A renewed and clear criticism of elites rises as a call for swift action from governments and corporations adapting to the green transition. This comes ahead of the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with Pope Francis issuing a message tied to the Catholic Church’s renewal synod. The pope warns that the world that welcomes us is fracturing, and that a tipping point may be near.
Francis asserts that governments and companies must be compelled to align with the shift toward environmental responsibility. In the apostolic exhortation titled Laudate Deum, addressed to all people of goodwill, he describes a grim picture of climate change and its consequences. He critiques the policies and industry strategies that have guided the response so far, stressing that climate issues are no longer secondary or ideological — they affect everyone. He urges binding measures and sanctions to accelerate progress at the upcoming summit.
“This is not a secondary or ideological issue; it is a crisis that harms us all,” the pope states. He notes that over the years some have mocked concerns about the climate crisis, arguing that the planet naturally experiences cycles of cooling and warming. Yet the pope emphasizes that the current warming is occurring so rapidly that a single generation could witness profound changes. He condemns those who blame the poor for high birth rates, reminding readers that history often shows crime falling heavier on the vulnerable.
Tap great powers
On the other hand, the challenge lies in the fact that the climate crisis does not appear to concern the major powers as it should. The pope argues that some influential economies prioritize the highest possible return at the lowest cost and in the shortest time. In his view, those power holders have drifted away from being partners and have become perceived as victims of a system that serves a narrow set of interests.
He also distances himself from the notion that technology alone can solve the problem. Resources like lithium or silicon are not unlimited, and history shows that progress is not always managed wisely. He recalls the paradox of admirable technologies that, in certain moments, have caused harm, including the use of weapons that devastate populations. The message is clear: technology must serve the common good, not amplify destruction.
He cautions against confusing multilateralism with a centralized global authority controlled by a few elites. He highlights risks from moral decline in leadership, marketing pressures, and the spread of misinformation. A restructuring of multilateralism is needed, but it should not be decided by a single group or by elites alone. The aim is to balance shared responsibility with inclusive governance.
Controls and sanctions
The pope also outlines his view on practical measures. He critiques the promises made during climate conferences when results have fallen short. The current gap shows that strong, verifiable controls and periodic reviews are essential, along with clear sanction mechanisms to maintain discipline. He identifies this as a key obstacle that must be addressed before meaningful progress can occur again.
He urges that binding energy transition forms be established at major gatherings like COP28, beginning on November 30. The features are clear: these measures must be effective, mandatory, and easy to monitor. He calls on stakeholders to think beyond national interests, focusing on the common good and the future of children rather than short-term gains for a handful of countries or corporations. He stresses the need to move away from cynical attitudes that frame the issue as merely an environmental concern or a romantic ideal.
In a concrete remark, he points out that COP28 will take place in a country that remains a significant fossil fuel exporter. Oil and gas companies are pursuing new projects to expand production, he notes. Still, he cautions against expecting radical breakthroughs at the summit and warns that it would be a mistake to view the event as a final act capable of resolving decades of policy failure. The message is a call for persistent effort, robust negotiation, and accountable leadership that foregrounds the long-term well-being of the planet and its people.