“At its core, global climate change is not about economic theory or political platforms, nor about partisan advantage or interest group pressures. It is about the future of God’s creation and the one human family. It is about protecting both ‘the human environment’ and the natural environment.
– United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2001
What is the Catholic Climate Covenant?
The Catholic Climate Covenant offers Catholics a concrete way to live out their faith by caring for God’s Creation and the “least of these” in response to the challenges of global climate change. The Catholic Climate Covenant is an initiative of the U.S. Catholic Bishops and 16 other national Catholic organizations.
Why is climate change an issue for people of faith?
As people of faith, we believe that God created all of life and “found it to be good” (Genesis). Changes in weather patterns as a result of a warming atmostphere are altering what land is inhabitable, where food can be produced and even what species will survive. By learning about this issue and taking an active role in responding, we honor our God who created our incredible home, planet Earth.
What are some of the moral and ethical issues of climate change?
Ethically, we must examine our use of world resources. For example. the United States has 4% of the world’s population but emits 28% of CO2emissions, the greenhouse gas that contributes most significantly to climate change. Morally, we are challenged to consider how our actions will affect the poor and vulnerable of the world. Although the poor contribute the least to climate change, they will suffer its worst consequences.
What is the St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation and the Poor?
The St. Francis Pledge is a promise and a commitment by Catholic individuals, families, parishes, and organizations to live our faith by protecting God’s Creation and advocating on behalf of people in poverty who face the harshest impact of global climate change. There are five elements to the Pledge: Pray, Learn, Act, Assess, and Advocate.