“Faced with the widespread destruction of the environment, people everywhere are coming to understand that we cannot continue to use the goods of the Earth as we have in the past…[A] new ecological awareness is beginning to emerge…The ecological crisis is a moral issue.” ³⁴

Effective action in response to climate change must include changes in individual and community behaviour. These must respect the integrity of creation and offer special assistance to the poor and vulnerable, who suffer disproportionately from the effects of climate change. It is the responsibility of all Christians and people of goodwill to show solidarity with the poor and vulnerable by supporting effective policies and action, at local, national, regional and global levels through strategic and specific advocacy initiatives.

Caritas advocates for policies that truly work towards the common good.We seek strategies that put people at the heart of efforts to address climate change, by adopting appropriate mitigation and adaptation policies focused on those who are most vulnerable.

Our response to the suffering of those most affected by climate change involves not only humanitarian relief but also effective action to denounce unfair structures and policies that result in social injustice and human suffering. Caritas is therefore strongly committed to working with present and potential victims of climate change to present their cases to all relevant national, regional and international institutions.