Is climate change real or simply a baseless theory? It's an issue that has been the source of countless debates on all levels. Even more so now that the Pope's encyclical on the environment is set to be released this summer.
FELIPE CALDERON
Former President of Mexico
'It's an issue that needs to be highlighted. A moral authority like the Pope is needed to dot all the i's.â?
Mexico's former president, Felipe Calderon, who serves as the Chair of the Global Commission on Economy and Climate,was one of the speakers who took part in a forum titled 'New Climate Economy.' It took place in Rome's Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. Politicians, business leaders and Church officials discussed why caring for the environment is not counterproductive to economic growth.
JEREMY OPPENHEIM
Director of McKinsey and Company
'We will find that the consequences of ignoring nature, will be to create irreversible damage on climate change that will undermine growth.â?
So called 'green technology' is already available. Applying it, say supporters, could trigger practical changes in both developed and third world countries.
JEREMY OPPENHEIM
Director of McKinsey & Company
'We want to build cities in which you are not stuck in traffic jams forever, where itâ??s much easier to get around. Those are cities that are also less polluting, less congested with less CO2 emissions.â?
FELIPE CALDERON
Former President of Mexico
'Climate change exists. It's not a matter of faith. It's a matter of reading thermometers across the world.â?
Critics argue that scientific matters are not for the Church to address or interpret. But Cardinal Peter Turkson who helped Pope Francis with his coming encyclical says, the real issue lies in the data.
CARD. PETER TURKSON
Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace
'Some critics want to remind us that we went to the seminary to save souls and not to get involved with these types of issues. But it's really about how well people are convinced of this scientific data that says that the climate is changing. That is where the fight is.â?
The United Nations will hold an international climate conference in Paris from November 30th to December 11th. A total of 195 countries are expected to take part and some of these speakers are planning on attending. The main goal is to vote on a global climate agreement.
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