Benedict Understands Humanity Must Modify the Earth

The Holy See stresses out that human intervention that modifies some characteristics of living things is not wrong, as long as it respects their place in the ecosystem.
As Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, stressed at a conference on climate change and development, "Nature is for the human person and the human person is for God…In considering the problems associated with climate change, one must look to the social doctrine of the Church," which "neither supports the absolutization of nature, nor the reduction of nature to a mere instrument."
"Nature is not an absolute, but a wealth that is placed in the person's responsible and prudent hands," he added.
Pope Benedict understands that humanity will, merely by virtue of living on it, will modify the earth. That modification is not wrong, so long as it is done with “creativity and responsibility.”

For more information on Pope Benedict and his environmental stands, read 10 Commandments for the Environment available at http://tinyurl.com/dhme8t

Three Things You Can Do Today

In keeping with Pope Benedict's urgent plea "Save the planet before it's too late," here are three things you can do right now.

1. Recycle. At the very least recycle your paper, junk mail, cardboard, glass and cans. Every little bit helps.

2. Turn off the water when you brush your teeth. The faucet doesn't need to run while you are brushing and flossing.

3. Lower your thermostat. Put on a sweater if you are cold. And if you in an area where it's now warm, raise the a/c a few degrees. And take off the sweater.

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The Importance of Clean Water

One of the environmental concerns that appears to trouble Pope Benedict the most is the need for clean, potable water. Not long after his investiture as pontiff, the first-ever Working Group on Water and the Environment was sponsored by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. The scientists and ethicists who met at the Vatican in November 2005 examined both the conservation of water and its equitable distribution as well as its impact on world politics as resources become increasingly scarce. This concern for water carried over to the Vatican’s participation in the Fourth World Water Forum in Mexico City. Although the Vatican presentation was penned by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, its central statement is aligned with Benedict’s personal philosophy and there is no doubt he is supportive of its message.

Benedict Puts His Money Where His Mouth Is

Benedict has demonstrated practical leadership in various green areas, including solar energy, replacing the cement roof tiles of the Paul VI auditorium with 2400 solar panels that convert sunlight into some 300,000 kilowatt-hours of power each year, which is equivalent to the needs of about 100 families. The cells generate energy to light, heat and cool the 6000-seat hall. When the hall isn’t in use, any surplus energy will be used by the Vatican power network. The panels are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 225 tons and save the equivalent of 80 tons of oil each year. In addition, another solar-panel system will be installed above the Vatican’s employee cafeteria which will provide 60 to 70% of that building’s power.