The Pope Loves Mother Earth!

Have you read Pope Francis’ newly released encyclical #PraisedBe ? It is the document of the decade in regard to ethics and environmentalism.

The Holy See draws a line between world poverty and irresposible progress, he says we need to “redefine our notion of progress”. He reasons that “business is a noble venture” but what is currently missing is giving both Mother Nature and the dignity of the local folks an automatic seat at the table when drawing up business plans. This he basically says to powerful one-percenters, bankers, multinational corporations and wealthy countries who degrade others for profit. This he says repeatedly, as he makes the case for environmental problems being the complex outcome of a humanity lacking in both ethics and spirituality, driven only by money. He claims there should be an “inseparable bond between concern for nature, justice for the poor, and commitment to society” and believes that these values will lead to restoring dignity to all, thus inner peace, thus world peace. Go Pope Francis!

Pope Francis views the globe as the home of one big family, just like his namesake St. Francis of Assisi. He has decided to unequivocally call out the rich and greedy who are wrecking the health of our planet and earth-family. This family is me, you, Eskimos, Ethiopians, polar bears, honey bees, coral reefs, rain-forests and more. He says we need to find the “the honesty needed to question certain models of development, production and consumption. It cannot be emphasized enough how everything is interconnected.” For the past twenty years he has witnessed a “weak international response” and what he deems the “failure of global summits”, the unwillingness of politicians to confront the rich and powerful. So he has decided to say loudly, honestly and courageously the emperor has no clothes!

Along with calling out the environmental offenders in his big papal voice, he also thanks and encourages those who have been trying to say the same thing, though their voices have often gone unheard or even mocked. The pope urges everyone to act now, saying “…while the existing world order proves powerless to assume its responsibilities, local individuals and groups can make a real difference. They are able to instill a greater sense of responsibility, a strong sense of community, a readiness to protect others, a spirit of creativity and a deep love for the land. They are also concerned about what they will eventually leave to their children and grandchildren. … Society, through non-governmental organizations and intermediate groups, must put pressure on governments to develop more rigorous regulations, procedures and controls.”

If you have been considering going a bit more green but don’t know where to start, I suggest you read his paper and get inspired to find where your talents lie in regard to any one of these topics he mentions: small farms, alternative energy, efficiency, pollution, recycling, clean water, genetics, rising sea-level, local banks and business. (Note: there are chapters and statements that are very Catholic and with which I disagree, but he is the pope after all.) If you are already doing your bit, I thank you deeply.

Exeter NH Transtion Town would especially like to thank these citizen groups and non-profits that are helping to lower the carbon footprint of Exeter and the region: Exeter Citizens for Responsible Growth, Wonderland Thrift, Seacoast Eat Local, Exeter Farmer’s Market, Great Bay Water-Keeper, South East Land Trust, First Fridays Extown Art Walks, Blue Moon Evolution/Dig In, We The People Lecture & Film Series, Exeter UU Green Sanctuary Committee, Exeter Congregational Church Mission & Action Committee, Button Up NH, the folks in Sustainability at Phillips Exeter Academy, and many more. Special thanks also to town manager Russ Dean and his board, the folks at the DPW and the Exeter Conservation Commission. Together we are all working to lower Exeter’s carbon footprint and keep Exeter a healthy place to live!