The Vatican may be a key link in the mass shift toward environmental sustainability. Pope Benedict XVI is concerned by "the growing recognition of the need to preserve the environment," and he’s not alone. His progressive stance on environmental responsibility could potentially bring the world’s estimated one billion or more Catholics into the fold of the environmental movement.

On Saturday, the Pope called on youth to "change the world." This was at the Vatican’s first ever eco-friendly rally, where the message was to avoid a "materialistic mentality." At the rally, attendees were given hand-powered flashlights and backpacks made of recycled materials. The Pope followed up Wednesday, saying "care of water resources and attention to climate change are matters of grave importance for the entire human family."

That’s right. The Pope is fast becoming a world leader in environmental activism. Last April, he invited scientists, bishops, politicians, and theologians to meet at the Vatican for a conference on Climate Change and Development. Even as the UN adopts a strategy on climate change, the Vatican is taking action by making the switch to solar energy with its own PV panels.

Action on the environment is coming none too soon. This year, cartographers charted new islands as they emerged from under melting arctic ice. At the rally, the Pope urged up to half a million in attendance to make courageous decisions "before it’s too late."

For environmentalists, maybe it’s time to hug your nearest Catholic as well as the trees. The Pope’s message has the power to move roughly a sixth of the world’s population to take meaningful action to protect the environment. Therefore, reaching out to the Catholic community will likely help to build tremendous momentum behind the environmental movement. Catholic community members reading this article are also encouraged to thoughtfully consider the Pope’s call to take action to benefit the environment.

Positive and meaningful environmental action can be achieved in countless ways. Just a small sampling of beneficial activities includes organizing a coastal or river cleanup, talking to children about the importance of environmental responsibility, or supplying clean energy to your home.

References and Recources:

Shun disposable love, Pope tells eco-rally | The Sydney Morning Herald

Pope calls on young people to ‘change the world’ | Yahoo! News

Pope leads Church’s first eco-friendly rally | Reuters

Pope puts focus on climate change, environment | The Age

Pope says he has ‘growing awareness’ of need to save the planet | International Herald Tribune

Take climate change seriously, Pope urges | Reuters

Pope: Save the Planet Before it’s Too Late | Christian Today

Vatican Goes Solar | GO

Pope Should Have a Chat with President Bush About Climate Change | GO

Climate Change Progress, in a Non-Binding Sort of Way | GO

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change | UN

Buy Renewable Energy for Yourself | GO 

Riding the Wave of Renewables: Inexpensive Clean Energy for Your Home | GO 

Photo:

Pope Benedict XVI | Flickr