杏MAP导航

By Sebastian Sanson Ferrari and Lisa Zengarini

杏MAP导航 Francis met on Friday with Celeste Saolo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the UN agency responsible for the coordination of meteorological, hydrological and related activities.

During the conversation they discussed their common concerns on climate change and agreed on the urgency for climate action.

Speaking to Vatican News after the audience, Ms Saulo said the UN agency is looking forward to a closer collaboration with the Holy See and other religions on this crucial issue, one which represents a major challenge for our planet and humanity.

Climate change: a key concern for 杏MAP导航 Francis

鈥溞覯AP导航 Francis is very concerned about what is happening with climate,鈥� Saolo said, 鈥渁nd I think that there are many things the World Meteorological Organisation can do with the Vatican to protect our common home鈥�.

Ms Saulo explained that all indicators monitored by the WMO, be it rising global temperatures, rising sea levels, or glaciers melting, are worsening, which 鈥渕eans that we are going in the wrong direction.鈥� This, she added., 鈥渨ill have huge impacts on migration, children, women, indigenous peoples, the more vulnerable who are the ones suffering the most.鈥�

Changing weather patterns affecting the most vulnerable

The most affected regions, she explained, are Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, along with small island developing countries which are the frontline of rising sea levels. 鈥淲e need to help them to avoid the consequences of climate change," she stressed.

Religions' contribution to climate action

According to Ms Saulo, religions can give an important contribution to climate action and to building hope: 鈥淎ction should be informed by science, but moved by faith鈥�, she said.

She expressed her hope for a closer collaboration in the future with the Holy See: 鈥淲e have a common agenda and can work together to protect people鈥檚 lives and livelihoods 鈥�, she said.