Pope Francis calls out inadequate efforts to address climate change
Pope Francis on Wednesday called out the less-than-adequate efforts to address climate change.
In his apostolic exhortation, Laudate Deum, the Pope addressed the need to step up the transition to renewable energy, took on climate denialists, called for a new approach to multilateralism, reminded rich countries of their responsibilities, and offered COP28 host, the UAE words of advice.
«With the passage of time, I have realised that our responses have not been adequate while the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point,» the Pope said.
A substantial section of his exhortation — which has come eight years after the Laudato Si delivered ahead of the Paris climate summit — was dedicated to this year's UN climate talks, COP28, to be held in Dubai late this year.
Pope Francis said the «abandonment of fossil fuels is not progressing at the necessary speed». In this context, he critiqued efforts of fossil fuel companies to greenwash their continued exploration, saying «whatever is being done risks being seen only as a ploy to distract attention».
He cautioned that «gas and oil companies are planning new projects...with the aim of further increasing their production».
However, the Pope is not writing off the «capacity of human beings to transcend their petty interests and to think in bigger terms» and said COP28 will allow for a decisive acceleration of energy transition.
«To say that there is nothing to hope for would be suicidal, for it would mean exposing all humanity, especially the poorest, to the worst impacts of climate change,» he said.
Reminding the UAE of its great responsibility, the Pope said COP 28 can represent «a change in direction».
