In Laudato si’, Pope Francis calls for an “honest and open” environmental debate that considers the bigger picture around the common good. While making a solemn declaration that earth “our sister” faces environmental challenges, including among them climate change, and that “contaminating” her is a “sin,” the Pope encouraged Catholics to engage with others and build “real relationships” that have often been replaced in this modern age of the internet. The encyclical ties together a number of issues by expressing the conviction that everything in the world is connected – the fragility of the planet earth has consequences, especially for the poor.
“There are certain environmental issues where it is not easy to achieve a broad consensus. Here I would state once more that the Church does not presume to settle scientific questions or to replace politics. But I am concerned to encourage an honest and open debate so that particular interests or ideologies will not prejudice the common good.“
CBIS has long acted to directly engage the management of companies we hold, to conduct mutually beneficial dialogues around environmental stewardship. We believe that this kind of “honest and open debate” with corporations, through meetings, phone calls, and letters, can fundamentally influence the development of a wide range of environmental policies and programs for companies to have a positive impact on “our sister” earth.
Check back frequently for our insights on Laudato si’ – we will release our review and analysis of the Pope’s encyclical later in July.