for Jaime Spengler, Brazilian cardinal, “climate action begins in the heart of each person”

In a joint appeal with the Churches of Asia and Oceania*, you ask that rich nations recognize and assume their social and ecological debt. How?

A critical analysis of the technological and industrial development of the last hundred years makes it possible to demonstrate the enormous debt contracted by several of the so-called rich nations towards different peoples and countries which have been exploited, even plundered, and which continue to be so in the name of so-called progress.

But progress only for a few, as a significant portion of the world’s population continues to live in poverty or misery. Support for corrupt dictatorial regimes has favored the exploitation of the natural wealth of many regions for the benefit of a small part of the population.

It is therefore necessary to convert the global development model. We are at a moment where we must have the courage to decide: either we form a global alliance to take care of the planet, or we risk our own destruction, and that of life in all its diversity.

Do you think that the moral argument of historical responsibility is sufficient to push the nations of the North to act with more solidarity towards the South?

We need ethical and moral arguments. But the Church must help promote awareness of indigenous peoples and communities in the Global South. If the North does not want to hear us, the pressure of these people could make the difference.

During Lent, with a view to COP30, we led a campaign in Brazil on fraternity and integral ecology. I am convinced that profound changes do not come from above but from the bottom. People and communities must put pressure because politicians are afraid of popular demonstrations. As our appeal says, there is no peace possible without climate justice. No future without ecological conversion. No real solutions without listening to people.

Climate action faces denial from public opinion, including among Christians. What would you have to say to them?

Faith is never in contradiction with science. In the refusal to see the seriousness of climate change and its human causes, there is the reality of sin which prevents us from opening our eyes and ears.

Climate denialism is a form of the “ecological sin” spoken of in the encyclical Laudato si’ (§218, editor’s note). From the Christian perspective, everything proceeds from a journey of conversion. Climate action starts in everyone’s heart. If we do not change our hearts, we cannot overcome the crisis in the long term. Any profound cultural change requires a personal conversion.

For what?

Climate change is first and foremost a problem of relationships: relationships between humans, relationships with the Earth and with God. As Christians, this is our starting point for thinking about this subject. If we want to act on the situation, we must revise these relationships.

COP30 takes place in Belém (Amazon) and will shine a spotlight on indigenous peoples like never before in this type of event. How does the Catholic Church view them?

Pope Francis recognized in Laudato si’ that these people are the best protectors of the lands where they live. Solutions to the environmental crisis cannot be reduced to technical or financial adjustments.

We must integrate other visions of the world, other practices carried by these peoples. Rooted in their territories, they call us to resist consumerism and the superfluous, to live in authentic fraternity. The Church is called to dialogue with indigenous and Afro-descendant spiritualities: these help to dismantle the disordered anthropocentrism which damages Creation.

What is your main reason for hope today?

I accompany young people in Brazil and I see in them a sensitivity and attention to climate issues which command my admiration. We, the older ones, are more cautious, even fearful. They have vigor, courage and determination. It’s up to us to help them build a viable future!

* Call for climate justice and for our common home, July 2025.