US Bishops on Climate Change

On June 7, John Carr, the head of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops Department of Social Development and World Peace, testified before the Senate's Committee on Environment and Public Works regarding the Catholic "bishops' position on climate change."  Although the testimony does not break much new ground over the 2001 bishops' statement on the issue, it does have some interesting bits, including a statement that, although it still hedges a little bit, comes closer than the 2001 document (or at least my hazy memory of that document) to a straightforward acknowledgment that climate change is happening. Here are a few highlights:

The bishops accept the growing consensus on climate change represented by the International Panel on Climate Change, but also recognize continuing debate and some uncertainties about the speed and severity of climate change.  However, it is not wise or useful to either minimize or exaggerate the uncertainties and challenges we face.

...Prudence requires wise action to address problems that will most likely only grow in magnitude and consequences.  Prudence is not simply about avoiding impulsive action, picking the predictable course or avoiding risks, but it can also require taking bold action weighing available policy alternative and moral goods and taking considered and decisive stops before the problems grow worse.

We believe solidarity also requires that the United States lead the way in addressing this issue and in addressing the disproportionate burdens of poorer countries and vulnerable people.

Those who contributed least to climate change will be affected the most; those who face the greatest threats will likely bear the greatest burdens and have the least capacity to cope or escape.  We should come together to focus more on protecting the poor than on protecting ourselves and promoting narrow agendas.