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 [1] series
June 17 is the U.N. World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought [2]