Impact of Climate Change: New Alliance Between Science and Religion

Climate change is an existential threat. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, at the United Nations and the Pontifical Academy of Science of the Vatican, have stated that we have a window of 10 to 12 years to lower carbon emissions or we will face more catastrophic weather patterns. There needs to be an alliance of scientist and religious leaders working together to reverse climate change. Pope Francis stated in Laudato Si’, "that we are all one family and we live in a common home". COVID-19 has shown us that what one member does affects the health of the entire family.

Robert W. McElroy received his undergraduate education at Harvard, and a master’s degree in American history from Stanford in 1976. Was ordained a priest in 1980. In 1985, he pursued studies in the field of Catholic social teaching. He received a doctorate in moral theology from the Gregorian University in Rome and a doctorate in political science from Stanford in 1989. He served the Archdiocese of San Francisco as vicar general and as a pastor, and in 2010 Pope Benedict appointed him auxiliary bishop of San Francisco. In 2015 Pope Francis appointed him bishop of San Diego. Bishop McElroy currently serves the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on the committees on domestic justice, international justice, ecumenism, Africa, and Latin America.


Dr. Veerabhadran Ramanathan is a scientist, professor and Presidential Chair for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at University of California, San Diego. He is a lifetime member of the Pontifical Academy of Science and has worked closely with Pope Francis on climate change and its effect on our world. Dr. Ramanathan believes that climate change and its effects have become a moral and ethical issue. He strives to inform faith leaders so that awareness is taught in every church, synagogue, temple and mosque.