New Mexico nun honored for environmental efforts

Sister Joan Brown of Albuquerque, New Mexico was one of 12 people recognized during the White House’s recent Champions of Change program, which honored Americans who have worked to promote green practices and education.

“We are excited to recognize extraordinary people of faith, from across the country, who are acting on climate to protect our planet from harmful climate change impacts,”  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy said. “Many of our faith leaders understand that it is our moral obligation to help preserve a healthy planet for generations to come and are heeding President Obama’s call for community-led climate efforts.”

A Franciscan Sister from the community in Rochester, Minnesota, Brown was honored for her work as the executive director of New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light, which encourages faith communities and individuals to take action on energy efficiency, renewable energy and local food. The organization also encourages people of faith to consider the moral implications of local, state and federal public policy.

Brown also works with a number of other organizations, including the Partnership for Earth Spirituality, OXFAM and the National Catholic Reporter.