Environmental solutions must address ‘wider socio-economic crisis’, says Pope

‘It is not merely desirable but also genuinely possible that the progress at COP30 can be followed up with a just transition toward societies where the common good takes precedence over profit, and economic models are rooted in solidarity and human dignity.’

Protecting the environment and addressing climate change are a “requirement of faith”, Pope Leo XIV has said in a video message to the Tenth Austrian World Summit.

This annual conference, which explores solutions to the climate crisis and brings together representatives of politics, civil society and business to discuss the implementation of the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals, was held in Vienna on 16 June.

It is organised by the Schwarznegger Climate Initiative, launched by actor and former Governor of California, Arnold Schwarznegger, who spoke alongside the pope to mark the anniversary of Laudato si’ in October.

“While to some, faith may seem to have little to contribute to questions of climate change and environmental protection, the religious dimension is in fact essential to address these issues adequately,” Pope Leo said in the message.

“Those who believe that our world was created by God and is inherently good are compelled to assume an even greater responsibility to care for creation, since this is the requirement of their faith.”

In reference to Magnifica Humanitas, the Pope stressed that the environmental crisis “is not an isolated issue, but rather the ecological aspect of the contemporary socio-economic crisis”.

He said religious faith “reinforces the overall desire to protect life and care for nature” and underlines “the equal dignity of all human beings and the value of fundamental human rights, both of which can be adequately ensured through the proper implementation of the principles of the common good, the universal destination of goods, subsidiarity, solidarity and social justice”.

“These essential personal and social matters are intimately connected to the climate crisis, which as I said is one manifestation – and a critical one – of the wider socio-economic crisis,” the Pope said. “Unless they are addressed, no technical solutions for protecting the environment will have a chance of achieving their desired end.”

“In this perspective, we must pay particular attention to the poorest and those most vulnerable to environmental degradation.”

He continued: “There is, indeed, a growing awareness that peace is threatened by a lack of respect for creation, the plundering of natural resources and a progressive decline in the quality of life due to climate change.

“These challenges require international cooperation, together with cohesive and forward-looking multilateralism in order to find effective solutions. 

“Despite the naysayers or cynics, hope can be a powerful driving force. In this regard, it is not merely desirable but also genuinely possible that the progress at COP30 can be followed up with a just transition toward societies where the common good takes precedence over profit, and economic models are rooted in solidarity and human dignity.”

The Pope referenced his message to COP30, including the discussions relating to justice between Global North and South: “This requires wealthier countries to meet their obligations to support poorer countries financially.

“We also need the development of a new person-centred international financial framework to ensure that all countries, especially the poorest and those most vulnerable to climate disasters, can reach their full potential, with the dignity of their citizens respected.”

The Pope prayed that the summit will be “fruitful in promoting the much-needed dialogue for seeking effective solutions to protect the wonderful gift of creation”.

COP30 – a global neighbourhood

EU ‘turning its back’ on climate promises, Christian groups warn