising that “climate is a common good of humanity, belonging to and for the benefit of all.” He has consistently called for ecological conversion, urging humanity to look beyond individual or national interests and instead care for all of creation—not only the natural environment but all life created by God. The pope has encouraged the Church to take a leadership role in ethical care and to stand at the forefront of climate justice.
To live a healthy and joyful life, clean energy and a clean living environment with fresh air are important, but so is having a clean heart.
Today, as we celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God and prepare to enter the Lunar New Year, it is an excellent time for a spiritual deep cleaning. Sweep away the long-buried impurities, bad habits, and negative thoughts within your heart. Through retreats, acts of kindness, self-discipline, and reading the Bible, we can embrace heartfelt repentance and renewal during the Jubilee Year. By doing so, we can show God’s mercy and love to others, especially to non-believers, and remain hopeful in our daily lives. SE
