Testimony on Climate Change to Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, June 7, 2007

Testimony on Climate Change to Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works June 7, 2007

John L. Carr, Secretary, USCCB Department of Social Development and World Peace, testifies to the U.S. Senate on the religious and moral dimensions of global climate change, urging that faith-based moral principles shape policy. The testimony affirms the scientific consensus, calls for prudent and timely action, and centers the common good and a preferential concern for the poor in designing responses (domestic and international). It offers moral criteria and policy directions—especially that wealthier nations lead, that resources raised by climate policy help vulnerable communities, and that technology and solidarity be shared with developing countries.

Key points

• Climate change threatens God’s creation and human flourishing; responding is a moral obligation rooted in Scripture and Catholic social teaching.
• The bishops accept the scientific consensus while acknowledging uncertainties, and emphasize prudence in policy.
• Responses must pursue the common good and exercise global solidarity; richer nations should lead.
• The poor bear the greatest burdens though they contribute least; policy must prioritize their protection and development.
• Market creativity and technology can help, but policy must ensure benefits and burdens are shared justly.

Moral framework emphasized

• Prudence — act decisively where risks are serious even if some uncertainty remains.
• Common Good — climate policy must transcend narrow interests and seek shared, long-term welfare.
• Preferential Option for the Poor — center policy on those most vulnerable at home and abroad.

• Richer countries, particularly the U.S., should take the lead in mitigation and assistance.
• Funded mechanisms (cap-and-trade, carbon taxes, etc.) should direct significant revenues to help low-income communities, poorer nations, and dislocated workers.
• Promote sustainable development in low-income countries and transfer appropriate technologies.
• Design climate responses to avoid imposing disproportionate costs on the poor.

Practical implications for advocacy and public engagement

• Frame climate action as moral and pastoral, not merely technical or partisan.
• Build broad-based dialogue (faith, labor, business, science, affected communities) to find common ground.
• Use Church networks to lift voices of vulnerable populations and press legislators to couple mitigation with justice-focused assistance.

written-and-oral-testimony-before-senate-by-john-carr-on-climate-change-2007-06-07.pdf