Given the prominence of Catholics from the hard-right in the ranks of climate change sceptics, the attached statement of 3 November this year to the UN by the Vatican’s Permanent Observer is an illuminating read!
Of particular note is the call for an “energy strategy … able to … address the problems of climate change” and “capable of launching a peaceful transition towards a more efficient global economy which seeks to lower energy consumption and use of fossil fuels”.
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This one is probably worth a reference too – see in particular the statement “The scientific evidence for global warming and for humanity’s role in the increase of greenhouse gases becomes ever more unimpeachable, as the IPCC findings are going to suggest; and such activity has a profound relevance, not just for the environment, but in ethical, economic, social and political terms as well. The consequences of climate change are being felt not only in the environment, but in the entire socio-economic system and, as seen in the findings of numerous reports already available, they will impact first and foremost the poorest and weakest who, even if they are among the least responsible for global warming, are the most vulnerable because they have limited resources or live in areas at greater risk. … Many of the most vulnerable societies, already facing energy problems, rely upon agriculture, the very sector most likely to suffer from climatic shifts”.
The Intervention goes on to argue: “Thus, in order to address the double challenge of climate change and the need for ever greater energy resources, we will have to change our present model from one of the heedless pursuit of economic growth in the name of development, towards a model which heeds the consequences of its actions and is more respectful towards the Creation we hold in common, coupled with an integral human development for present and future generations”.
So much for Abbott’s “big new tax” argument!
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And, this is the best of them all – an address by the Vatican to the UN in New York in September 2007:
Note the opening section: “Climate change is a serious concern and an inescapable responsibility for scientists and other experts, political and governmental leaders, local administrators and international organizations, as well as every sector of human society and each human person. My delegation wishes to stress the underlying moral imperative that all, without exception, have a grave responsibility to protect the environment”.
It goes on to assert: “the best scientific assessments available have established a link between human activity and climate change. However, the results of these scientific assessments, and the remaining uncertainties, should neither be exaggerated nor minimized in the name of politics, ideologies or self-interest”.
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Finally, Abbott and his colleagues could do worse than to reflect on the Proceedings of a meeting of the Pontifical Council on Climate Change and Development (note the name of the body!!!!), and reports a Message from Benedict XVI to the Vatican-convened Conference on Climate Change in April 2007. In his Message, Benedict XVI urged everyone to adopt “a way of living, models of production and consumption marked by respect for creation and the need for sustainable development of peoples”.
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