Numerous people interviewed this week in Northwest Washington D.C. celebrated Pope Francis’ recent controversial comments about climate change, noting his influence would be a positive one in the debate regardless of religion.
When asked if climate change should be considered a political issue, Isaiah Beaton, 20, agreed that the issue is larger than that.
“It shouldn’t even be a political issue,” Beaton said. “It just should be a humanitarian issue that we all decide to get behind, but the support of a religious leader is good.”
Chris Diamond, 22, thought it was important for the Pope to talk about climate change because he is pointing out an important issue to a crowd who might not have been paying attention.
The Pope said in a sweeping June 2015 184-page report that climate change is a moral issue.
Fifty-five-year-old Sheila Roar was aware of the Pope’s speech on climate change and agreed with him on the fact that governments must take action.
“The way he framed it hopefully got more people on board that there is a moral piece to this, this isn’t just about the economics,” Roar said.
While some people had an indifferent attitude towards environmental problems, others considered it to be a top priority and were happy to know the Pope brought it to global attention and is attempting to stir a movement in politics.
For instance, Evelin Aguilera, 19, said she believes climate change should be a top priority for international governments and knows what she can do to help.
“Right now I’m on the hunt for a car, so I know I can definitely buy a hybrid type of car,” Aguilera said.