Cardinal Pietro Parolin, at COP29, emphasized that selfishness obstructs climate change initiatives, particularly affecting the poor. He called for international cooperation and funding to support the needs outlined in the Paris Agreement while highlighting the intertwined nature of ecological and economic debts. The need for a humane financial framework to address these disparities was paramount in his address, reflecting on the responsibilities of wealthier nations.
VATICAN CITY — At the COP29 climate conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, articulated that selfishness is significantly obstructing efforts to combat climate change, particularly affecting impoverished populations. Representing Pope Francis, Cardinal Parolin highlighted the current disillusionment with multilateral institutions and urged world leaders to overcome the divisions fueled by individual, national, and power-group selfishness, which have hindered collective action on critical global issues. The cardinal emphasized that neglecting the climate crisis and remaining indifferent equates to complicity in injustice. He reiterated Pope Francis’ encouragement for COP29 participants to unite and prioritize humanity’s collective well-being, particularly in light of worries surrounding potential U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate accords. During his address, Cardinal Parolin underscored the necessity for generous funding and international collaboration to foster a culture that respects life and human dignity. A pertinent focus of COP29 is to secure the financial support required to fulfill the urgent commitments set forth in the 2015 Paris Agreement, especially for vulnerable communities facing climate-related disasters. The cardinal drew attention to the intertwined nature of ecological debt and economic debt, asserting that wealthier nations must acknowledge their historical exploitation of natural resources in poorer countries. He echoed previous appeals from Pope Francis for debt forgiveness for the impoverished nations that face insurmountable repayment challenges, framing the issue as one of justice rather than mere philanthropy. In advocating for a global financial framework rooted in equity and solidarity, Cardinal Parolin insisted that it must facilitate sustainable development, particularly for the most vulnerable populations impacted by climate change. He concluded his address by encouraging leaders to inspire hope and collective action, reflecting on humanity’s capacity to innovate and address pressing challenges with available resources and technologies.
The article originates from the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), emphasizing the urgent global need to address climate change, especially its disproportionate impact on poorer nations. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, speaking on behalf of Pope Francis, highlights the need for systemic changes in international financial structures to address ecological and economic disparities. The context reflects growing global concerns about political commitments to climate agreements, particularly with shifts in U.S. leadership and policies.
In summary, Cardinal Pietro Parolin’s remarks at COP29 underscore the detrimental effects of selfishness on global climate action, highlighting the necessity for international cooperation, equitable financial support, and acknowledgment of historical injustices faced by poorer nations. His call for unity and hope resonates amid rising challenges in addressing climate change, advocating a shift towards a more humane and inclusive approach in policy and practice.
Original Source: therecordnewspaper.org
