Brigid Iannelli, a first-year American Studies student at the University of Notre Dame, recently penned a thought-provoking column urging her peers to consider the moral and religious implications of climate change.
Drawing upon her Catholic faith, Iannelli emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship as an expression of the biblical commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself.”
Iannelli, who hails from Chicago, acknowledged the competitive and high-pressure environment of college life but encouraged students to think beyond their personal ambitions and reflect on the kind of world they want to leave for future generations.
She highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on low-income countries, which, despite contributing minimally to the crisis, face severe consequences such as natural disasters and crop failures.
Connecting her message to Notre Dame’s ethos of “being a force for good,” Iannelli urged her peers to address these inequities through collective and individual actions.
“As Notre Dame students, we frequently hear about ‘being a force for good,’ not just on our campus, but in the world,” wrote Iannelli. “Climate change certainly ties into this saying in addition to the notion of loving our neighbor. Many low-income countries feel its effects more severely than we do in the United States, especially in terms of natural disasters and loss of crops — even though they are some of the smallest contributors to the climate crisis.”
She suggested practical measures like voting, conserving energy, reducing waste, and making sustainable lifestyle choices.
While admitting she is not an expert on climate science or politics, Iannelli argued that faith-based principles offer a valuable guide for addressing complex global challenges.
Her column reflects a broader conversation among young people about the intersection of religion, morality, and environmental responsibility.
Iannelli’s call to action underscores the potential for the Notre Dame community to channel its values into meaningful efforts to protect the planet, a cause she believes is essential for future generations.