In response to the release today of Pope Francis’ encyclical that urges us all to improve our ways in order to prevent catastrophic climate change, fight poverty and stem growing inequality, Winnie Byanyima, Oxfam International Executive Director, made the following statement:
“The call by Pope Francis, reminds us that climate change is first and foremost about people.
“The gross and growing inequality between rich and poor has been made worse by the climate crisis.
“Moreover, the emissions of the rich are driving weather extremes that hit the poorest hardest.
“Only when world leaders heed the Pope's moral leadership on these two defining issues, inequality and climate change, will our societies become safer, more prosperous and more equal.”