social norms are respected only to the extent that they do not clash with personal needs. So our
concern cannot be limited merely to the threat of extreme weather events, but must also extend to the
catastrophic consequences of social unrest. Obsessionwith a consumerist lifestyle, above all when few
people are capableofmaintaining it, can only lead to violence andmutual destruction.
205. Yet all is not lost. Human beings, while capable of the worst, are also capable of rising above
themselves, choosing again what is good, and making a new start, despite their mental and social
conditioning. We are able to take an honest look at ourselves, to acknowledge our deep dissatisfaction,
and to embark on newpaths to authentic freedom. No system can completely suppress our openness to
what is good, true and beautiful, or our God-given ability to respond to his grace at work deep in our
hearts. I appeal to everyone throughout the world not to forget this dignitywhich is ours. No one has
the right to take it fromus.
206. A change in lifestyle could bring healthy pressure to bear on those who wield political,
economic and social power. This is what consumer movements accomplish by boycotting certain
products. Theyprove successful in changing thewaybusinesses operate, forcing them to consider their
environmental footprint and their patterns of production. When social pressure affects their earnings,
businesses clearlyhave to findways to produce differently. This shows us the great need for a sense of
social responsibility on the part of consumers. “Purchasing is always a moral – and not simply
economic – act”.
146
Today, in a word, “the issue of environmental degradation challenges us to
examine our lifestyle”.
147
207. The Earth Charter asked us to leave behind a period of self-destruction and make a new start,
but wehavenot as yet developed auniversal awareness needed to achieve this. Here, Iwould echo that
courageous challenge: “As never before in history, common destiny beckons us to seek a new
beginning… Let ours be a time remembered for the awakening of a new reverence for life, the firm
resolve to achieve sustainability, the quickening of the struggle for justice and peace, and the joyful
celebration of life”.
148
146
BENEDICTXVI,Encyclical Letter
Caritas inVeritate
(29 June 2009), 66
:
AAS101 (2009), 699.
147
ID.,
Message for the2010WorldDayof Peace
, 11
:
AAS102 (2010), 48.
148
EarthCharter
, TheHague (29 June2000).
