June 17, 2015
"As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family. When we destroy our forests, ravage our soil and pollute our seas, we betray that noble calling."
- Pope Francis, from prepared remarks for an address to young people in Manila, the Philippines, Jan. 18, 2015, as cited on NCR's Pope's Eco Quotes series
June 17 is the U.N. World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought