Vatican City, October 4, 2023 - In a significant and timely Apostolic Exhortation titled "Laudate Deum," released on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi and coinciding with the opening of the Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis delivers a powerful message addressing the urgent climate crisis and the need for a shift in the technological paradigm.
The document begins with a tribute to Saint Francis of Assisi, known for his deep reverence for all living creatures, setting the stage for the Pope's profound message of environmental stewardship.
Acknowledging that eight years have passed since his Encyclical Letter "Laudato Si'," in which he voiced concerns about the care of our common home, he expresses disappointment in the world's inadequate responses to the escalating climate crisis. He highlights the worsening situation, marked by mounting threats to human lives, healthcare, employment, resources, housing, and forced migrations.
Pope Francis firmly asserts that climate change transcends ecological concerns; it is a global social issue fundamentally intertwined with human dignity. He underscores this by referencing statements from the Bishops of the United States, the Synod for Amazonia, and African bishops, accentuating the gravity of climate change's repercussions.
The document delves into the undeniable indicators of climate change, including extreme weather events, heatwaves, droughts, and rising sea levels. He emphasizes that human-induced climate change is exacerbating these phenomena, amplifying their frequency. He voices apprehensions regarding the potential calamities resulting from a 1.5°C or 2°C temperature increase, including the catastrophic melting of ice caps.
The Pope condemns climate change deniers and draws attention to the alarming acceleration of global warming in recent decades. He rebuffs arguments based on sporadic cold spells, emphasizing the overarching trend of rapid warming. He also rejects the practice of blaming the impoverished for overpopulation, asserting that wealthier nations bear a more significant responsibility for emissions.
Furthermore, he challenges the notion that transitioning to cleaner energy sources will lead to job losses. He argues that climate change itself is already causing job losses due to its adverse impacts. He calls upon political leaders and business magnates to focus on creating green employment opportunities.
The document provides a comprehensive account of the human-induced causes of climate change, citing a substantial surge in greenhouse gas emissions since the Industrial Revolution, with emissions escalating in recent decades.
He cautions against the irrevocable effects of climate change, such as ocean warming, acidification, and ice sheet melting, which will persist for centuries. He stresses the importance of avoiding a critical tipping point where minor changes trigger catastrophic consequences.
The Pope advocates for a broader perspective and a responsible legacy, drawing attention to the interconnectedness highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic's global impact on local events.
Additionally, he addresses the technocratic paradigm underpinning environmental degradation, characterized by prioritizing technology and economic power over ethics, human values, and environmental sustainability. He criticizes the fixation on unbridled growth and the exploitation of natural resources.
He argues against viewing nature as a mere resource, underscoring that humans are an integral part of nature with a responsibility to uphold a healthy ecological equilibrium. He calls for a reevaluation of human power and its constraints, warning against the perils of uncontrolled technological advancement.
Pope Francis decries the unethical exercise of power, facilitated by marketing and misinformation, leading to projects detrimental to the environment and communities. He sounds the alarm on prioritizing financial gain over the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.
Furthermore, he emphasizes the necessity of multilateral agreements among nations to achieve lasting progress in international politics. He warns against conflating multilateralism with the concentration of power in an elite or individual, advocating instead for more effective world organizations with genuine authority and stability. These organizations should remain impervious to shifting political dynamics or the vested interests of a select few.
Expressing regret over the outcome of past global crises like the 2007-2008 financial meltdown and the COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Francis laments the rise of individualism and decreased integration, often benefiting the powerful while disadvantaging the vulnerable.
He calls for a reconfiguration and revitalization of multilateralism to adapt to the new global landscape. Pope Francis underscores the role of civil society organizations in compensating for the shortcomings of the international community. He believes globalization can foster spontaneous cultural exchanges, mutual understanding, and grassroots movements that can exert pressure on those in power, particularly in addressing the climate crisis.
He places paramount importance on safeguarding the dignity of every human being and encourages cooperation between emerging forces and traditional diplomacy to effectively address global challenges. He stresses the necessity for global regulations and decision-making processes that acknowledge the interconnected nature of global issues and promote greater democratization.
The document also retraces the history of climate change conferences, from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to the Paris Agreement and subsequent gatherings. He acknowledges the continued rise in global emissions and calls upon world leaders to commit to binding, efficient, and monitored transitions to cleaner forms of energy to avert catastrophic consequences.
He calls on individuals to recognize that environmental care is not merely an ecological issue but a human and societal problem that affects everyone. He invokes biblical references to underscore the interconnectedness of all living creatures and advocates for shifts in lifestyles and convictions to tackle climate change. While individual efforts are crucial, he underscores the necessity for decisive political actions at national and international levels.
The document concludes with a plea for a cultural transformation away from unsustainable lifestyles and an acknowledgment of the significance of collective action in combating climate change and environmental degradation. He expresses hope that the forthcoming COP28 in Dubai will yield resolute commitments to energy transition and underscores the responsibility of those in positions of power to take substantive action.
In summation, Pope Francis' document is a resounding call for international collaboration, environmental guardianship, and spiritual inspiration in addressing the pressing challenges of our era.
By Dominic Wabwireh
