Cardinal Parolin calls for an ethical agreement at COP21
(Vatican Radio) Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, addressed the COP21 summit on climate change on Monday, emphasizing the need for an agreement with a “clear ethical slant”.
COP21, also known as the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, aims to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C.
The Cardinal Secretary of State continually made reference to the Pope’s recent speech at the United Nations Office in Nairobi, in which he expressed hope for a “transformative and global” agreement based on the values of “solidarity, justice, equality and participation”.
He also made reference to Pope Francis' recent encyclical Laudato si', saying "A great cultural, spiritual and educational challenge stands before us, and it will demand that we set out on the long path of renewal." (Laudato si', n.202)
Cardinal Parolin spoke in the name of the Holy Father, telling the participants that the Pope desires a binding document which aims towards three concrete objectives: to “lessen the effects of climate change, fight against poverty, and enable the dignity all human beings”.
He said “we all know that the people most vulnerable and exposed to the effects of climate change are the poor and future generations…”, those who are not responsible for the change in the first instance. He strongly stated that “there is no room for mindless globalization”.
The Cardinal went on to say that developed countries ought to set a good example for poorer parts of the world, mentioning the development of low carbon economies and sustainable development programmes in particular, along with the promotion of renewable and efficient energy.
He concluded by saying that “our throwaway culture is unsustainable” and reiterated Pope Francis’ desire for a long-term ethical agreement which should aim to “lessen the effects of climate change, fight against poverty, and enable the dignity all human beings”.
