Exploring Moral Dimensions of Climate Change and Sustainable Development
News: April 28, 2015
Moral Dimensions Of Climate Change and
Sustainable Development
Casina Pio IV, Vatican City— Blue Chip Foundation, represented by Jennifer Stengaard Gross, participated in the Protect the Earth, Dignify Humanity Summit at the Vatican, where a diverse group of Vatican officials, scientists, business professionals, diplomats, religious leaders, and academicians gathered to explore the moral dimensions of climate change and sustainable development. The summit, held at Casina Pio IV in Vatican City from April 28, featured discussions on the moral imperative of addressing climate change and the inherent dignity of all individuals. The group issued a joint statement affirming these principles and called for new incentives to transition to low-carbon energy, as well as a shift from military spending to sustainable development. The participants committed to doing everything possible to mitigate climate change and protect the future for children.
Pope Francis’s encyclical on the environment was highlighted as a significant document with the potential to create a global impact, extending far beyond Catholicism. The summit was attended by a wide range of participants, including some climate change-deniers who were escorted out of the building. The joint statement issued by the group emphasized that human-induced climate change is a scientific reality and its mitigation is a moral and religious imperative. It also affirmed the inherent dignity of every individual and the beauty, wonder, and goodness of the natural world, recognizing it as a precious gift entrusted to our common care.
The summit underscored the world’s ability to mitigate climate change and end extreme poverty through sustainable development solutions. The upcoming climate summit in Paris was noted as a critical opportunity to keep human-caused climate change below 2 degrees Celsius and avoid devastating effects. The summit called for new incentives for transitioning to low-carbon energy and the relentless pursuit of peace, which could lead to a significant shift from military spending to sustainable development. Participants committed to doing everything they can and encouraged others to join in these efforts.
Overall, the summit recognized the connection between respect for the environment and the dignity of each individual, particularly the poor and those on the fringes of society. This recognition underscores the moral responsibility to protect the environment and ensure the well-being of all people.
