Laudato Si’
Environment Magazine. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2015, pp.9-11
4 Pages Posted: 27 Nov 2015
Date Written: November 24, 2015
Abstract
Will Pope Francis’ words in his encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si’, influence Americans’ thinking about the environment, man’s role within it, and specifically climate change? Building on insights from social science I conclude that the long Papal letter should have different impacts depending on several factors, including who the audience is and which parts of the letter they read, or are (or assume they are) informed about. The ultimate effect, unknowable with any precision, in my opinion will be modest and positive, both on attitudes and even on some behaviors.
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