PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 7, 2025
Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical Laudato Si, a groundbreaking letter to the world addressing global warming and the unjust pillaging of our common home, inspired humanity to see climate change as far more than a fringe concern for environmentalists, but as the fundamental “life” issue of our time and an existential threat to humanity. While it remains to be seen how Pope Leo XIV moves the message of Laudato Si through his papacy, initial indications are encouraging. On May 22, the House of Representatives narrowly passed a budget bill that drastically cuts U.S. commitments to the working poor and hard-won progress on clean energy and climate. Mainers will suffer greatly under this legislation. ~ Peter Dugas, Portland is, Citizens’ Climate Lobby