The top Catholic said it was "time to make wise choices" for the future of the planet, addressing some 400 young climate activists who had gathered in Milan.
The Pope congratulated the activists on their "work for the good of humanity."Image: Alessandra Tarantino/AP/picture alliance
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Pope Francis on Wednesday praised young environmental activists for challenging global leaders on emission policies ahead of a United Nations climate summit next month.
In a video message to the Youth4Climate climate gathering in Milan, Francis thanked the activists for their "dreams and good projects'' and encouraged them to help "rebuild the fabric'' of humanity through care for the planet.
The three-day youth gathering has drawn some 400 activists, including Sweden's Greta Thunberg and Uganda's Vanessa Nakate.
The Pope advocates for 'sustainable production'
The summit is sending recommendations to the United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland, that begins Oct. 31.
The Pontiff said it was "time to make wise choices" for the future of planet and called to promote "a culture of care, a culture of responsible sharing."
"Solutions can be found to overcome energy poverty and to place the care of the commons at the center of national and international policies," Francis said.
These included "favoring sustainable production, circular economy, and the sharing of appropriate technologies," he added.
Dialogue with adults
The Pope said the young activists' vision so far has shown their preparedness for dialogue with leaders.
"This vision is capable of challenging the adult world, for it reveals that you are prepared not only for action, but also for patient listening, constructive dialogue and mutual understanding,'' he said.
Earth Day 2021: Restore Our Earth
For over 50 years, Earth Day has taken place on April 22. It is the world's single biggest annual environmental protest and educational event. DW takes a look at the day's history — and what we can expect this year.
Image: Reuters/NASA
Origins in California oil spill
In 1969, over 3 million gallons (11 million liters) of oil were spilled into the ocean in California following an accident at an offshore drilling platform. Inspired by media attention drawn to the pollution, as well as a growing public interest in green issues, US Senator Gaylord Nelson devised an environmental "teach-in" at college campuses in April 1970. This event became the first Earth Day.
Image: Wally Fong/AP Photo/picture alliance
Paris Climate Agreement
The 1970 Earth Day was the world's largest single-day protest ever. Since then, the day has become an international event to educate and highlight environmental issues. In 2016, the landmark Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise was signed on Earth Day by more than 170 countries. Diplomats marked the day by planting a cherry blossom tree at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Image: Andy Katz//Pacific Press/picture alliance
Earth Day goes virtual
The 50-year anniversary in 2020 was supposed to see the biggest Earth Day ever. But, with much of the world in lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic, protests and public meetings were impossible. The events went online — and organizers say more than 100 million people took action virtually. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg held an open discussion online with climate scientists.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/J. Gow
Protesters demand change
The pandemic also meant that the UN's climate conference, COP26, scheduled for December 2020, has been postponed. In 2019 thousands of protesters at COP25 called for governments to do more — a demand that has partly been heeded — Since Earth Day 2020, several more countries have made ambitious pledges for carbon cuts, including China, Japan and, following the election of Joe Biden, the US.
Image: AFP/G. Bouys
Joe Biden confronts climate change
One of Biden's first acts in office was to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement, from which his predecessor, Donald Trump, had withdrawn the US. In his first days in office, Biden also announced a major climate summit on Earth Day 2021 where he is expected to strengthen climate reduction pledges. Activists hope the United States' new commitment to sustainable policies will influence other countries.
Image: Michael Forster Rothbart/Zuma/picture alliance
Restore Our Earth
Organizers have chosen the theme for Earth Day 2021 of "Restore Our Earth." In addition to a number of online and real-life protests and educational events, people are encouraged to organize cleanups in their own communities. Governments, organizations and individuals all have a part to play in the future of our planet — and Earth Day is one way to get involved.
Image: MEHR
Canopy project
One of 2021's key restoration projects is the Canopy Project with the aim of helping reforestation. Planting more trees and preserving existing forests is important to carbon capture, Earth Day organizers say. Since 2010, funds raised on Earth Day have helped plant tens of millions of trees.
Image: Nicolas Economou/picture-alliance/NurPhoto
Climate literacy
Key among the goals of Earth Day 2021 and for many climate activists is the improvement of climate literacy for all. Younger generations are the ones who will make good on many of the pledges made by current world leaders. Education about climate change must be ingrained around the world for all generations, Earth Day organizers say.
Image: Reuters/NASA
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The young activists in Milan are currently working on a joint declaration to be given to the hosts of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.
Francis has made care for "our common home," the Earth, a hallmark of his papacy and devoted an entire encyclical to the issue in 2015.
The Bishops' Conference of Scotland has said it expects Francis to attend the Glasgow climate summit, though the Vatican hasn't officially confirmed his attendance.
