180. There are no uniform recipes, because each country or region has its own problems and
limitations. It is also true that political realismmay call for transitional measures and technologies, so
long as these are accompanied by the gradual framing and acceptance of binding commitments. At the
same time, on the national and local levels, much still needs to be done, such as promoting ways of
conserving energy. These would include favouring forms of industrial production with maximum
energy efficiency and diminished use of rawmaterials, removing from the market products which are
less energy efficient or more polluting, improving transport systems, and encouraging the construction
and repair of buildings aimed at reducing their energy consumption and levels of pollution. Political
activity on the local level could also be directed tomodifying consumption, developing an economy of
waste disposal and recycling, protecting certain species and planning a diversified agriculture and the
rotation of crops. Agriculture in poorer regions can be improved through investment in rural
infrastructures, a better organization of local or national markets, systems of irrigation, and the
development of techniques of sustainable agriculture. New forms of cooperation and community
organization can be encouraged in order to defend the interests of small producers and preserve local
ecosystems fromdestruction. Truly,much canbe done!
181. Here, continuity is essential, because policies related to climate change and environmental
protection cannot be altered with every change of government. Results take time and demand
immediate outlays whichmay not produce tangible effects within any one government’s term. That is
why, in the absence of pressure from the public and from civic institutions, political authorities will
always be reluctant to intervene, all the more when urgent needs must be met. To take up these
responsibilities and the costs they entail, politicianswill inevitably clashwith themindset of short-term
gain and results which dominates present-day economics and politics. But if they are courageous, they
will attest to theirGod-given dignity and leave behind a testimonyof selfless responsibility. Ahealthy
politics is sorely needed, capable of reforming and coordinating institutions, promoting best practices
and overcoming undue pressure and bureaucratic inertia. It should be added, though, that even the best
mechanisms can break down when there are no worthy goals and values, or a genuine and profound
humanism to serve as the basis of a noble and generous society.
III.
DIALOGUEANDTRANSPARENCY INDECISION-MAKING
