Clybe Burnett, Peak to Peak.  Observations of heat radiation and the absorption by various molecules in the atmosphere began over 100 years ago. Recent accurate measurements of temperature and radiation permit us to make a simple calculation, neglecting the atmosphere, of the energy balance of planet Earth; this predicts that our surface temperature should be about 0oF. But we measure an average 59oF! So our atmosphere must be keeping us warm.

Today’s accurate measurements in fact show that the atmosphere is mostly transparent in the visible but certain of the molecules, water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and a few others, are strongly absorbing in the Earth’s infrared. Clearly the large amounts of water vapor must be most responsible for the heat trapping (the greenhouse effect). But when we consider what we call the feedback effect, the other trace gases are also important. They warm the ocean a small additional amount and the evaporation yields a further increase in the absorption by water vapor. The resultant energy balance controls our weather, and the average weather for a period of 30 years or so constitutes our climate.

Question: Why is climate change such a problem?

Answer: Humanity and our support system of plants and animals has evolved with this climate and any change will require significant adaptation for continued life. Jesuit philosophers have suggested that we may continue to evolve with an increased understanding of science and religion. Or are we to fail in our stewardship of Earth and become extinct?

Some of our wise ancestors wrote in the Bible that we should appreciate God’s gift of the Garden of Eden. Some interpret this advice to be good environmental stewards, others believe it is permission to exploit the Earth’s resources.  But now, with a population of 7 billion, we find that we have influence on Nature: the planet is getting warmer, the glaciers are melting, the sea level is rising. Measurements clearly show this is caused by the increase in CO2 in the atmosphere produced by our burning of fossil fuel for energy. And as we continue business as usual, we find this perturbation will last for centuries. We need the kind of leadership that will bring humanity to a serious search for solutions. President Obama’s cautious efforts have been hampered by political considerations.

Pope Francis is the first Jesuit Pope and has accepted the duty to lead in this matter. The Jesuits, from the time of Galileo, pioneered the practice of experimental science with observations and measurements providing the true story. The Pope’s recent encyclical Laudato si not only accepts the IPCC statements on climate science—he very likely understands them!

Pope Francis states the warning that “Climate change represents one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day.”  “If the present trend continues, this century may well witnesses extraordinary climate change and an unprecedented destruction of ecosystems with serous consequences for all of us.”

Pope Francis examines the current environmental problem and states, “Science and religion can enter into an intense dialogue fruitful for both”.

But a recent Yale poll indicates that only 40% of American Catholics and 1/3 of all Americans are aware of the papal encyclical. Is our pursuit of the almighty dollar—to buy more video games or whatever—so important that we are unaware?