Pope to Oil Execs: "Energy Use Must Not Destroy Civilization"

We need to avoid "perpetrating a brutal act of injustice" against future generations.

Carbon Pricing

During a closed-doors audience at the Vatican, Pope Francis told a number of oil executives that they need to find an energy solution that doesn't sacrifice the environment — in order to avoid "perpetrating a brutal act of injustice" against future generations.

"Civilization requires energy, but energy use must not destroy civilization," the Pope told the executives, as quoted by the BBC.

What's needed is a "radical energy transition" that includes a "carbon pricing regime" to bolster the prospects for green energy, the Pope reportedly told execs from ExxonMobil, BP, Chevron and other energy giants.

A Hail Mary

In a joint statement, the executives argued that governments should set pricing regimes to keep business going and encourage investment, while "minimizing the costs to vulnerable communities and supporting economic growth," as the Associated Press reports.

"It’s clear we have to change pace. Progress has been insufficient and the emissions continue to grow," wrote energy company Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi in a statement, as quoted by AP.

It's not the first time Pope Francis met with oil execs to discuss the threat of climate change. The Pope met with oil execs almost exactly a year ago, calling for "a reduction in the systematic use of fossil fuels."

READ MORE: Pope warns oil bosses of climate threat [BBC]

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