4 Comments In his encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Francis appeals for “a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all.” (n. 14) The encyclical also calls for “broader proposals” (n. 15), “a variety of proposals” (n.60), greater engagement between religion and science (n. 62) and among the sciences (n. 201), and bringing together scientific-technological language with that of the people (n. 143).
In this spirit of dialogue and engagement, the Acton Institute is organizing a half-day conference around the question, “Can free markets help us care for our common home?” The first session will examine the theological and philosophical foundations of Laudato Si’ while the second will look at specific economic, social and environmental issues from various perspectives, such as finance, agriculture and natural resource management. The conference will attempt to carry out the encyclical’s call for open and honest discussion of these and related areas, taking into account the principles of Catholic social teaching, Christian anthropology and stewardship, and the insights of natural and social sciences.
Below, Acton President Rev. Robert A. Sirico offers his personal invitation to the conference, which takes place in Rome at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross on December 3, 2015.
Just as there is a strong correlation between freer markets and economic development, so there is a similar correlation between freer markets and environmental protection. The worst polluters in the history of mankind were the socialist states of Eastern Europe and the USSR. China was similarly polluting before it freed markets. In the US, military bases tend to be the most polluted places. The reason is simple: people don’t destroy their own property. Freer markets and stronger property rights end pollution.
Well framed argument. Will be interested to see if rational thought is part of this conference.
I wish Acton the greatest success in its efforts to shed the light of truth on the environmental issues discussed in the encyclical. A full discussion will involve the credible doubts that exist among many that there truly is an apocalyptic global-warming crisis at hand. It would also include a realistic assessment of the economic harm done by draconian cuts in fossil-fuel use, as recommended by Pope Francis and fellow alarmists. These costs will harm the poor disproportionately.
Good point! I heard on NPR today people claiming that global warming is hurting the poor. But wait until they get serious about cutting CO2. They will literally cause people to starve to death as the cost of food rockets.