Policy & Advocacy
Global Climate Change Backgrounder, September 2015
Global Climate Change Backgrounder, September 2015
Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Sí links care for creation with care for the poor and calls all people to protect our common home. Climate change is identified as a principal global challenge that disproportionately harms the most vulnerable. Greenhouse gases are a major driver of climate change and many experts find current and projected concentrations endanger public health and future generations. Power plants are the largest stationary source of U.S. carbon pollution, responsible for about one third of national greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA finalized national standards on August 3 to reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants through a federal‑state partnership that sets state emission goals and lets states choose how to meet them. These standards will cut power‑sector CO2 by about 32 percent by 2030 and also reduce particle pollution, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, improving health outcomes for children, the elderly, and communities near plants. Internationally, Catholic Relief Services is assisting vulnerable communities facing floods, droughts, food and water insecurity, and resource conflict. Pope Francis urged moral leadership to secure a strong global agreement at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops supports prudent, justice‑based action on climate change and insists mitigation must rest on social and economic justice. In the absence of congressional legislation, the bishops view regulatory measures as the primary realistic response. They publicly supported the EPA’s national standard and provided moral guidance for implementation.
Moral principles urged by the bishops:
- Care for creation — environmental stewardship.
- Promotion of the common good — policies should serve society as a whole.
- Respect for the human person — human dignity must guide decisions.
- Priority for the poor and vulnerable — protect those most harmed by climate impacts and policy costs.
- Support for workers — assist workers negatively affected by transitions.
- State flexibility — allow states to determine how to meet emission goals.
International Priorities and finance
The bishops endorse U.S. leadership toward a global agreement and support the international Green Climate Fund to help developing nations pursue low‑emission, climate‑resilient development and adapt to climate impacts. The moral obligation includes wealthier, historically high‑emitting countries helping poorer nations.
Recommended actions:
- Back national standards that reduce carbon pollution from power plants to protect health and vulnerable communities.
- Urge leaders to implement standards rapidly and justly while assisting affected workers.
- Ensure compliance costs are distributed fairly and do not unduly burden the poor.
- Oppose congressional efforts to block or defund EPA implementation and remain engaged in public debate ahead of and following international negotiations.