In a compelling declaration, Pope Francis, now 86, asserts that the world is on the brink of collapse due to irreversible climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for concrete measures to address the crisis. The pontiff, renowned for his stance on environmental issues, is calling on participants in the upcoming COP28 climate talks, scheduled to commence on November 30 in Dubai, to commit to binding policies aimed at phasing out fossil fuels.
In a 12-page follow-up to his groundbreaking 2015 thesis on the devastating impact of human-induced climate change, Pope Francis expresses deep concern over the inadequacy of global responses. He warns that the world is approaching a critical breaking point, emphasizing the need for swift and decisive action.
“With the passage of time, I have realized that our responses have not been adequate, while the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point,” states Pope Francis in his latest message.
The pontiff sees the upcoming UN climate talks as a pivotal opportunity for change, provided participants commit to binding agreements. He stresses the importance of transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources like wind and solar power, urging a collective commitment to initiate meaningful change.
Pope Francis believes that only a genuine dedication to change can restore credibility to international politics, as he reflects on the past eight years since his initial climate change thesis. In 2015, the pope aligned himself and the global Catholic Church with the scientific consensus attributing climate change to human activities.
Acknowledging the existence of dissenting voices, even within the Church, Pope Francis dismisses “certain dismissive and scarcely reasonable opinions.” He underscores the undeniable evidence of climate change, stating, “Despite all attempts to deny, conceal, gloss over or relativize the issue, the signs of climate change are here and increasingly evident.”
As the world eagerly anticipates the COP28 climate talks, the pope’s urgent call to action resonates, emphasizing the need for a united and resolute global effort to combat the existential threat posed by climate change.
