Priest urges proactive stance against climate change

A Franciscan priest urges President Rodrigo Duterte to be pro active in its stance against climate change.

This was part of the message given by Fr. Dexter Toledo, one of the convener of the Global Catholic Climate Movement-Philippines.Toledo was at the Aklan Catholic College Gymnasium Saturday to discuss about the 'Laudato Si' of Pope Francis.

The 'Laudato Si' is an encyclical letter of Pope Francis which contains poems of praise and worship to the Almighty on nature.

"I agree that President Duterte do not recognize the Paris Treaty on Climate Change as develop countries must put more effort on minimizing carbon emission. The Philippines however must continue its proactive stance against climate change and climate justice," Toledo said.

The priest also bared that they have given a copy of the said encyclical letter to DENR Secretary Gina Lopez serving it as an inspiration in environmerntal conservation of the country.

He also urges devotees at the different parishes participating in the forum to implement parish based initiatives in the mitigation and mitigation of the climate change.

Also, Fr. Toledo urges young people to enjoy and appreciate nature at its best.

"Young people nowadays (especially those in the urban areas) seems to more engaged in mobile technology rather than going to the river to swim nor running along the rice fields. With the fast growing development in the countryside, young people will soon not see clean rivers and farms any longer," he said.