Obituary of a fighter for climate protection

Dipl.-Ing.(TU) Werner P. Bauer

Pope Francis, probably the greatest advocate of a responsible approach to creation, passed away on Easter Monday. During his pontificate, he campaigned for the environment and was therefore regarded worldwide as a campaigner for climate protection. His modest appearance proves that he also embodied this personally. He deliberately broke with tradition, rejecting life in the palace and the red shoes. With clear criticism of consumerism and throwaway culture, he warned against the exploitation of nature and called for a rethink towards greater sustainability.

I still remember the Encyclical Letter "Laudato si'" (2015), in which he calls on humanity to take care of the "integrity of creation" and to live more sustainably. Literally and absolutely fitting to our newsletter, he writes in "Laudato Si", Chapter I. POLLUTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE - Pollution, waste and the throwaway culture:
"The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth. In many parts of the planet, the elderly lament that once beautiful landscapes are now covered with rubbish." (Section 21)

His words on politics and the continuity of action are also topical:
"Many of those who possess more resources, and economic or political power seem mostly to be concerned with masking the problems or concealing their symptoms, simply making efforts to reduce some of the negative impacts of climate change…” (Section 26)

"Here, continuity is essential, because policies related to climate change and environmental protection cannot be altered with every change of government. Results take time and demand immediate outlays which may not produce tangible effects within any one government’s term. That is why, in the absence of pressure from the public and from civic institutions, political authorities will always be reluctant to intervene, all the more when urgent needs must be met.” (Section 181)

With his admonishing statements, he had a decisive influence on my relationship with the Catholic Church. It would be a tribute to his memory if these words were commemorated wherever a cross or a sign in a similar tradition hangs.

Werner Bauer
Vice President of GWC

---

Comments: