Holy See Highlights 3 Issues in Energy Debate

(November 05, 2009) Progress in the field of renewable energy is important for poverty eradication, the Holy See contends. This was one element of the energy issue that Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See at the United Nations, spoke about Tuesday when he addressed the 64th session of the U.N. General Assembly. He proposed that "energy cooperation should ultimately be oriented toward poverty alleviation and be adjusted to economic and fiscal instruments, as well as to regional and international cooperation, information sharing, transfer of technology and best practices in this field." The archbishop noted how developing countries have the potential to produce a large percentage of renewable energy, but lack the money to get such programs started. He explained that the developing countries as a group have more than 40% of installed renewable power capacity, more than 70% of existing solar hot water capacity and 45% of bio-fuel production power capacity. Access by poorer people to this innovation is essential for allowing developing countries to meet their growing demand for energy and fostering sustainable development. Secondly, the Holy See representative said that discussions on energy "should take into account the human and environmental long term costs. The costs today are being born primarily by developing countries, the poor and those who do not have the ability to protect themselves from challenges of climate change." Archbishop Migliore said the field of renewable energy is a challenge for everyone, from governments to the private sector, but should "be based on 'intergenerational justice' since the energy consumption pattern of today impacts future generations. "Finally, the archbishop advocated "proper energy consciousness education and ongoing energy learning."