Don't kill the Kyoto Protocol

"May our Lord touch the consciences of the leaders of rich nations of the world in order to do something better". That is one of the hopes of Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, President of Caritas Internationalis regarding the ongoing COP17 Conference.

Cardinal Maradiaga is in South Africa leading a delegation of representatives from the Caritas members to the UN climate talks in the city of Durban.
The 20-strong Caritas delegation will be taking part in several events in Durban focusing on the impact of climate change in Africa.
Commenting on the proceedings at the conference Cardinal Maradiaga said the poorest countries and those who are most vulnerable to changing climate patterns are expressing their deep concern. And he said that listening to talks on the scientific aspects of the climate change issue, it is clear that "this is not only a matter of politics, it's a matter of conscience regarding creation and regarding the future".
Therefore - he says - it is a matter to be taken seriously by all, especially by the most devloped nations. It must not be a forum, he says, for "making poltical agreements that lead nowhere".
As regards the Caritas delegation present at the conference Cardinal Maradiaga specified that their role is that of observers as per the rules of the UN. But of course he says, there is a strong presence of civil society organizations and aid organizations such as Caritas, because we are the ones who have to deal with all the consequences of ecological problems, taking aid to countries who suffer floods, droughts etc...
One important topic of the negotiations is the fate of the Kyoto Protocol, which - Cardinal Maradiaga points out - "must not die here in South Africa".
The Cardinal expressed his hope for the positive outcome of the conference, spoke of his appreciation for the words of encouragement voiced by Pope Benedict XVI, both during his Sunday Angelus, and during his discourse to the Foundation Sorella Natura just before the beginning of the COP17.
Finally, Cardinal Maradiaga appealed to the Catholics of the world to please continue praying for the good outfome of this conference. Spiritually speaking, he said, it is necessary to use the strength that we have, the power of prayer, and to pray for its success.
listen to the interview...