On 16 May 2026 – The Instituto Superior Dom Bosco (ISDB) organized another public seminar entitled “O Impacto da Ação Humana no Meio Ambiente e os Caminhos para a Sustentabilidade: Uma Análise em Perspetiva Científica e Ética Ambiental” (The Impact of Human Action on the Environment and Pathways to Sustainability: An Analysis from Scientific and Environmental Ethics Perspectives). The seminar was delivered by Rev. Fr. Plácido T. Freitas, PhD, as the sole keynote speaker and attracted a diverse audience, including students from various universities as well as members of the general public. The event served as an important platform for discussing contemporary environmental challenges and exploring sustainable solutions from both scientific and ethical perspectives.

During the seminar, Fr. Plácido examined the far-reaching consequences of human activities on the natural environment. He highlighted how industrial development, excessive consumption of natural resources, pollution, and irresponsible human behavior have contributed to environmental degradation on both local and global scales. At the same time, he emphasized that human beings also possess the knowledge, capacity, and moral responsibility to protect and restore the environment. By combining scientific evidence with principles of environmental ethics, the speaker encouraged participants to reflect critically on the relationship between human actions and ecological sustainability.

A key message of the seminar was the importance of environmental awareness and responsible decision-making. Fr. Plácido stressed that many environmental problems arise not only from technological or economic factors but also from ethical choices that prioritize short-term benefits over long-term ecological well-being. He therefore urged the audience to adopt more sustainable lifestyles and to recognize their shared responsibility in preserving the environment for future generations.

Through this initiative, ISDB sought to promote environmental education and raise public awareness about sustainability issues. By inviting a scholar and expert in environmental ethics, the institution aimed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of current environmental challenges. ISDB also hopes that the seminar will inspire students to become active agents of environmental protection and contribute positively to the creation of a more sustainable future.