Andy Drozdziak
The Catholic Bishops’ conference is urging the main political parties to prioritise climate change in the upcoming election-and is calling on Catholics to question candidates on their environmental credentials.
Climate change played a defining role in the 2019 election, with the Tories pledging net zero emissions by 2050 and promising to plant 30 million trees to boost wind and solar energy. Labour, meanwhile, promised ‘a green industrial revolution’, with significant support for renewable energies and a promise to plant 2 billion trees by 2040. The issue became so prominent that some dubbed it the ‘climate election.’
As the 2024 election approaches, the environment has featured less prominently in interviews and TV debates. The Lead Bishop for the Environment at the Bishops’ conference, Bishop John Arnold, told the Universe that neglecting to address key environmental issues will have ‘dire consequences.’
“Our political leaders need to demonstrate that they have grasped the urgent need to address the climate crisis by demonstrating how they will reach net zero by 2050,” Bishop Arnold said.
“I therefore urge party leaders to commit to environmental pledges, especially reducing carbon emissions, as failing to address this crisis will not only have dire consequences for the environment but also disproportionately impact poorer communities who have contributed the least to this crisis.”
The present moment is key for critical global climate action, as the UK struggles to meet its target of net zero by 2050 and the limit of 1.5C of global heating increasingly appears a pipe dream.
In terms of pledges for the environment, the Tories have underlined their commitment to delivering net zero by 2050 and emphasise that a ‘pragmatic’ approach will ensure that families will not be forced “to rip out their existing boiler and replace it with a heat pump.” Sir Keir Starmer, meanwhile, has spoken of having the “largest investment in clean energy in our history”
Bishop Arnold issued a reminder to voters to question candidates about their plans for the environment, in the light of Pope Francis’ teaching in Laudato Si’ to care for ‘our common home.’
“As Catholics, we have a duty to care for our common home,” he said.
“When deciding who to vote for in this election, please ask your local candidates about their plans to deliver net zero, promote biodiversity and the natural environment ensure that our common home is protected.”
Bishop Arnold explained how the climate crisis does not only affect UK citizens but also many people around the world in a variety of ways.
“The climate crisis has not gone away. Indeed, warming seems to be accelerating faster than previous estimates suggested,” he said.
“Environmental issues such as energy and food security, biodiversity and sustainability are vital not just for our communities here in England and Wales, but also for the common good globally and for future generations.
“Pope Francis has reminded us, time and time again, that ‘we are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental.”
The Bishop’s words to the Universe came after he issued a letter to the leaders of the main political parties immediately after the election was announced, urging them to take environmental issues seriously in their planning.
- The Bishops’ Conference has provided General Election information and guidance on seven key topics. Material relating to the environment can be found here: cbcew.org.uk/environment-election24/