Q&A: The Pope’s New Document on Climate Change Is a ‘Throwdown’ Call for Action – Inside Climate News

Interview with Christiana Zenner on Pope Francis’ Climate Message

Introduction

From our collaborating partner “Living on Earth,” public radio’s environmental news magazine, an interview by Producer Paloma Beltran with Christiana Zenner, an associate professor in the Department of Theology at Fordham University in New York.

Pope Francis’ Climate Action

In June 2015, Pope Francis published a groundbreaking document called Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, which made a theological case for climate action. Now, eight years later, the Pope has released an even bolder update titled Laudate Deum, or Praise God. In this document, Pope Francis condemns climate denial and calls for urgent climate action. The Roman Catholic Church, led by Pope Francis, is the largest Christian denomination with over a billion followers worldwide.

Expert Analysis by Christiana Zenner

Christiana Zenner, an associate professor in the Department of Theology at Fordham University, is currently working on a book about the Pope’s writings on the climate. According to Zenner, Laudate Deum is a shorter and more focused document compared to Laudato Si’. It emphasizes the realities of climate crises, particularly anthropogenic climate change, as a moral, ecological, and social problem. The document calls for the responsibility of all people to take action to address these issues.

Specific Citations and Critiques

Laudate Deum includes specific citations of scientific research and addresses various arguments related to climate denial. Pope Francis critiques these arguments by highlighting additional relevant data that supports the reality of climate change and its acceleration. The document also explicitly calls out the United States for its high rates of consumption compared to other nations.

The Catholic Church and Science

Zenner highlights the strong relationship between the Catholic Church and science in Laudate Deum. The document includes numerous citations to scientific consensus documents, such as those from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This demonstrates the Catholic Church’s engagement with contemporary sciences and its recognition of the implications of anthropogenic climate change.

Surprising Elements in Laudate Deum

Zenner expresses surprise at the direct and concise nature of Laudate Deum. She praises the Pope for his clear and irrefutable arguments on climate change, economic growth, consumerism, and the technocratic paradigm. Additionally, Zenner finds it fascinating that Pope Francis cites feminist philosopher of science Donna Haraway, despite her critical views on institutionalized Catholicism. This citation raises questions about the Pope’s intentions and the inclusion of women’s voices within the Church.

Pope Francis’ Focus on COP28

Pope Francis specifically mentions COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, in Laudate Deum. He emphasizes the need for decisive action and binding forms of energy transition that are efficient, obligatory, and readily monitored. The document also defends climate activists and calls for a multilateralism from below, highlighting the importance of their voices in addressing climate change.

Implications and Expectations for Catholics

Laudate Deum serves as an authoritative document that can be accessed by anyone in the world. It is expected to be a resource for nonprofit organizations, church branches, and parish communities interested in theological reflection, ethical action, and possibly activism. The engagement of formal representatives of the Church, especially in the United States, remains to be seen.

Conclusion

The interview concludes with gratitude for Christiana Zenner’s insights on Laudate Deum and anticipation for the impact of this concise and powerful document.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning
   • Target 13.a: Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible
   • Target 13.b: Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing states, including focusing on women, youth, and local and marginalized communities

   The article discusses Pope Francis’ call for urgent climate action and his condemnation of climate denial. It highlights the need for all people to take action to address climate crises. This aligns with SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The targets mentioned in the article are related to strengthening resilience, integrating climate change measures into policies, improving education and awareness, mobilizing financial resources, and promoting capacity-building in developing countries.

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development

   The article mentions the need to improve education and awareness-raising on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning. This aligns with SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The target mentioned in the article focuses on acquiring knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including education for sustainable development.

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
   • Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse
   • Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature

   The article mentions Pope Francis calling out the high rates of consumption in the U.S. compared to other nations. This aligns with SDG 12, which aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. The targets mentioned in the article are related to the sustainable management of natural resources, waste reduction, and promoting awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Source: insideclimatenews.org

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