Global Bishops

“In addressing the challenge of climate change, everyone has a part to play. Every action taken in favour of a just and more sustainable environment, no matter how small, has an intrinsic value. Action at a global level, as well as every individual action which contributes to integral human development and global solidarity, helps to construct a more sustainable environment and, therefore, a better world.” The Cry of the Earth, Statement by the Irish Bishops’ Conference

“The burdens of anthropogenic climate change are spread very unevenly. The poorest are affected most by this change, both globally as well as within individual countries. The poor countries of the South, particularly, which only contribute very marginally to the causes, have difficulties adapting to the changes. The industrial nations, by contrast, which are essentially responsible for the emission of climate-damaging greenhouse gases, are much more able to protect themselves against the consequences. This great inequality between polluters and victims makes anthropogenic climate change into a fundamental problem of global justice.” Climate Change: A Focal Point of Global, Intergenerational and Ecological Justice, Statement by The German Bishops Commission for Society and Social Affairs Commission for International Church Affairs, pg. 12.

“We Catholic Bishops believe that Creation is life offered, is a gift for one another and that all will have the needed "daily bread", providing sustainable food security and nutrition; We Catholic Bishops commit ourselves to developing the sense of 'gratuitousness' to contribute to a lifestyle which frees us from a desire of appropriation and enables us to be respectful of the dignity of the person and the harmony of creation; We Bishops want to accompany the political process and seek dialogue to bring the voices of the poor to the table of decision-makers; We are convinced that everyone has a capacity to contribute to overcome climate change and to choose sustainable lifestyles; We Bishops call on all Catholics and people of good will to engage on the road to Paris as a starting point for a new life in harmony with Creation respecting planetary boundaries.” Catholic Bishops’ Statement in Lima on the Road to Paris signed by bishops from every continent.