Speaking with reporters as Hurricane Irma barreled up Florida’s Gulf Coast on Sunday, Pope Francis bolstered his reputation as an outspoken advocate of addressing man-made global warming when he said aboard the papal plane that “history will judge” climate change deniers.
“If someone is doubtful that this is true, they should ask scientists. Then each person can decide and history will judge the decisions.”
—Pope Francis
“You can see the effects of climate change, and scientists have clearly said what path we have to follow,” he said, acknowledging scientists’ suggestions that people across the world alter their activity, particularly by reducing their use of fossil fuels, in response to global warming.
“All of us have a responsibility, all of us, small or large, a moral responsibility. We have to take it seriously. We can’t joke about it,” he continued. “Each person has their own. Even politicians have their own.”
“If someone is doubtful that this is true, they should ask scientists,” the pope added, responding to questions about climate denialism. “These are not opinions made on the fly. They are very clear. Then each person can decide and history will judge the decisions.”
The Independent characterized Pope Francis’ comments as a “thinly veiled attack” on U.S. President Donald Trump, whom the pope has previously criticized for his promises to erect a wall along the Mexican border and his decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement.
The pope is known for speaking out in favor of climate action—most famously when he released a 2015 encyclical in which he called on Catholics worldwide to join in the fight against climate change.
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