Pope Links Storms, Droughts To Climate Change

From the Vatican:

Addressing the bishops gathered in the Museu das Amazônias, Museum of the Amazonias, Pope Leo said: “You chose hope and action over despair, building a global community that works together.” And while recognizing that progress has been made, he emphasized that it is “not enough” and that “hope and determination must be renewed, not only in words and aspirations, but also in concrete actions.”

“Creation is crying out in floods, droughts, storms, and relentless heat,” he said, noting that “one in three people live in great vulnerability because of these climate changes.” To them, climate change is not a distant threat, and to ignore these people is to deny our shared humanity. The Pope stressed that while there is still time to keep the rise in global temperature below 1.5°C, the window is closing. “As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to act swiftly, with faith and prophecy, to protect the gift He entrusted to us.”

Pope Leo then went on to emphasize that the Paris Agreement, too, has made real progress, describing it as “our strongest tool for protecting people and the planet.” But, he added, we must be honest: “it is not the Agreement that is failing; we are failing in our response. What is failing is the political will of some. True leadership means service, and support at a scale that will make a difference. Stronger climate actions will create stronger and fairer economic systems. Strong climate actions and policies—both are an investment in a more just and stable world.”

Bringing his message to a close, the Pope recalled the work of the scientists, leaders and pastors of every nation and creed alongside whom we walk. We, he said, are guardians of creation, “not rivals for its spoils.”