Two prominent Catholic environmental organizations have raised concerns about President Trump’s recent actions regarding climate and energy policies. They believe these actions threaten the well-being and dignity of all people, especially those who are most vulnerable.
On January 27, the Catholic Climate Covenant and the North American chapter of the Laudato Si’ Movement shared their alarm over the rollback of important climate policies. They emphasized that scientific evidence shows climate change, caused by fossil fuel consumption, is already harming communities in the U.S. and worldwide.
The groups pointed out that by moving away from established climate commitments, the administration is ignoring America’s responsibility to help combat this crisis. They argued that these decisions will disproportionately impact low-income individuals who often face the brunt of extreme weather events like heatwaves, droughts, and natural disasters.
In his first hours in office, President Trump signed multiple executive orders aimed at changing environmental regulations. These included plans to expand oil and gas drilling, especially in sensitive areas like Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, while also halting offshore wind projects. He sought to accelerate approvals for energy projects, paused crucial clean energy funding, and disbanded key scientific advisory councils.
Anticipated legal challenges may arise from these energy policies. Trump also announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, a significant global pact to tackle climate change. This move could isolate the U.S. further in the international community focused on reducing carbon emissions.
With projections showing 2024 as one of the hottest years on record, these policy changes come at a crucial time for global climate efforts. The Catholic groups condemned the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, highlighting that it will exacerbate the climate crisis and compromise future generations.
They noted the executive orders do not align with the Catholic teaching that upholds the right to life and dignity for all. The organizations urged Trump to reconsider his decisions and called on Congress to ensure the nation’s climate commitments are honored.
The Catholic Climate Covenant, supported by numerous national organizations, seeks to promote environmental responsibility. Meanwhile, the Laudato Si’ Movement includes about 900 Catholic entities focused on responding to ecological challenges, reflecting Pope Francis’ call for action in his encyclical, Laudato Si’.
When the U.S. officially exits the Paris Agreement, it will join a small group of countries like Iran and Yemen, positioning itself away from global efforts to mitigate climate change. The agreement, established in 2015, aims to limit global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and nearly 200 countries are committed to this goal.
Before leaving office, President Biden had reinstated the U.S. in the Paris Agreement and pledged to reduce emissions significantly by 2035. Scientists have emphasized that halving global emissions by 2030 is essential to meet climate targets.
The Catholic groups referenced a 2019 statement from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, declaring climate change a pressing issue that disproportionately affects the most vulnerable. Archbishop Timothy Broglio echoed these concerns, warning that the president’s environmental actions could worsen conditions for those already in desperate situations.
