{"id":36450,"date":"2020-03-12T18:29:24","date_gmt":"2020-03-12T18:29:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cappusa.wpengine.com\/?page_id=36450"},"modified":"2026-04-27T21:14:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T21:14:35","slug":"climate-change","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/es\/climate-change\/","title":{"rendered":"Climate Change"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Video” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ background_color=”#054368″ height=”35px” height_tablet=”” height_phone=”35px” height_last_edited=”on|phone” max_height=”35px” max_height_tablet=”” max_height_phone=”35px” max_height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” locked=”off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” min_height=”35px” height=”35px” max_height=”35px” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” make_fullwidth=”on” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/climate-change\/#newsletter” button_text=”Join our Newsletter” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”16px” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600|||||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” custom_margin=”2px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”0px|50px|0px|50px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element=”font-family: %22Playfair Display%22″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#ffffff”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”30px||0px” custom_padding_tablet=”||0px|” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#054368″ custom_padding=”||30px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Climate Change<\/h1>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Mosaic (2)” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”750ms” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”90%” max_width=”90%” custom_padding=”0px||50px||false|false” use_custom_width=”on” width_unit=”off” custom_width_percent=”90%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ module_class=”M-2_grid” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Grid Item (1) – gap fill” module_class=”M-2_grid-item M-2_grid-item1 grid-item_gap-fill” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#ffffff” global_colors_info=”{}” filter_opacity__hover=”50%”][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Grid Item (1)” module_class=”M-2_grid-item M-2_grid-item1 fade-text” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” text_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” header_font=”||||||||” background_image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/father-son-child-nature-woods-environment-parent-planting-tree.jpg” text_orientation=”center” hover_transition_delay=”50ms” hover_transition_speed_curve=”ease-in-out” global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” text_text_color__hover=”#084369″ filter_opacity__hover=”50%” custom_css_main_element__hover_enabled=”on”]The Duty toward Creation is Essential to Faith
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Grid Item (3)” module_class=”M-2_grid-item M-2_grid-item3 fade-text” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” text_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” header_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”Playfair Display SC|900|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”3vh” background_image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/low-angle-photography-of-building-small-1024×773.jpg” background_position=”center_left” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”550ms” global_colors_info=”{}” header_text_color__hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” filter_opacity__hover=”50%” text_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” text_text_color__hover=”#084369″ custom_css_main_element__hover_enabled=”on”]<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
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Our Influence is Uncertain<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Grid Item (2) – gap fill” module_class=”M-2_grid-item M-2_grid-item2 grid-item_gap-fill” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#ffffff” global_colors_info=”{}” filter_opacity__hover=”50%”][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Grid Item (2)” module_class=”M-2_grid-item M-2_grid-item2 fade-text” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” text_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” background_image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/earth-space-continent-satellite-stars-planet-globe-cloud-ocean-world.jpg” background_position=”top_center” hover_transition_speed_curve=”ease-in-out” global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” text_text_color__hover=”#084369″ filter_opacity__hover=”100%” custom_css_main_element__hover_enabled=”on” filter_opacity__hover_enabled=”on”]<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n
\n

Climate Change is a Fact<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”750ms” hover_enabled=”0″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”||25px|||” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#054368″ header_font=”||||||||” header_5_font=”||||||||” header_5_text_align=”center” width=”60%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”||30px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\u201cThe climate is a common good<\/strong>, belonging to all and meant for all.\u201d<\/h5>\n
Pope Francis, 23<\/a><\/h5>\n
\u201cChristians, in particular, realize that their responsibility within creation and their duty towards nature<\/strong> and the Creator are an essential part of their faith<\/strong>.\u201d<\/h5>\n
Pope St. John Paul II, 15<\/a><\/h5>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”classic_socialism” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#054368″ header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_align=”center” header_4_text_color=”#eb7425″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

A \u2018Topic\u2019 for Catholic Social Teaching?<\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n

YES!<\/span><\/h4>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#f2f2f2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”50px||50px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#054368″ header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#eb7525″ header_2_font=”||||||||” header_5_font=”||||||||” header_5_text_align=”center” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin_phone=”|-99px||-99px” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|phone” custom_padding=”||20px|” inline_fonts=”Open Sans,Playfair Display” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\u201cIn his desire to have and to enjoy rather than to be and to grow, man consumes<\/strong> the resources of the earth and his own life in an<\/strong> excessive and disordered way<\/strong>\u2026In this regard, humanity today must be conscious of its duties and obligations towards future generations.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0(Pope St. John Paul II, 37)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#054368″ header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#eb7525″ header_2_font=”||||||||” header_5_font=”||||||||” header_5_text_align=”center” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”|-99px||-99px” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|phone” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” inline_fonts=”Open Sans,Playfair Display” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

“The<\/strong> earth is a precious gift of the Creator<\/strong>, who has designed its intrinsic order, thus giving us guidelines to which we must hold ourselves as stewards of his creation\u2026In my recent Encyclical, Caritas in Veritate, I referred more than once to such questions.\u201d (Pope Benedict XVI)<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read More” open_toggle_background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”rgba(5,67,104,0)” icon_color=”#054368″ open_icon_color=”#054368″ module_class=”hover-btn-border read-more” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#054368″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|600||on|||||” title_text_align=”left” title_font_size=”14px” title_line_height=”1.7em” body_font=”||||||||” body_text_color=”#054368″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” custom_margin=”||||false|false” link_option_url_new_window=”on” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is my hope that this Encyclical Letter (Laudato Si\u2019), which is now added to the body of the Church\u2019s social teaching, can help us to acknowledge the appeal, immensity and urgency of the challenge we face.\u201d\u00a0(Pope Francis, 15)<\/a><\/p>\n

Climate Change is one topic among a myriad of ecological and environmental issues facing us. In Solidarity with our fellow man, the Church insists we have a responsibility<\/strong> to<\/strong> evaluate and prioritize<\/strong> environmental issues and, using our prudential judgment<\/strong>, address as many of those so prioritized as we can.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||” custom_padding=”3px|||||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”30px||30px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#054368″ text_orientation=”center” width=”70%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

However…<\/span><\/h4>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#f5f5f5″ custom_padding=”30px|50px||50px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|20px||20px” custom_padding_phone=”” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text module_class=”bullets-module” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_text_color=”#054368″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

It is complicated:<\/strong> To be sure, change in climate is a fact of science<\/strong>. The extent to which human activity<\/strong> influences it is not settled science<\/strong>. As well, whether some measures proposed to reduce emissions will do more harm than good<\/strong> is also not a settled matter<\/strong>. Pressing ahead as though these things are settled matters may make the Church look less like responsible stewards of God\u2019s creation and more like political agents.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” custom_padding=”0px||0px” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”750ms” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#054368″ header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#054368″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Addressing Climate Change<\/span><\/h4>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||50px|” make_fullwidth=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/2010_UN_Climate_Talks_crop-683×1024.jpg” alt=”Climate change has become such an issue that nations gather to discuss addressing it, such as at the United Nations Climate Change Conference” title_text=”A crowd of people sit at the UN during talks about climate change” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”30px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#054368″ header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#054368″ custom_padding=”||0px|” custom_padding_tablet=”20px||” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Who is Responsible?<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#084369″ header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#054368″ header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#054368″ custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]\u201c[T]he direct duty to work for a just ordering of society\u2026is proper to the lay faithful<\/strong>\u201d.<\/span>\u00a0(Pope Benedict XVI, 29)<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

It is up to the lay faithful to implement Catholic social teaching in the world: Gaudium et Spes (the Pastoral Constitution On The Church In The Modern World) establishes this responsibility.<\/p>\n

\u201cWorking for a just distribution of the fruits of the earth and human labor is not mere philanthropy. It is a moral obligation.<\/strong> For Christians, the responsibility is even greater: it is a commandment.\u201d\u00a0(Pope Francis, 3.1)<\/a><\/em>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/GreenNewDeal_Presser_crop-683×1024.jpg” alt=”Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks above a sign labeled %22The Green New Deal%22, a political program designed to combat climate change” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”30px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#054368″ header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#054368″ custom_padding=”||0px|” custom_padding_tablet=”20px||” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Is it a Political Issue?<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#084369″ header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#054368″ header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#054368″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Clearly, in the US<\/strong>, the answer is \u2018yes\u2019<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

One political party committed the country to a significant international accord<\/strong> on the topic (The Paris Agreement)<\/em> and has proposed a \u201cGreen New Deal\u201d<\/em> which would allocate tremendous resources to it; the<\/strong> other party has withdrawn the US from the international accord<\/strong> and opposes the other party\u2019s current proposals.<\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/climate-change-protest-small-683×1024.jpg” alt=”A climate change protester carries a sign saying, %22Ask not what your planet can do for you, ask what you can do for your planet%22″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”30px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#054368″ header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#054368″ custom_padding=”||0px|” custom_padding_tablet=”20px||” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Fulfilling My Obligation<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#084369″ header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#054368″ header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#054368″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\u201c[T]he formation of just structures\u2026belongs to the world of politics\u201d.\u00a0(Pope Benedict XVI, 29)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cPolitics is an essential means of building human community and institutions\u201d.\u00a0(Pope Francis)<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cWe, Christians, cannot \u2018play Pilate\u2019 and wash our hands\u2026We must participate in politics because politics is one of the highest forms of charity<\/strong> because it seeks the common good. And Christian lay people must work in politics.\u201d (Pope Francis)<\/a><\/p>\n

Pope Francis recognizes that this \u201cis not easy<\/strong>; politics has become too tainted. But I ask myself: Why has it become<\/strong> tainted? Because Christians have not participated<\/strong> in politics with an evangelical spirit? \u2026To work for the common good is a Christian duty, and many times the way in which to work towards it is through politics.\u201d (Address to the Students of the Jesuit Schools of Italy and Albania, June 7, 2013)<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ make_equal=”on” disabled_on=”on|on|off” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”|0px||0px||” make_fullwidth=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text module_class=”bullets-module” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ header_text_color=”#054368″ custom_margin=”|40px|||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”|0px|||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”|0px|||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

In Pursuit of Climate Justice<\/span><\/h4>\n

The Catholic Church affirms our responsibility to care for our \u201ccommon home\u201d. (Environmental Degradation)<\/a> \u00a0Terms like \u201cclimate action\u201d and \u201cclimate justice\u201d are valid\u2014when understood through Catholic social teaching.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Pope Francis welcomed efforts to advance climate justice (Laudato Si)<\/a> \u2014\u00a0seeing it as \u201can issue of intergenerational justice\u201d<\/span> (Message to IDLO)<\/a>. He insisted that justice is not a slogan but \u201cthe primary way of charity\u201d. (Caritas in Veritate, 60)<\/a> The Catechism defines justice as \u201cthe constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor\u201d \u00a0\u2014 it \u201cpromotes equity with regard to persons and to the common good\u201d. (CCC, 1807)<\/a> This duty rests on every Christian.<\/span><\/p>\n

Climate justice,<\/strong> rightly understood, is an act of faith and a work of mercy. It promotes the Common Good.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It is not an ideology and is never isolated from the rest of Catholic teaching. Rather. It is a way to \u201cconnect us with God and to each other\u201d. (Pope Francis)<\/a> And it is a step toward integral ecology<\/a> \u2014for there can be no climate justice without \u201ca renewal of humanity itself\u201d. (Pope Francis, 118)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s needed is a Christian environmentalism: a concern for our common home grounded in our duties to God and to every human person. (Caritas in Veritate, 51)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

This is the path to authentic climate justice.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/A-sign-during-a-march-advocating-ro-action-responding-to-climate-change.jpg” alt=”Climate change marches across the country have demanded climate justice.” title_text=”A sign during a march advocating ro action responding to climate change” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”20px||” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled_on=”off|off|on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”|0px||0px||” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px||” custom_padding_phone=”20px||20px||true|false” make_fullwidth=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/A-sign-during-a-march-advocating-ro-action-responding-to-climate-change.jpg” alt=”Climate change marches across the country have demanded climate justice.” title_text=”A sign during a march advocating ro action responding to climate change” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”20px||” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text module_class=”bullets-module” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ header_text_color=”#054368″ custom_margin=”|40px|||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”|0px|||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”20px|0px|||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

In Pursuit of Climate Justice<\/span><\/h4>\n

The Catholic Church affirms our responsibility to care for our \u201ccommon home\u201d. (Environmental Degradation)<\/a> \u00a0Terms like \u201cclimate action\u201d and \u201cclimate justice\u201d are valid\u2014when understood through Catholic social teaching.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pope Francis welcomed efforts to advance climate justice (Laudato Si)<\/a> \u2014\u00a0seeing it as \u201can issue of intergenerational justice\u201d<\/span> (Message to IDLO)<\/a>. He insisted that justice is not a slogan but \u201cthe primary way of charity\u201d. (Caritas in Veritate, 60)<\/a> The Catechism defines justice as \u201cthe constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor\u201d \u00a0\u2014 it \u201cpromotes equity with regard to persons and to the common good\u201d. (CCC, 1807)<\/a> This duty rests on every Christian.<\/span><\/p>\n

Climate justice,<\/strong> rightly understood, is an act of faith and a work of mercy. It promotes the Common Good.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It is not an ideology and is never isolated from the rest of Catholic teaching. Rather. It is a way to \u201cconnect us with God and to each other\u201d. (Pope Francis)<\/a> And it is a step toward integral ecology<\/a> \u2014for there can be no climate justice without \u201ca renewal of humanity itself\u201d. (Pope Francis, 118)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s needed is a Christian environmentalism: a concern for our common home grounded in our duties to God and to every human person. (Caritas in Veritate, 51)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

This is the path to authentic climate justice.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”2-1″ module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#054368″ custom_padding=”0px||0px” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”750ms” animation_delay=”200ms” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”50px||50px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”50px||50px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”50px||20px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/senate-debate-1024×576.jpg” alt=”Arguments about climate change take place on the floor of the United States senate” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding_tablet=”||30px” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”||10px|40px” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px” custom_padding_phone=”0px||” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

How Best to Address Politically<\/h4>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”bullets-module” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”|||40px” custom_padding_tablet=”|||0px” custom_padding_phone=”0px||” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]\u201c[W]hat does it mean, in practical terms<\/strong>, to promote moral truth in the world of politics\u2026?<\/p>\n