One year ago, on this day, May 21st, 2024, Pope Francis (RIP) says that climate change is the road to death.
“The destruction of the environment is an offense against God, a sin that is not only personal but also structural, one that greatly endangers all human beings, especially the most vulnerable in our midst, and threatens to unleash a conflict between generations” (Address to COP28, Dubai, 2 December 2023). This is the question: Are we working for a culture of life or for a culture of death? You have answered that we must heed the cry of the earth, hear the plea of the poor, and be attentive to the aspirations of the young and the dreams of children! We have a grave responsibility to ensure that their future is not denied them.…
The 46 less developed countries – mostly African – represent only 1% of global CO2 emissions, whereas the nations of the G20 are responsible for 80% of those emissions. The refusal to act quickly to protect the most vulnerable who are exposed to climate change caused by human activity is a serious offence and a grave violation of human rights….
In light of this planetary crisis, I add my voice to your heartfelt appeal.
First, there is a need to adopt a universal approach and a rapid and resolute activity capable of effecting changes and political decisions.
Second, there is a need to invert the global warming curve by efforts to decrease by a half the rate of warming within the brief span of a quarter-century. Likewise, there is a need to aim for global de-carbonization and the elimination of dependence on fossil fuels.
Third, the great quantities of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere must be eliminated through an environmental management programme that will span several generations.
The amount of carbon dioxide in the air was roughly 427ppm. As of 2025 it is 430ppm, but check here for daily measures.
The context was Pope Francis had been banging on about the issue for a while (see, for example, is 2015 Laudato Si).
Laudato si’ (24 May 2015) | Francis
What I think we can learn from this. None of this matters. Every significant spiritual, cultural or “intellectual” leader has spoken. None of it has made any difference and you’re terminally naive if you expected it would. The “wake up, sheeple” model is wrong, has been proven to be so again and again. So it goes.
What happened next. Pope Francis died in April 2025. The new Pope, Leo XIV, is on the same page, fwiw.
What do you think? Does this pass the ‘so what?’ threshold? Have I got facts wrong? Interpretation wrong? Please do comment on this post, unless you are a denialist, obvs.
Also on this day:
May 21, 1971 – Marvin Gaye asks “What’s Going On?”
May 21, 1990 – “The Big Heat” documentary – All Our Yesterdays
May 21, 1998 – “Emissions Trading: Harnessing the Power of the Market”