The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Ryanne Waters, (202) 683-4925, rwaters@fwwatch.org

Pope Francis Takes 'Bold and Honest' Stand on Pollution Trading In Encyclical Letter

WASHINGTON

"Pope Francis is reiterating what scientists and advocates have been saying for years: we need to reduce carbon emissions to avoid catastrophic climate change. But it's his bold and honest analysis of pollution trading that is most noteworthy.

"The pope has cut through the distracting noise on a complex global issue. He's parted the Wall Street smoke screen and acknowledged that so-called market-based approaches to environmental problems like cap-and-trade aren't solutions at all."

"This clear assessment puts him well ahead of the mainstream environmental movement on a critical issue."

"The only solution to limiting carbon emissions is effective regulation and an immediate transition to a renewable energy future. We can start by banning fracking and other extreme forms of energy extraction."

Food & Water Watch mobilizes regular people to build political power to move bold and uncompromised solutions to the most pressing food, water, and climate problems of our time. We work to protect people's health, communities, and democracy from the growing destructive power of the most powerful economic interests.

(202) 683-2500