Season Of Creation: Archbishop Martins Demands Tougher Environmental Policies

The Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has called for tougher environmental policies and stronger enforcement by governments, industries, farmers and local authorities to curb pollution, protect water sources and ensure access to clean water and proper sanitation.

Martins made the call in a homily marking the 2026 Season Of Creation, which runs from September 1 to October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

He urged governments to adopt policies that guarantee access to safe and nutritious food while ensuring that the benefits of biodiversity are shared equitably.

The archbishop warned against the “mindless exploitation” of nature, saying economic systems must be reviewed to prevent short-term gains from undermining long-term environmental sustainability.

He also appealed to churches, mosques, other faith groups and local communities to support environmental projects, encourage food cultivation and promote responsible attitudes towards nature.

Martins specifically urged authorities, industries and farmers to protect water sources, improve waste management and end practices that pollute the environment.

Speaking on the theme of the 2026 Season of Creation: “Immersion in Living Water,” he said the period provides Christians with an opportunity to combine prayer and reflection with practical action to protect the environment.

He stressed that access to clean water and proper sanitation should be treated as a priority in homes, schools, healthcare facilities, churches and mosques.

Citing Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, Martins said environmental degradation and poverty were closely linked, noting that “the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are inseparable.”

He called for stronger environmental education that combines scientific knowledge with ethical and spiritual values, urging parents, catechists and religious leaders to teach people to take greater responsibility for their surroundings.

“Every year, Christians around the world are invited to pause and remember a truth at the heart of our faith: creation is a gift of God and we are called to care for it,” Martins said.

He urged individuals to become active stewards of the environment, saying, “Respect your environment, hold yourself accountable for the sustenance of the earth, and be a true steward of creation.”

The 2026 Season of Creation also coincides with the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, whose values of humility, simplicity, peace and care for nature, according to the Church, offer lessons for tackling environmental degradation, excessive materialism, social division and the absence of peace.