Cardinal Pietro Parolin addresses COP29, asserting that selfishness impedes climate action. He urges wealthy nations to resolve ecological debts and support impoverished communities as part of global efforts to combat climate change. Emphasizing the need for justice and cooperation, he advocates for a transformative approach to environmental responsibility.
VATICAN CITY — At the COP29 climate conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, highlighted that selfishness is undermining global efforts to combat climate change, particularly affecting impoverished populations. Representing Pope Francis, Cardinal Parolin addressed the leaders during the event, emphasizing that current international disillusionment and divisive tendencies are detrimental to collaborative climate action. The cardinal admonished that ignoring climate change issues will not facilitate solutions, stating, “Indifference is an accomplice to injustice,” underscoring Pope Francis’ support for initiatives focused on fostering international cooperation and financial assistance for vulnerable communities. Among the pressing concerns at COP29 is the potential withdrawal of the United States from the Paris climate accords, an issue that Cardinal Parolin contended negatively affects funding and cooperative climate action. He articulated the necessity for generous financial support and international collaboration to cultivate a culture that respects life and human dignity. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of addressing both ecological and foreign debts that many impoverished countries face, highlighting the obligation wealthier nations bear due to their historical exploitation of resources within poorer nations. He expressed, “Ecological debt” refers to the responsibility the world’s wealthiest nations have because of their exploitation of resources in the world’s poorest countries and the environmental damage they have caused there. Cardinal Parolin urged affluent nations to consider forgiving the debts of impoverished countries, framing this not merely as an act of generosity but as a matter of justice. He quoted Pope Francis, asserting the need for a human-centered financial structure that promotes equity, justice, and climate-neutral development opportunities, particularly for the world’s most vulnerable populations. In concluding his remarks, he urged conference participants to foster hope and confidence in their collective ability to address these pressing global challenges, stating that humanity possesses both the resources and ingenuity necessary to engage in transformative, inclusive development.
The COP29 conference, a continuation of global dialogues aimed at combating climate change, serves as a platform where leaders address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, its impacts on socio-economic disparities, and the necessity for international cooperation. Cardinal Pietro Parolin’s remarks at the conference represent the Vatican’s call for moral and ethical accountability among nations, particularly wealthy ones, to prioritize environmental justice and support for vulnerable communities affected by climate change.
In conclusion, Cardinal Pietro Parolin’s address at the COP29 conference emphasizes the critical role of international solidarity and moral responsibility in addressing climate change. He calls upon wealthy nations to prioritize a culture of respect for life and acknowledge their role in perpetuating ecological and financial debts. The cardinal’s imperative for renewed commitment to climate justice and equitable resource management highlights the urgency of collaborative efforts to safeguard our shared environment for future generations.
Original Source: therecordnewspaper.org
