EarthBeat Weekly: U.S. governors go to the Vatican to talk climate resilience

U.S. governors go to the Vatican to talk climate resilience Your weekly newsletter about faith and climate change May 17, 2024 Pope Francis greets London Mayor Sadiq Khan, left, after an audience in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican May 16, 2024, with participants in a conference on climate resilience sponsored by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. (CNS/Vatican Media) On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Times reported that climate change is central to both Pope Francis and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, but that according to recent polling, Catholic voters in the United States don't seem to care. The coverage was prompted by Newsom's attendance at the "From Climate Crisis to Climate Resilience" conference held by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences at the Vatican from May 15–17. And Newsom wasn't the only U.S. governor in attendance. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healy attended the three-day summit along with other governors and mayors from around the world. Justin McLellan reported for Catholic News Service that when Francis addressed the leaders on May 16, he told them, "The climate crisis requires a symphony of cooperation and global solidarity," which includes "emissions reduction, lifestyle education, innovative financing, and the use of proven nature-based solutions." Read more: Pope urges global leaders, U.S. governors to take urgent climate action During Healy's keynote on the conference's opening day, the Massachusetts governor offered one example of just that when she announced the launch of the state's Climate Careers Fund to train people for in-demand, skilled climate jobs such as electricians and EV mechanics. McLellan reported for CNS that the pilot program seeks to dedicate $10 million in philanthropic resources and public funding to fill climate workforce gaps. "We can have all the goals and targets that we want, but we're not going to get there unless we have the human capital and the human resources and the workforce able to do that," Healy said. Read more: At Vatican conference, Massachusetts governor announces Climate Careers Fund     What else is new on EarthBeat:   How contemplation is making me a better climate activist by Tom Volkert Where do we find the wherewithal to persevere in long-term work that requires dramatic change in us and in the systems around us? Could my relationship with God be instrumental in supporting my climate activism?   Kenya's Catholic bishops call on government for urgent response to floods by Ian Byron The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops has called for "swift action" and "generous acts of charity" to mitigate effects of flooding that has so far left more than 250 people dead and a trail of property damage.   Church members help people displaced by Brazil floods, form solidarity networks for assistance by Eduardo Campos Lima, OSV News The unprecedented storms devastating vast areas in Brazil since the end of April have displaced more than half a million people. Members of the Catholic Church are calling on government authorities to develop policies to rebuild destroyed communities and family farms.   Climate change is affecting mental health literally everywhere by Daisy Simmons, Yale Climate Connections A recent summit organized by the Connecting Climate Minds network brought together hundreds of scientists, doctors, community leaders and other experts from dozens of countries who have spent the past year studying how climate change is harming mental health in their regions.   What's happening in other climate news: 'A little bold and gross': Oil industry writes executive orders for Trump to sign —Ben Lefebvre for Politico Microsoft employees spent years fighting the tech giant's oil ties. Now, they're speaking out. —Maddie Stone for Grist How Alabama Turned to Restrictive Deed Covenants to Ward Off Flooding Claims From Black Residents —Lee Hedgepeth for Inside Climate News How do scientists know how much climate change affects a hurricane, a heat wave, a drought, and more? —Samantha Harrington for Yale Climate Connections   Final Beat: In EarthBeat's "Small Earth Stories" feature series, readers share specific ways they're living simply, resisting throwaway culture or responding to climate change in day-to-day life. These personal essays usually range from 100-1,000 words and include 1-2 photos. Want to share your story? You can submit it to me anytime at sclary@ncronline.org. Thanks for reading EarthBeat! Stephanie Clary Environment Editor National Catholic Reporter sclary@ncronline.org Instagram: @stephanieclaryncr     Featured Advertisers   Looking to Hire? Offering Retreats? Selling Books? Place an Ad in NCR's Online Classified Section for Only $75 per Month!   Advertisement