You are on page 1of 2

Jasmen OHara

9/9/2016
Ethical Argument Essay
In 2015, Pope Francis issued a message to the Catholic Church in hopes to influence an upcoming
UN climate meeting in Paris. He stated that the Catholic Church should no longer ignore the scientific
evidence that supports climate change (Vidal, 2014). This statement is not without criticism, however he
has chosen not to back down before opposition. I believe that the pope has made a noble ethical choice to
speak up about climate change. The popes decision is not only moral, but seems to be an easy and
natural decision for this great leader.
Since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has made a commitment to
impacting climate change. In a recent message to the Catholic Church he stated, The first step is to
humbly acknowledge the harm we are doing to the Earth through pollution, the scandalous destruction of
ecosystems and loss of biodiversity, and the spectre of climate change (McKenna, 2016). Rolston states
that, Man is the only moral measurer of things (Rolston, p. 83-84). Animals feel pain and fear as well as
security and comfort, however animals are not bound to protect animals of other species, or even of their
own species. Humans have adapted a moral compass, to feel compassion for wounded or starving beings.
Humans are the only species that has a complete language and cognitive understanding of interaction. As
such we are responsible to protect those who cannot understand moral obligation.
As the climate has changed, temperatures have risen, and extreme weather events have ripped
through areas around the world, Pope Francis knows that all eyes are on him as he makes radical
statements blaming humans for, The loss of biodiversity and the destruction of ecosystembecause of
us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existenceWe have no such right
(McKenna, 2016). Some people cannot think outside of their privilege. For some it is impossible to
believe that a persons decisions could have a harmful effect on the future.
For the pope, there is no choice. As Rolston explains, For some, the values seem to be there as
soon as the facts are fully in This conviction, and the conscience that follows from it, can yield our best
adaptive fit on earth (Rolston, p.101) Although Pope Francis may lose followers due to his stance, he
should not back down. He is responsible for the welfare of the People of God and he cannot stand by
while we destroy our planet.

Jasmen OHara
9/9/2016
Ethical Argument Essay
Works Cited
McKenna, Josephine. "Pope Francis Says Destroying the Environment Is a Sin." The Guardian. Guardian
News and Media, 01 Sept. 2016. Web. 09 Sept. 2016.

Rolston III, Holmes. "Challenges in Environmental Ethics." Environmental Philosophy: From


Animal Rights to Radical Ecology. Ed. Michael E. Zimmerman. Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2005. 82-101. Print.
Vidal, John. "Pope Francis's Edict on Climate Change Will Anger Deniers and US Churches." The
Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 27 Dec. 2014. Web. 09 Sept. 2016.

A position as leader of approximately 1.2 billion people carries incredible responsibility (Vidal). Leaders
of religion have arguably unlimited power, especially in the Catholic Church. Not only are Catholic
followers dependent on the decisions of the Pope, but the rest of the world also pays attention as choices
are made and policies are enforced. In 2015, the pope issued a message to the Catholic Church in hopes to
influence the UN climate meeting in Paris. According to Pope Francis, the Catholic Church should no
longer ignore the scientific evidence that backs climate change. The Popes decision to take a stand on
climate change is not without criticism, however he has chosen not to back down before opposition. I
believe that the Pope has made an ethical choice to speak up about climate change; it is a choice that
should be made by more leaders around the globe.
The most ethical choice is for Pope Francis to speak up about climate change.
1. Agree: Man is the only moral measurer of things (Rolston, p. 84)
a. Animals hunt and howl, seek shelter build nests and sing, care for their young, flee from
threats, grow hungry, thirsty, hot(p. 83-84)
b. We are responsible to care for those who cannot care for themselves.
2. Agree: For some at least, the sharp is/ought dichotomy is gone; the values seem to be there as
soon as the facts are fully in and both alike properties of the system. This conviction, and the
conscience that follows from it, can yield our best adaptive fit on earth (Rolston, p. 101).
a. For some it is common sense to help other people or animals
b. It is as easy as the blink of an eye to make a moral decision
c. For some it is hard to see social responsibility, a picture of the future without help does
not signal empathy.
The Pope is responsible for the welfare of the People of God. God leads him in leading the people of the
Catholic Church. Not only is Pope Francis a leader of the people in the Catholic Church, but many people
outside the Church look to him for guidance. It is his ethical and moral responsibility to address problems
that he sees that are not being addressed.

You might also like