Pope Francis announced his plans to transition Vatican City into 100 percent solar power amid the increasing risk of climate change.
The Pope proclaimed his announcement in his Apostolic Letter "Fratello Sole," ordering the Italian officials and Vatican authorities to start working.
(Photo : Christopher Furlong/Getty Images))
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Pope Francis Advances Climate Change Efforts Within Vatican
According to reports, the Pope has ordered the building of an agri-photovoltaic installation within the extraterritorial area in Santa Maria De Galeria. The first project will be used to reduce carbon emissions in the city's atmosphere.
"Humans have the technological means to complete the ecological transformation required of us with all its ethical, social, economic, and political effects. Among these, solar energy has a critical role to play," the Pope wrote in his letter.
Once built, the solar plant will extend its supply power from the Vatican radio station to the entire 825 people living in the city.
The city only produced about 0.0000443% output of carbon emission in 2022 but the Pope is eager to transition successfully to encourage the development of sustainable models in other countries.
Pope Francis Initiates Climate Change Movement
The Pope has been actively participating in the discussion of climate change. In 2016, the Vatican updated its recycling system to improve waste management in the city. In 2023, the city brought electric cars through a partnership with Volkswagen.
In his letter, he cited the continuous efforts of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. He also mentioned his "Laudato Si'" which encouraged nations to become aware of the environmental footprint brought by fossil fuel reliance and how it affects our society.
The 424-hectare site will be used to hold the agri-photovoltaic installation. The Pope assigned the Secretariat of the Vatican City to monitor the project and ensure the proper communication line with the Italian government and that everything was in place.
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