Global warming is an "unequivocal reality," due to greenhouse gas emissions generated by our production systems and our "lifestyle". We are experiencing an "enormous jump" in average temperatures and if the trend continues "we will be exposed to severe risks to humans and the environment" and to ecological disasters. Jean-Pascal van Ypersele, Professor at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium and Vice-chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), was part of the expert group that worked on the COMECE (Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Communities) report titled "Christian view on Climate Change." The extensive document, presented yesterday in Brussels, starts with scientific analyses and focuses on "the impact climate change will have on ecosystems and individuals," on the "political challenges" to be met in this field and puts forward some ethical considerations outlining "the role of Europe in addressing global warming." "People who are most in danger are the poor, the children and the elderly," explained Mr van Ypersele, which implies a call to "inter-generational solidarity." ” ” ” “
