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Despite criticism from some politicians, the reason that it is appropriate for Pope Francis to call for action on climate change is because it is a moral issue.
In his book, “A Perfect Moral Storm: The Ethical Tragedy of Climate Change,” Stephen M. Gardiner writes that, although climate change is usually discussed in scientific and economic terms, “the deepest challenge is ethical.”
According to Gardiner, “What matters most is what we do to protect those vulnerable to our actions and unable to hold us accountable, especially the global poor, future generations and nonhuman nature.”
On his visit to the United States, Pope Francis urged us to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves. The pope also concurred with Gardiner when he asserted that climate change is a problem that should not be left to future generations.
Terry Hansen
Oak Creek, Wis.
