On Sept. 21, over 300,000 people from all over the U.S., including groups from every faith tradition and denomination, marched in New York City. It was a colorful, joyful, powerful and energizing event for all participants. The March called on world leaders, gathered for the United Nations Climate Summit 2014, to develop real plans to reduce the causes of climate change and to commit funding to help affected populations in coastal and island regions adapt to changes already affecting their lives.
The March was led by indigenous people and representatives of poor nations, who have done little to contribute to greenhouse gases and have not benefited from fossil fuel use and development, as most of us have.
In 2011, Pope Benedict addressed world delegates to climate negotiations:
I hope that all members of the international community can agree on a responsible, credible and supportive response to the worrisome and complex phenomenon [global climate change], keeping in mind the needs of the poorest populations and of future generations.
The Pontifical Academy of Sciences said recently:
Failure to mitigate climate change will violate our duty to the vulnerable of the Earth. All nations must ensure that their actions are strong enough and prompt enough to address the increasing impact and growing risk of climate change and to avoid catastrophic irreversible consequences.
A sign carried by some marchers summed up the need for all of us to act: "There is no Plan(et) B." This is our only home, which we must keep life-giving and sustainable.
So, as we await Pope Francis' upcoming encyclical on care of creation, we can take action:
The March was led by indigenous people and representatives of poor nations, who have done little to contribute to greenhouse gases and have not benefited from fossil fuel use and development, as most of us have.
In 2011, Pope Benedict addressed world delegates to climate negotiations:
I hope that all members of the international community can agree on a responsible, credible and supportive response to the worrisome and complex phenomenon [global climate change], keeping in mind the needs of the poorest populations and of future generations.
The Pontifical Academy of Sciences said recently:
Failure to mitigate climate change will violate our duty to the vulnerable of the Earth. All nations must ensure that their actions are strong enough and prompt enough to address the increasing impact and growing risk of climate change and to avoid catastrophic irreversible consequences.
A sign carried by some marchers summed up the need for all of us to act: "There is no Plan(et) B." This is our only home, which we must keep life-giving and sustainable.
So, as we await Pope Francis' upcoming encyclical on care of creation, we can take action:
- Go to www.catholicclimatecovenant.org for newsletter, teaching and resources; while there, take the St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation and the Poor.
- Have a home energy audit. Retrofit to save energy and $$: Visit www.EnergizeCT.com for info.
- Sign a petition calling all nations to take meaningful action to reduce the causes and effects of climate change, especially on the poorest and most vulnerable.
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