06.18.15

Democratic Nat. Resources Committee Leaders: Pope’s Call for Climate Action Transcends Politics, Should Prompt Changes of Heart

Washington, D.C. – Democratic leaders on the House Natural Resources Committee hailed Pope Francis’ release this morning of his encyclical “Praise Be,” a call to the world’s people to consider the environmental and climate impacts of their lifestyles and reduce unnecessary consumption.

The encyclical, which highlights the need for more conscientious environmental stewardship by governments, corporations and individuals around the globe, is a formal Catholic teaching document and statement of principles. World leaders are already praising it as a major step forward in humanity’s fight against man-made climate change.

“Climate change is a global problem with grave implications: environmental, social, economic, political and for the distribution of goods,” the encyclical reads. “It represents one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day. Reducing greenhouse gases requires honesty, courage and responsibility, above all on the part of those countries which are more powerful and pollute the most.”

“Praise Be” calls on political and policy leaders of all stripes to recognize the reality of climate change and work together to prevent harm to the world’s poor, rather than continuing to sow unwarranted confusion about the state of the science. The document specifically addresses the damage done by climate denial, saying in part, “A number of scientific studies indicate that most global warming in recent decades is due to the great concentration of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxides and others) released mainly as a result of human activity.” It says global warming is the result of “a model of development based on the intensive use of fossil fuels.”

The encyclical comes days after a newly published report in The Guardian highlighted the secretive financing behind climate denial organizations and think tanks in the United States. As the Guardian wrote June 9:

The secretive funders behind America’s conservative movement directed around $125 million over three years to groups spreading disinformation about climate science and committed to wrecking Barack Obama’s climate change plan, according to an analysis of tax records. The amount is close to half of the anonymous funding disbursed to rightwing groups, underlining the importance of the climate issue to U.S. conservatives. The anonymous cash flow came from two secretive organizations – the Donors Trust and Donors Capital Fund – that have been called the “Dark Money ATM” of the conservative movement.

The funds, which when channeled through the two organizations cannot be traced to individual donors, helped build a network of think tanks and activist groups. These worked to defeat climate bills in Congress and are mobilizing against Environmental Protection Agency rules to reduce carbon pollution from power plants which are due to be finalized this summer. In many cases, the anonymous cash makes up the vast majority of funding received by beneficiaries – more than comes openly from the fossil fuel industry.

House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva and Democratic subcommittee ranking members welcomed the pope’s message.

“Pope Francis’ call for action, reflection and honesty transcends politics and shouldn’t be treated as just another piece of the partisan news cycle,” Ranking Member Grijalva said. “It should be heeded and taken to heart, especially by those who profit from environmental damage and human suffering. Our actions and inactions have damaged the lives of billions of people, especially those who have little political or economic power to defend themselves, and Pope Francis is right to put the focus on them. I share his vision of a planet where justice, environmental sustainability and prosperity go hand in hand, and I am encouraged to see that vision resonate so powerfully around the world today. We are reminded that this year offers what may be our last best hope for a world climate agreement. If all of us – including my friends in Congress – truly consider the moral dimension of the damage we are doing to our planet and its people, and act on that consideration, the many millions of our brothers and sisters who take heart from today’s message will not take heart in vain.”

Statements by Natural Resources Subcommittee Ranking Members

“Climate change is a real and present danger that threatens the health and security of millions of people across the globe – especially the poor,” said Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs. “I applaud Pope Francis for taking a stand on climate change and calling the world to action. I will continue to work toward pragmatic and effective ways to curb carbon emissions and to raise awareness of the social justice impact of climate change.”

“Climate change is no longer an academic question for scientists to ponder,” said Rep. Niki Tsongas (D-Mass.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. “It is a very real crisis and I applaud Pope Francis for his leadership and strong advocacy on behalf of global action to address the irreversible effects of climate change. Climate change is not a political issue. It is a critical generational responsibility that will take a commitment from governments and world leaders, as well as from each of us at home. It is my hope that Pope Francis’ words will help spark action from us all to urgently address critical environmental issues which, if untouched, will cause irreparable harm to current and future generations. America must be at the forefront and lead by example. We must embrace modern policies that aim to, among other things, cut carbon emissions, increase the use and effectiveness of sustainable energy, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels, and encourage the development of innovative green technology. The economic, security and environmental benefits will be widespread, long-lasting and significant. My gratitude goes out to Pope Francis for speaking out on this important global issue and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to put words into action.”

“I thank the Pope for his continued leadership in bringing global attention to the plight of the world’s poor and vulnerable because of environmental harms nations like ours have committed,” said Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. “When it comes to climate change, the science is settled. It’s up to the world’s leaders to take the science to heart, understand the impacts of climate change as a humanitarian issue, and act: this is exactly what Pope Francis has done with his call for recognition and action. Climate change knows no geographic, political, ethnic, or religious barriers. It affects all people. As a nation we have a responsibility, not just to our own citizens, but to our fellow travelers on this delicate blue sphere we call home. We must act to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and put an end to unneeded suffering because of climate change before it gets any worse.”