Scottish Catholic Observer

The secretary general of the United Nations met with Pope Francis today before addressing a Vatican conference on climate change and commending the Holy Father for his moral leadership.

Ban Ki-moon (above) said he had a ‘fruitful and wide ranging conversation’ with the Pope and told participants at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences conference that science and religion are not at odds on climate change.

“Mitigating climate change and adapting to its effects are necessary to eradicate extreme poverty, reduce inequality and secure equitable, sustainable economic development,” the secretary general said. “That is why I say climate change is the defining issue of our time. Responding to it effectively is essential for sustainable development.

“Climate change is intrinsically linked to public health, food and water security, migration, peace and security. It is a moral issue. It is an issue of social justice, human rights and fundamental ethics.”

Mr Ban added that we have a ‘profound responsibility to the fragile web of life on this Earth, and to this generation and those that will follow.’

“That is why it is so important that the world’s faith groups are clear on this issue—and in harmony with science,” he said. “Science and religion are not at odds on climate change. Indeed, they are fully aligned.

“Together, we must clearly communicate that the science of climate change is deep, sound and not in doubt. Climate change is occurring—now—and human activities are the principal cause.

“Those who suffer first and worst are those who did least to cause it: the poor and most vulnerable members of society. Around the world, I have seen how floods, droughts, rising sea levels and increasingly severe storms are causing terrible harm, and prompting families to migrate, often at great peril.

“As His Holiness Pope Francis has said, ‘we need to see, with the eyes of faith… the link between the natural environment and the dignity of the human person.’”

“Pope Francis has been one of the world’s most impassioned moral voices on these issues, and I applaud his leadership,” he continued. “The United Nations, too, champions the disadvantaged and the vulnerable. We share a belief in the inherent dignity of all individuals and the sacred duty to care for and wisely manage our natural capital.

“That is why we work in partnership with governments, the private sector, civil society and faith-based groups. If ever there were an issue that requires unity of purpose, it is climate change.

“We are currently on course for a rise of 4-5 degrees Celsius. This would alter life on Earth as we know it. This is morally indefensible.”

Earlier Cardinal Peter Turkson, the president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, delivered an address to the conference calling for a ‘full conversion of hearts and minds, habits and lifestyles, structures and institutions.’

In September, Pope Francis will address the United Nations special summit on sustainable development.

Pic: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addressed the Vatican climate change summit today on the moral dimensions of climate change and its impact on the poor

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