Well before Pope Francis's
Laudato si' encyclical was released Thursday, right-wing American politicians such as presidential wannabes Rick Santorum, Marco Rubio and Jeb‽ Bush had made it clear they planned to ignore what he was going to say just as they have ignored climate scientists.
Over the past 25 years, the lucrative spouting of scientific illiteracy by a multitude of their ilk has been part of the fossil-fool cabal's whole effort to shape environmental and energy policy in ways that exacerbate rather than ameliorate the impacts of global warming. And there is no reason to expect them to change now even though many of them surely know somewhere in their brains that what they keep telling audiences about climate change is recklessly bogus.
No need to hear anything more from them. Especially not some version of the-Pope-should-mind-his-own-business. Instead, let's look at what a few environmental advocates had to say about an encyclical that includes:
Climate change is a global problem with grave implications: environmental, social, economic, political and for the distribution of goods. It represents one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day. Its worst impact will probably be felt by developing countries in coming decades. [...]
Many of those who possess more resources and economic or political power seem mostly to be concerned with masking the problems or concealing their symptoms, simply making efforts to reduce some of the negative impacts of climate change. However, many of these symptoms indicate that such effects will continue to worsen if we continue with current models of production and consumption. There is an urgent need to develop policies so that, in the next few years, the emission of carbon dioxide and other highly polluting gases can be drastically reduced, for example, substituting for fossil fuels and developing sources of renewable energy. Worldwide there is minimal access to clean and renewable energy. There is still a need to develop adequate storage technologies. Some countries have made considerable progress, although it is far from constituting a significant proportion. Investments have also been made in means of production and transportation which consume less energy and require fewer raw materials, as well as in methods of construction and renovating buildings which improve their energy efficiency. But these good practices are still far from widespread.
Lucy Cadena of Friends of the Earth International:
Pope Francis is right to say that there is a moral imperative to act on climate change with the utmost urgency and ambition. He is a friend of the earth and of the poorest and most vulnerable. Addressing climate change is a matter of justice: those who have contributed least to causing the crisis are suffering the greatest consequences. [...]
Pope Francis is echoing the demands of communities and movements around the world who want real solutions now. We need measures that benefit everyone and not corporate-driven false solutions.
There are more responses below fold.
Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune:
Pope Francis’s guidance as a pastor and a teacher shines a light on the moral obligation we all share to address the climate crisis that transcends borders and politics. This Encyclical underscores the need for climate action not just to protect our environment, but to protect humankind and the most vulnerable communities among us. The vision laid out in these teachings serves as inspiration to everyone across the world who seeks a more just, compassionate, and healthy future.
The Pope's historic message comes at a critical moment. Momentum is building for significant action during international negotiations in Paris and beyond to transition the world from fossil fuels to a healthy and just clean energy economy. The Pope’s Encyclical will only help continue that momentum, and we are excited to hear him bring this message of care and compassion to New York, Washington and Philadelphia later this year.
Rhea Suh, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council:
The pope’s message applies to all of us, regardless of our faith. He is imploring people of good will everywhere to honor our moral obligation to protect future generations from the dangers of further climate chaos by embracing our ethical duty to act.
Scores of millions of the world’s poorest people are living on the front lines of climate disaster. All too often it is the most vulnerable among us—infants and children, expectant mothers, the elderly and the infirm - who suffer first and are hurt the worst from the hazards and harm of climate change.
We all have a responsibility, as the pontiff reminds us, to do better—by the planet and by our fellow human beings.
Kassie Siegel of the Center for Biological Diversity:
The pope’s bold call for climate action puts President Obama and other world leaders in the hot seat. Unless governments act now, global warming will devastate our environment and inflict horrific suffering on the world’s poorest people. [...]
Pope Francis just highlighted our moral duty to protect vulnerable people and our environment from global warming. In the face of that terrifying threat, President Obama’s ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy is an ethical and scientific disaster. To truly fight climate change, the United States must move quickly away from dirty fossil fuels and help developing countries leapfrog into a clean energy future.
350.org's Fossil Free project took an action-oriented approach in response to the Pope's encyclical:
1) Urge your own faith leaders to join the call for climate action. Pope Francis’ encyclical could be a turning point for global climate action, especially if it involves more than Catholics—but everyone. We need all faith leaders to back the moral urgency of climate action. No matter your religious background, will you ask your church or religious leaders to join this global call? [...]
2) Urge your local diocese, church, or community group to divest from fossil fuels.
Already over 45 churches and religious groups have divested from fossil fuels. You can start a campaign in your own community. If it’s wrong to wreck the planet, then it’s wrong to profit from that wreckage.