Addressing Climate Change Reducing Carbon Emissions
Throughout Laudato Si’, Pope Francis argues that the crisis evoked by climate change demands a thorough – and even radical – transformation in our personal lives and our social institutions. In chapter five, he applies this principle to our dominant economic and political philosophies, claiming that economics and politics should serve, rather than hinder, the flourishing of both human and nonhuman creation. An economy obsessed with maximizing profits and ever increasing productivity must be replaced with a truly humane economy whose fundamental goal is safeguarding the well-being of all persons, other creatures, and the environment.
In order for this economic and political transformation to occur, we must wholly redefine our understanding of progress, prosperity, and a good life (LS 194). Moreover, the wealthy must learn to live with less so that the poor can “live in a way worthy of their human dignity” (LS 193).
This transformation will be greatly abetted if, first, concern for one’s self, group, or nation is replaced by a genuinely global perspective where prior- ity is given to the good of all, including other creatures and the natural world.
Second, religion and science must be viewed as complementary, not adversarial, and theologians and scientists must be in ongoing dialogue if we are to muster the wisdom and will necessary to overcome this grave global crisis.
We Passionists certainly have a role to play in implementing Francis’ revolutionary vision because, illumined by God’s love in the crucified Christ, we already know what God wants the world to be.
