Pope: Save the Planet Before it’s Too Late
September 2nd, 2007 by Michael van der Galien
Reuters reports (via the New York Times that Pope Benedict has urged world leaders to do something about global warming before it is too late. The Pope said: “A decisive ‘yes’ is needed in decisions to safeguard creation as well as a strong commitment to reverse tendencies that risk leading to irreversible situations of degradation.”
He went on to say that “New generations will be entrusted with the future of the planet, which bears clear signs of a type of development that has not always protected nature’s delicate equilibriums” and that “”Courageous choices that can re-create a strong alliance between man and earth must be made before it is too late.”
The author of the article rightfully points out that the Vatican has become increasingly ‘green’ under the leadership of Pope John first, and Pope Benedict now. Pope Benedict seems to know a lot about this issue and seems to believe it should be a priority for him and the Church.
He is, of course, quite right.
I am one of those people who believe that global warming is real, and that we are slowly but surely destroying the planet we live on and on which we are dependent. I agree with the Pope that something should be done. On the other hand, I also believe that the entire controversy or spectacle surrounding global warming / the environment at this moment is not productive. We have to look at this issue seriously, but we should not automatically dismiss everything critics say. For one thing, we should fight global warming, but we should try to do so with the least damage to our economies possible. Perhaps we will suffer economically in the short run - which is not a problem if doing so means that we save the planet of course - but we should try to limit the economical damage.
Another thing I find frustrating about the global warming debate is that Europe is willing to act - and we are already acting - but that the biggest spoilers or poluters of the world (America and China) seem to see things differently. As I understand it, China is working on this issue, mainly because China has turned into one big cloud of fog. In the US, meanwhile, a lot is said about global warming, but little is done. Of course, Europe should act in its own interest and even in the interest of the rest of the world even if others do not, but as long as America and China do not follow suit, whatever we do will not have the necessary impact.
It is good to see that the Church takes the leadrole on this issue. The Church should not keep silent; the earth is God’s creation, and it seems logical that the Church does her utmost best to preserve it.
This entry was posted on Sunday, September 2nd, 2007 at 5:19 am and is filed under Vatican, Pope Benedict, Christians, Roman Catholics, Global Warming. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
September 2nd, 2007 at 6:03 am
There was an interesting documentary called “Who killed the electric car” made a few years ago that might shed some light on why “going green” doesn’t happen in the US very readily. If one doesn’t automatically dismiss that production as commie left-wing propoganda, one might learn what obstacles we are up against here.
As far as the church taking leadership on the issues of care-of-the-creation, I’ll believe it when I see it. I’ve lived in two of the most pious states in the world, Utah, and Texas, where there are more “churched” per capita than perhaps anywhere, and more venemous critique of the methods of science and environmentalism that goes right along with the passing of the plate in the pews.
In case someone believes that the church has the monopoly on the concerns of the “creation,” check out Powerline.com and review their take on the issues–these guys represent the “values voters.” I respect John Hinderaker as a person (his brother is a friend of mine) and know he is a brilliant lawyer, and a very very Christian man–I wonder if he would agree with this post!
September 2nd, 2007 at 7:46 am
IMO another counter-productive factor in the discussion is the persistent view that European countries seem to have that the U. S. is the patron and they are the clients. If they want to get concessions from the U. S. they might try offering concessions of their own rather than brow-beating.
September 2nd, 2007 at 8:58 am
This a great news if it’s followed up with action. I’ve lowered my carbon footprint over the last two years, and I still have a long way to go to lower it more.
Hopefully his Holiness will spend more time on combating global warming than combating gays.
September 2nd, 2007 at 10:50 am
I don’t have the slightest idea what Dave Schuler is talking about. Concessions? What kind of concessions? Why?
September 2nd, 2007 at 11:20 am
Because that’s what’s done in negotiations. To get something you want that the other party is reluctant to give you offer an inducement.
September 2nd, 2007 at 1:22 pm
I suppose it’s logical that the Pope would come out for the climate change orthodoxy. He, of all people, is used to taking things on faith.
[That one’s just for you, Tully. ;)]
September 2nd, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Here is an observation about the Global Church on the local level. My daughter graduated from and my son currently attends our local parish school. Two years ago the principal made our “stewardship of the planet” a strong theme to the school year. This theme was used in many of the lesson plans, the home and school group had meetings on what we can do to be good stewards and finally there was a manditory meeting for all parents to come and discuss this issue and to come up with ideas for how we can be responsible stewards. During the discussion portion someone brought up the idea of recycling the numerous plastic bottles and aluminum cans used during lunch. There was immediate interest in the idea which would have a significant impact. Hundreds of these bottles are used each lunch period which adds up to thousands plus each year. Sadly, the principal immediately dismissed the idea as impractical. Perhaps this is too cyncial and jaded but whenever I hear the Church preaching about good stewardship I reflect on how my parish had the chance to make a significant impact and dismissed it out of hand. It is now difficult to take them seriously on this issue.
September 2nd, 2007 at 5:31 pm
David,
And then you compromise. In this case the compromises that those who oppose the idea of doing anything really win. A fig leaf is created and worn proudly as though something will really be done when in fact the only things that many of the deniers want is to be able to say they’ve done something when in fact they haven’t. For all practical purposes everything just goes on as now. Maybe we can set up some study committees that will take a decade or two to come up with some results after which the research that would be necessary based on their work can take another decade or two and so on and so forth.
Look at Simon’s comment, whether he meant it or not. Look at how very common that type of thing is among conservatives in this country. So I asked what kind of concessions you meant. Join in on denying that there’s a problem? Or at least shut up about the fact that there is one?
September 3rd, 2007 at 6:45 am
I appreciiated the ‘before it’s too late’ phrase in the Pope’s message. I thoughtt at first that Gore was being too alarmist, but the way things are going, we are in danger of arguing the issue to death, until it is, indeed, too late
The endless excuses for not facing up to a critical challenge may well sabotage any efforts to deal with it. But China… but Eirope… but India,,, bit ut will be tooi hard,,,.but it will take too long.