Pope Benedict XVI on Climate Change

Unlike Pope John Paul II, who explicitly stated that climate change was not only a reality but also the responsibility of humanity to work to curb, Pope Benedict XVI has been cautious in the presentation of his concerns. He seems to take climate change as a given, as exhibited in his choice of words when speaking on the topic. However, Pope Benedict XVI encourages more patience and study of the question before conclusions are reached too hastily.

Now, my fellow blogger, Alexham, for whom I have much admiration, has suggested that Pope Benedict XVI’s recent address includes an implicit criticism of a certain quarter of ideologues who speak of global warming as if it were the prelude to world apocalypse. I think that’s right. However, given Pope Benedict’s record on addressing climate change, it seems to me that he is likewise critical of those ideologues who dogmatically deny that humanity has had any role in or affect on climate change. What Pope Benedict XVI is pleading is for all of us to set aside the partisan divide and look at climate change as objectively as possible from a scientific, economic and moral standpoint.

Here are some of Pope Benedict XVI’s previous statements on climate change. Notice the urgency with which he speaks, describing the matter as “grave.” Climate change, for Pope Benedict XVI is a given, and all nations must be concerned over the phenomenon. Thus, I think his comment on the need to be free of “ideological pressure” with regard to climate change covers both the doomsdaying and dogmatic denials.

Preservation of the environment, promotion of sustainable development and particular attention to climate change are matters of grave concern for the entire human family. No nation or business sector can ignore the ethical implications present in all economic and social development. With increasing clarity scientific research demonstrates that the impact of human actions in any one place or region can have worldwide effects. The consequences of disregard for the environment cannot be limited to an immediate area or populus because they always harm human coexistence, and thus betray human dignity and violate the rights of citizens who desire to live in a safe environment. Letter to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople on the Occasion of the Seventh Symposium of the Religion, Science and the Environment Movement

The promotion of sustainable development and particular attention to climate change are indeed matters of grave importance for the entire human family, and no nation or business sector should ignore them. As scientific research demonstrates the worldwide effects that human actions can have on the environment, the complexity of the vital relationship between the ecology of the human person and the ecology of nature becomes increasingly apparent. Address to the New Ambassador of Ireland to the Holy See

I now address a greeting in English to the participants in the International Symposium on the care of the Arctic environment.

Tomorrow, on the west coast of Greenland, His Holiness Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, will open a symposium entitled: “The Arctic: Mirror of Life”. I wish to greet all the participants – various religious leaders, scientists, journalists and other interested parties – and to assure them of my support for their endeavours.

Care of water resources and attention to climate change are matters of grave importance for the entire human family. Encouraged by the growing recognition of the need to preserve the environment, I invite all of you to join me in praying and working for greater respect for the wonders of God’s creation! September 5, 2007 General Audience