The U.S.C.C.B. has issued an update on its climate change policy. In the interest of reducing my carbon footprint, I'll link to a digital copy here. Please read it online! And don't forget to feed the gerbils that I presume are powering your computer. Mine are all tuckered out so this will be the last post today from moi.
The U.S.C.C.B. position:
Pope Benedict XVI has continually emphasized the moral dimensions of climate change and our responsibility to care for creation. In his World Day of Peace Message, our Holy Father declares there is an urgent moral need for solidarity with creation and those affected by climate change. The pope insists, “To protect the environment, and to safeguard natural resources and the climate, there is a need to act in accordance with clearly-defined rules ... while at the same time taking into due account the solidarity we owe to those living in the poorer areas of our world and to future generations” (no. 7).
The work of the Bishop’s Conference is guided by the leadership of Pope Benedict XVI and the bishops’ statement, Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence and the Common Good. Our efforts promote prudent action in a very polarized debate. The bishops’ primary concern within the current public debate is to place the needs of the poor and vulnerable at the center of climate legislation. Poor people cannot be made to bear an undue burden of the impacts of climate change or the global adjustments needed to address it.
The bishops and other leaders of the National Religious Partnership for the Environment outlined in a letter to Congress broad agreement on four key principles:
• The principle of prudence requires us to act to protect the common good by addressing climate change.
• The consequences of climate change will be borne by the world’s most vulnerable people and inaction will only worsen their suffering.
• Policies addressing global climate change should enhance rather than diminish the economic situation of people in poverty.
• Policies should help vulnerable populations here and abroad adapt to climate impacts and actively participate in these efforts.
The USCCB supports strong leadership by the United States and policies that protect poor and vulnerable people, at home and abroad, from 1) bearing the most severe impacts of climate change and from 2) the human and economic costs associated with legislation to respond to climate change.
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