Despite the overwhelming evidence and general consensus of the scientific community, the issue of climate change continues to be a major source of controversy for some skeptics. One can argue that this very skepticism is preventing the implementation of public policies and measures that would challenge climate change. For example, if one adamantly denies climate change, he or she is probably more likely to support the process of fracking because he or she is ignorant of its consequences to the environment.

One of the professors mentioned that a carbon tax could be effective in deterring pollution and fossil fuel use. Professor Shanjun Li also commented on levels of air pollution in China. My roommate, an international student from China, has told me that one must sometimes wear a mask when going outside in Beijing because of high levels of air pollutants, especially during the Winter. I find this to be quite disturbing and upsetting. It was also very interesting to hear that Cornell utilizes lake-source cooling (thanks for cooling my room Cayuga Lake).

On May 24, 2015, Pope Francis released his encyclical, “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home.” In this powerful document, the leader of over 1 billion Catholics around the world addressed the consequences of climate change, environmental degradation, and social inequality. The Earth is our common home. According to Pope Francis, we, therefore, have a moral obligation to protect it. The effort to protect it, however, is going to require a united effort. In order to unite, we must first all be on the same page. In other words, we must all recognize the truth about climate change and the impact it will have on future generations. I believe our home is a very precious and beautiful gift. To echo the words of Pope Francis: “Laudato Si, mi Signore.” Or, to translate, “Praise be to you, my Lord!”