NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTHE INDEPENDENTTE NEWS RSOURCE NCRonline.org NOVEMBER 6-19, 2015 Vol. 52, No. 2 | $2.95 What’s happening after coal?

By BRIAN ROEWE

As visitors enter West Virginia, WORLD NEWS billboards present the Mountain State as a region filled with real, CLIMATE authentic experiences. Real adven- ture? Check. Real relaxing? Check. Get the deal done in Real excitement? Check. To Jesuit Paris, urge bishops Fr. Brian O’Donnell of Wheeling in around the globe the northern panhandle, the tourism PAGE 5 campaign asks simply, “Which West Virginia do you want?” That same question could apply just as easily to the people of the state. Theirs is a land enriched with miles of coal seams but one in the midst of grappling with a changing global energy economy and world- view questioning the efficacy and ethics of burning fossil fuels. The reality of life without coal SPECIAL SECTION —AP Photo/David Goldman has become a pressing issue and is overdue for real discussion, said COLLEGES & Above: In October, 2014, coal O’Donnell, executive secretary for UNIVERSITIES miners return after working the Catholic Conference of West Freshmen and faith; a shift underground at the Virginia. While the state’s northern immigrant students; Perkins Branch Coal Mine in and central regions are more diversi- sustainability Cumberland, Ky. fied and stable, its southern portion remains primarily reliant, economi- PAGES 1a-12a Right: A mountaintop cally and culturally, on its coalfields. remvoal coal mine on “The curious case of southern Kayford Mountain, south of West Virginia is a conversation BOOKS Charleston, W.Va. about what’s happening after coal?” O’Donnell said. “Well, you don’t be- MURDER AND gin it by averting to climate change, FORGIVENESS you begin by talking about, what’s the reality about the coal industry in Author makes peace —CNS/Tyler Orsburn Continued on Page 9 with sister’s killer PAGE 21

COLUMN Synod puts forth new paths for the divorced BRITISH TV By JOSHUA J. McELWEE possible, even with all the prep time: matter, closing the asking for a softening of the Catholic Oct. 4-25 meeting with Shows to give your Netflix VATICAN CITY . Three weeks of intense and church’s practice toward those who a strong renewal of account a workout sometimes publicly heated debates. have divorced and remarried. his continual empha- PAGE 23 One year of preparation, involving Some 270 prelates approved — by sis of the boundless nature of divine the considerations of the entire glob- two-thirds majority — new language mercy, saying, “The church’s first duty al church. A year before that of even for consideration by Pope Francis is not to hand down condemnations more preparation for the two-week- that says persons who have remarried or anathemas, but to proclaim God’s long pre-meeting of sorts. should discern decisions about their mercy.” And on Oct. 24, the 2015 Synod of spiritual lives individually in concert Although the final document from Bishops ended by doing something with the guidance of priests. the synod says discernment for re- many had come to think might be im- The pope himself put a point on the Continued on Page 6 NCR research: Costs of sex abuse crisis to US church underestimated By JACK RUHL and DIANE RUHL Between 1950 and August of this year, the church has paid out The U.S. Catholic church has in- $3,994,797,060.10, NCR found. curred nearly $4 billion in costs re- That figure is based on a three- lated to the priest sex abuse crisis month investigation of data, in- during the past 65 years, according cluding a review of more than 7,800 to an extensive NCR investigation of articles gleaned from LexisNexis Ac- media reports, databases and church ademic and NCR databases, as well as documents. information from BishopAccount —AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes In addition, separate research ability.org and from reports from the Plaintiff Lee Bashforth holds a photo of recently published calculates that U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. This issue was mailed on Oct. 30. mailed on Oct. This issue was himself outside Los Angeles Superior Court other scandal-related consequences Up until now, “nearly $3 billion” on July 16, 2007, the day that the Los An- such as lost membership and divert- has been the most widely cited fig- geles archdiocese and attorneys for more ed giving has cost the church more ure by media, academics and activ- than 500 victims of clergy sex abuse ar- than $2.3 billion annually for the ists for the cost to the U.S. church rived at a $660 million settlement. past 30 years. (See story on Page 15.) Continued on Page 15 NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER NOVEMBER 6-19, 2015 NATION 9

Richard Miller, a theology professor at COAL: ‘HOW MUCH OF A PRICE DOES APPALACHIA HAVE TO PAY?’ Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., Continued from Page 1 and editor of God, Creation, and Cli- mate Change: A Catholic Response to southern West Virginia? It’s failing, the Environmental Crisis. so we really do have to think about the The pope, Miller said, places natural future.” gas at the top and oil in the middle — In nearby eastern Kentucky, similar both fuels generate fewer carbon emis- realities are unfolding. This is part of sions than coal. Bishop John the reason Bishop John Stowe, in mid- “That is, better to choose oil instead Stowe of Lex- August, spent his 100th day as head of of coal, better to choose natural gas in- ington, Ky.: the Lexington diocese traveling more stead of oil,” Miller said. “Choosing the than 350 miles in a daylong tour of the Stowe noted that Francis is “not call- lesser of two area’s coalfields. He saw the effects of ing for immediate, overnight solutions evils is some- mountaintop removal, heard the con- that are going to radically displace thing that we cerns of coal executives and miners, people — I think there’s a sensitivity have to do and felt, through the words of a retired to that. And choosing the lesser of two frequently in miner tethered to his oxygen tank, the evils is something that we have to do the moral life.” pains of black lung from a lifetime in frequently in the moral life when there the mines. isn’t a perfect solution readily avail- Outside the tour, Stowe, a Francis- able.” can, so far has spent the early portion At the same time, Dan Finn, the of his time in his new home reading Clemens Professor in Economics and past pastoral letters of Appalachia the Liberal Arts at the College of St. and studying the region’s rocky his- —CNS/Cross Roads/Skip Olson Benedict and St. John’s University in tory with coal. Collegeville, Minn., said the argument “I know that many people depended to a lesser degree, gas — needs to be man person, even those in the mining for jobs doesn’t justify continuing the on its mining for their livelihood here, progressively replaced without delay. and drilling sectors, at the heart of energy status quo. but that it caused a lot of suffering and Until greater progress is made in de- the encyclical, said Bishop Paul Eti- “That’s not reason enough to say, a lot of economic injustice in the area. veloping widely accessible sources of enne of Cheyenne, Wyo., a sparsely ‘OK, then, let’s just stick with what So coal is and remains a controversial renewable energy, it is legitimate to populated state that produces nearly we’re doing here,’ because in fact we topic in this part of the country,” he choose the lesser of two evils or to find 40 percent of U.S. coal (or roughly four never will have a larger role played by told NCR. short-term solutions.” times West Virginia or Kentucky), and renewable energy resources until we Against this backdrop, Appalachia’s “I think that paragraph is pretty ranks in the top 10 in oil and natural make changes to the current uses and Catholic communities received Pope clear,” said Erin Lothes, a theologian gas drilling. current policies,” he said. Francis’ encyclical on the environ- who studies energy ethics at the Col- “I don’t think he’s wanting to see Added Miller, “The worker cannot ment and human ecology, “Laudato lege of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, an entire group of people in particu- be protected at the expense of the hu- Si’, on Care for Our Common Home.” N.J. lar industries unemployed, that’s cer- man rights of people around the world While the document stretches more “It means that highly polluting tainly not his desire. … But I think he and young generations.” than 40,000 words, 31 of them acutely energy is the lesser of two evils. It’s wants to open this dialogue, and he’s elucidate reaction there: “We know tolerable in the short-term while ac- calling for new models, I think, of how that technology based on the use of tion is being taken to generate more we drive this economy,” said Etienne, Transition underway highly polluting fossil fuels — espe- widely accessible, healthier solutions. current president of Catholic Rural Apparent academic interpretations cially coal, but also oil and, to a lesser But highly polluting energy is an evil Life, a national agricultural outreach of Francis’ fossil-fuel pronouncement degree, gas — needs to be progressive- nonetheless, because of the harm it’s organization. quickly become soot-covered in real- ly replaced without delay.” inflicting on human health and well- Lothes said that the pope has world application: The effort, it’s clear, The sentence, a small extract one can being and environmental integrity,” stressed that investments that yield won’t be clean-cut. dig from the many themes and mes- she said. greater short-term financial gain at The transition “is happening right sages inside Laudato Si’, has served The theologians and bishops who the expense of people themselves is ul- now in West Virginia,” Bransfield as a banner slogan for environmen- spoke to NCR came to consensus that timately bad business for society. “And said. “It’s not going to happen at the talists eager for a cleaner energy mix, the pope was not calling for overnight maintaining the investment in coal is end of the century. So it’s something and bulletin board material for those shifts in energy use, in the U.S. or else- going to prove it is not only bad for the we’re confronted with right now.” who claim the pope — and eco-advo- where, but recognized a lengthy tran- environment, but it is not economical- In West Virginia, the No. 2 coal state cates alike — seek to choke economic sition period ahead. What is urgent, ly sustainable,” she said. behind Wyoming, production has de- growth, and with it people’s liveli- though, they said, is the need for accel- In Paragraph 165, the sole coal refer- clined 28 percent since 2008, and 40 hoods, in pursuit of saving the planet. erated reduction of dependence on the ence of the encyclical, Francis pres- percent in the south, where 5,200 jobs The challenge for Catholics in Amer- most carbon-generating fuels in lieu ents the mineral at the bottom of a hi- have been lost since 2011, according to ica’s fossil-fuel-heavy regions has been of cleaner energy sources. erarchy of interim fuel options while the state’s Center on Budget & Policy. one part reassuring their neighbors Francis has placed care of the hu- renewable technology advances, said Continued on Page 10 that the pope doesn’t aspire to end in- dustries or careers, and one part be- ginning a dialogue refocusing human endeavor toward serving people and the environment, rather than destroy- ing them. Perhaps caught more in the middle than anyone is Bishop Michael Brans- field of Wheeling-Charleston, W.Va. His initial comments on the encyclical following its June release portrayed him to some as off papal message and more in the coal state of mind. “Obviously, the dependency on fossil fuels must go down,” Bransfield told NCR in September, “but at the same time our consciousness of the unem- ployed and the poor must stay current and informed.” “I’m not criticizing the government for wanting to get rid of fossil fuels, but how much of a price does Appala- chia have to pay? … The fact is, we’re going to have to pay a higher price than the average person reading that encyclical.” Hierarchy of fuels Paragraph 165 of Laudato Si’ begins, “We know that technology based on the use of highly polluting fossil fu- —CNS/Tyler Orsburn els — especially coal, but also oil and, A train carries coal near Ravenna, Ky., Aug. 21 2014. NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER NOVEMBER 6-19, 2015 10 NATION COAL: FALLING PRODUCTION Continued from Page 9

The 116.9 million short tons mined in 2014 was the state’s lowest total since 1983 and far from its peak in 1997 (181.9 million short tons), per the West Vir- ginia Coal Association’s 2015 Coal Facts report. A billboard car- In Kentucky, coal state No. 3, produc- ries a message tion in 2014 fell to early 1960s levels, supporting the and in its east, coal production is 71 coal industry percent less than its peak in 1990, ac- near Wheeling, cording to its state Coal Facts report W.Va., in Janu- for 2015. ary 2013. A report from West Virginia Univer- sity projected its state’s coal produc- tion, after a modest rebound, will fall to fewer than 96 million short tons in 2035, and even further should the Clean Power Plan of the U.S. Environmental Agency survive legal challenges, large- ly led by a coalition of state attorneys general, including West Virginia’s. Mining’s struggles, though, are not necessarily a reflection of the entire —Newscom/Reuters/Jason Cohn state. According to the West Virginia University College of Business and Both Pike and Perry Counties were Economics Economic Outlook 2015 re- ‘It’s a way of life. I think that’s something that stops on Stowe’s coalfields tour, chap- port, mining and logging account for a we don’t recognize or understand.’ eroned by Glenmary Home Missioner mere 5 percent of state employment, Fr. John Rausch. with the government hiring a work- —Fr. John Rausch “I didn’t realize the coal industry was force four times larger, and the indus- this critical,” said Rausch, a 40-year vet- tries of trade/transportation/utilities eran of Appalachian ministry, much of and education/health services togeth- due to its high emissions. The finan- 20-30 years must see “an induced im- it centered on the environment and de- er accounting for another third of to- cial giant said that for the world to plosion of the carbon economy” in or- fending the rights of miners. tal jobs. Wal-Mart is the single largest have a chance at limiting global tem- der to curb warming below 2 degrees. Recently, he has heard that more and private employer. perature rise below 2 degrees Celsius “In the end, it is a moral decision. Do more people are leaving Appalachia, While the state overall saw its recov- — a chief aim of the United Nations you want to be part of the generation hoping to reapply their mining skills ery momentum slip in 2013, future job climate change talks set for Paris in that screwed up the planet for the next in the Dakotas or Wyoming. “The and population growth is expected to December — more than 80 percent of 1,000 years? I don’t think we should darnedest thing is, nobody wants to center in the north-central and north- current coal reserves would need to re- make that decision,” said Schellnhu- move away from this area. The land is western parts of the state, whereas main unused, or at current coal prices, ber, who a month earlier also spoke at part of their culture and part of their further declines are projected for the roughly $60 trillion in stranded assets. a Vatican press conference introduc- feelings,” he said. southern coalfields. Market value shrank from $50 billion ing the pope’s encyclical. Despite the bleak outlook and in- “I try to tell people West Virginia is in 2012 to $18 billion today among the herent dangers involved in the work, so diverse that unless you’re talking to coal companies Citigroup tracks; it pre- strong support survives for coal and the people of a certain region, you have dicted that mine closures, liquidation Air of fatalism mining in the region. Everywhere she absolutely no knowledge of what’s go- and bankruptcy, while limited to date, The statistics on coal’s forlorn future goes in eastern Kentucky, Franciscan ing on there,” Bransfield said. could accelerate, attributing such move- are driven home in West Virginia’s Sr. Robbie Pentecost, who has lived in Nationally, coal remains the primary ment in part to politically driven shifts south, Kentucky’s east, and other parts the region for 20 years, sees the signs: electricity source, dwarfing current in investor appetites. Among those: of America rich in the carbon-packed “Friends of Coal.” output by renewables. But production “The Church of England has endorsed mineral. West Virginia has seen its “They’re on license plates; they’re fell 16 percent between 2008 and 2013, recent comments from the Papacy about mining workforce drop from 130,000 on signs of businesses like Wendy’s according to the U.S. Energy Informa- reducing greenhouse gas emissions, all in 1950 to less than 20,000 in 2013. In and McDonald’s. They’re just every- tion Administration, which projected of which is leading to continued pres- Pike County, Kentucky’s historical where,” said Pentecost, who recently coal’s share of total U.S. energy produc- sure on the coal industry.” coal leader, mining jobs decreased by wrapped up a decade working with the tion to fall from 26 percent in 2013 to 15 German physicist Hans Joachim 20 percent from 2012 to 2013, as they Christian Appalachian Project. percent in 2040, even without factoring Schellnhuber, a member of the Pontifi- did in nearby Perry County; Harlan “It’s a way of life,” said Rausch. “I in the Clean Power Plan, which aims to cal Academy of Sciences, said at a July County saw employment slashed by 35 think that’s something that we don’t cut emissions from power plants by 32 climate summit in Paris that the next percent in just one year. recognize or understand. Coal country percent in 2030 from 2005 levels. has a lot of uniquenesses to it.” In July, the Sierra Club celebrated One comes in its approach to reli- the 200th coal plant retirement through gion, which leans more depressing its Beyond Coal campaign, represent- than optimistic, Rausch said. At fu- ing closure of roughly 40 percent of the nerals, the priest recalls more tears nation’s 523 coal plants in five years, and wailing for the great loss, and less and the elimination of the emissions hope for reuniting in another life. An equivalent of 39 million-plus vehicles. air of fatalism and despair is tangible While coal backers, especially in across central Appalachia; O’Donnell, Appalachia, have claimed EPA and too, has sensed “a spiritual problem” Obama administration regulations as people come to grips that an older have fired coal’s decline, others have way of life may be coming to an end. pointed to market factors, in particu- “There is this psychological, spiri- lar the rise of natural gas and renew- tual aspect of this, that you have this ables as viable energy alternatives. life way, and it’s hard to let that go,” he Fossil fuel divestment efforts on col- said. lege campuses and cities nationwide “That’s kind of a hegemony of dis- have largely honed in first on coal. cussions that at least half the state Globally, coal use has risen every just start with the proposition, ‘Coal year since 1965 — in Asia, more than is great, let’s continue it.’ But the real- 2,100 new coal-fired power plants are ity, as I’ve indicated, is much other — I in the works — though some finance mean, that’s not going to work.” firms predict a forecast more in line Her own enthusiasm for the encyc- with U.S. trends on the horizon. lical aside, Pentecost has a hard time In August, Citigroup, in its second — Newscom/EPA/David Maxwell seeing how it might take root in such a Energy Darwinism report, declared Bishop Michael Bransfield of Wheeling-Charleston, W.Va., celebrates Mass climate. For one, she’s not certain how that “coal is the clear loser under a low April 6, 2010, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Whitesville to pray for fami- many even know of the 5-month-old carbon scenario,” as the fuel source lies and victims of the Upper Big Branch Mine accident the previous day in document. But in an area long swayed most affected by a price on carbon Montcoal. by coal company talking points (or NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER NOVEMBER 6-19, 2015 NATION 11 fearful of challenging them), and one versation on Laudato Si’, beginning not just one group of people.” where “Catholic” is sometimes seen as with Paragraph 165 or its messages on In August, the bishop took the first a negative term, it’s rocky ground for climate change, will go up in smoke step by hosting dialogue sessions at planting. long before an ember of curiosity can four parishes in his mission diocese. “They don’t have a sense of what’s ever begin to burn. Accompanying him was Cecilia Calvo, possible, and so they think coal is the “You just have to take it as a given head of the U.S. bishops’ Environmen- only thing and decide to stay with that certain things are sacrosanct, and tal Justice Program, who handled the what you know,” she said. a direct attack on coal is just not going climate change portion of the talks. Still, Pentecost sees hope in the to work in West Virginia, whatever the Unsurprisingly, some in attendance excitement among the area’s more economic realities are,” O’Donnell said. didn’t see eye to eye with the pope’s prominent Christian faiths for Fran- As an alternative starting point, conclusions on the subject. (The scien- cis, sensing a possible encyclical entry Rausch said it’s imperative to recog- tific consensus is the globe is warming point through such “legitimizers.” nize that whether it’s an economic di- and human activity has played a role.) Likewise, she’s inspired that her saster or a mining disaster, “we’re talk- “You can see that some people natu- new bishop has indicated a desire to ing about something spiritual, because rally are struggling with this message, engage the community through Lau- people are devastated; their spirits are and I think it’s important to have that dato Si’. While it didn’t come up in devastated.” In the absence of hope, he conversation. And it’s important to conversations with miners during his said, depression seeps in, along with it Cecilia Calvo take a step back and look at why this coalfield tour, Stowe preached about dysfunctional behavior and drug use (a is important to us, as Catholics and as the encyclical the weekend following growing problem in Appalachia). own fossil fuel-reliant diocese of Great society,” Calvo said. its release in several rural parishes. “The church has got to be there in its Falls-Billings, Mont. Locally, that Since its release, Calvo has given He focused primarily on its scriptural greatest moment of compassion, and I would include the Crow tribe, whose nearly a dozen presentations on the aspects, that the responsibility to live think you could tie that into the encyc- 2.2 million-acre reservation in south encyclical in four states. In Montana, in right relationship with creation ex- lical,” Rausch said. central Montana sits upon one of the she tailored her discussion on cli- tends back to Genesis and was embod- The theologian Finn said it falls nation’s largest coal deposits. mate’s impacts on another important ied in St. Francis of Assisi. upon local pastors and bishops to edu- The tribe lists the deposits in the state industry: agriculture. The local “Those things are deeply Catholic; cate themselves about the encyclical Powder River Basin as its primary connection helped stir the Q&A por- it’s not just a political fad, or it’s not and science it cites, and then help peo- economic driver; in December, Crow tion on all sides of the climate issue as just giving an opinion about whether ple interpret what’s exactly going on. Nation Chairman Darrin Old Coyote, she stressed an integrated approach. or not there’s a climate change and “You have to try to help people in the along with Montana’s attorney gen- “We had some really good discus- whether or not the human beings have area understand, first of all, under- eral, defended its importance as a pov- sions around that,” she said. “So it’s a a role in it,” he said. People responded stand what’s happening and why. And erty escape hatch in a letter to EPA op- beginning.” favorably to that message, Stowe add- in this case, trying to explain why the posing the Clean Power Plan. Other beginnings have emerged else- ed, though they still held apprehen- pope is saying what he’s saying, rather “It’s having good dialogue but also where. In southern Wyoming, Fr. Rob sion for what it said about coal. than pretending he’s saying something I think the dialogue eventually has to Spaulding has begun hosting classes that he’s not,” he said. come to a decision,” Warfel said, “and on the encyclical. Back in Kentucky, Another starting point arrives in a one of the emphases that the pope has Stowe views his coalfield tour in line Beginning conversation classic Catholic thought of gathering brought on in this encyclical is for with the listening sessions under- The strong perception among Catho- all affected parties to the table, said the common good — and the common taken by past Appalachian bishops who lics in fossil-fuel regions is that a con- Bishop Michael Warfel, head of his good meaning the global community, Continued on Page 12

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THIS SHOULD NOT BE A SECRET Heb 2:4; Rom 1:17; Gal 3:11; Heb 10:38). Evil spelled “EVERYONE SHALL BE SAVED WHO CALLS ON By (Fr.) Charles Van Winkle, CSC backward is LIVE: Live In Victory Eternally. Break the THE NAME OF THE LORD” (Joel 3:5; Rom 10:13; bonds of evil and be ALIVE: Always Live In Victory Acts 2:21). In application, therefore, AT THE VERY (Article One of TRUTH: Think Rightly Until Truth Eternally. Jesus has triumphed over the world, flesh and FIRST HINT OF A TEMPTATION, like withdrawing Heals. As Jesus says, “You will know the truth and the devil. Jesus has the victory. If we have FAITH in the your fingers from a hot stove—the failure results when truth will set you free” (Jn 8:32). VICTOR, we have the victory, the same as does a little we hesitate and start to think about the temptation— After the little boy confessed some sins, the child who has FAITH in a loving parent. IMMEDIATELY RETREAT TO JESUS who dwells in priest asked, “Anything else?” “No, but I’ll have more And just as a small child must depend entirely your heart through baptism. And at that same moment, for you the next time.” on a loving parent for everything, Jesus reminds us, “I in your mind—not on your lips—one time say, “No, in The story illustrates one of the two most am the vine you are the branches. Whoever remains in the name of Jesus.” “Jesus” means “Savior” and necessary catechetical requirements in the Church today: me and I in him will bear much fruit, because “Healer.” The love you express by IMMEDIATELY EMPHATICALLY to teach how relatively easy it is to WITHOUT ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING. . . By this is REJECTING the temptation through faith in Jesus have a firm purpose of amendment—success in my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become enables you to be open to his saving, transforming love. overcoming temptations—and increasingly become my disciples” (Jn 15:5,8). And, of course, the fruit to Therefore, after one time mentally saying “No, whole, holy, happy, human, free, mature, in control, which Jesus refers is the fruit of the Holy Spirit: “Love, in the name of Jesus,” to the rhythm of your breathing lovers, Christlike, who we are called to be. In our vain joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, hear the word “Jesus” in your mind; that is, simply efforts to live the fulfilling truth, we become frustrated, gentleness and self control” (Gal 5:22, 23). breathe in the first syllable and breathe out the second discouraged and disillusioned. And notwithstanding all FAITH (Find All It Takes Here) in JESUS, for syllable. Continue this faith-breathing exercise until the good intentions, in May, 1991, a Gallup Poll published (Jesus Eternally Serves Us Salvation), for CHRIST temptation is overcome—until you realize the promise of as a National and International Religious Report that (Christ Has Risen In Saving Triumph) that we celebrate Jesus: “Come to me, all you who labor and are “The churched are just as likely to engage in unethical in the MASS (Messiah Always Serving Salvation). burdened, and I will give you rest . . . For my yoke is behavior.” However, some people daily attend Mass and recite the easy, and my burden light” (Mt 11:28,30). Before fifteen-year-old Anne Frank graduated rosary but have just as much difficulty overcoming Since “Jesus” means “Savior” and “Healer,” as to the fullness of life from the concentration camp during temptation as people who never pray. As the Arabic you make the loving act of the will INSTANTLY in the World War Two, she wrote in her diary, “Despite Proverb says, “People of faith must understand how to name of Jesus to reject the temptation and everything, I still think people are good at heart.” And express it when challenged.” IMMEDIATELY begin breathing “Jesus,” not only are during my many years of prison ministry, I have Therefore, the application of our FAITH to be you being saved from the temptation, but you are also habitually encountered the same desire to do the good, as able to realize “His commandments are not burdensome” being healed. You are gaining increasing control of your well as the same frustration experienced by St. Paul but are the TRUTH that sets us free is as follows: Jesus fallen human nature and becoming more happy, free and before he discovered and applied the simple means of says, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, confident about the present and the future. For just as living the freeing truth: “The willing is ready at hand, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28). However, because you grow physically through physical exercise, you grow but doing the good is not. For I do not do the good I of our fallen human nature, we are inclined to be slow to spiritually through spiritual exercise by IMMEDIATELY want, but I do the evil I do not want” (Rom 7:18b,19). resist temptation. And so even from a secular, RETREATING in FAITH to receive the healing, Regarding inability to overcome temptation and psychological understanding, “He (She) who hesitates is transforming love of Jesus. Accordingly, this simple, have a firm purpose of amendment, our sins are simply lost.” In order to counter this reality, Jesus says, “Seek effective response is referred to as the Faith-Love symptomatic of the problem all of us are inclined to have FIRST the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Mt Principle or FLP. The application has “not been tried because of our fallen human nature. Jesus says, “The 6:33a); IMMEDIACY of the application of FAITH is the and found wanting; it has been found wanting to be tried. truth will set you free” (Jn 8:32b). And GOD is Good means of victory and growth in the fruit of the Holy “I was hard pressed and falling, but the Lord Orderly Direction that enables us to be free. Therefore, Spirit. As Jesus further emphasizes, “Unless you came to my help. The lord, my strength and might came to solve the problem, through St. John the Holy Spirit become as a little child, you cannot enter the kingdom of to me as Savior” (Ps 118:13,14). reminds us that “The love of God is this, that we keep his heaven” (Mk 10:15); that is, at the first awareness of (Emphasis throughout is my own.) commandments. And his commandments are not temptation, we must IMMEDIATELY retreat to Jesus as The publication of this TRUTH article was burdensome . . . And the victory that conquers the world a little child retreats from danger to a loving parent—“He made possible through the generosity of Jim and is our FAITH” (1 Jn 5:3,4b). (She) who hesitates is lost.” Marianne Walter, Albany, NY, on behalf of his late “Without FAITH it is impossible to please God” Finally, the application of FAITH is predicated mother Kathryn, and in thanksgiving for our dedicated (Heb 11:6). “The just person LIVES BY FAITH” (cf. on what the Holy Spirit states three times in Scripture: and faithful clergy. NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER NOVEMBER 6-19, 2015 12 NATION

Beyond support for national limits on carbon emissions, the U.S. Confer- ence of Catholic Bishops has support- ed legislation in Congress, such as the Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Act, that would make grants available to non- profits, including Catholic parishes, From left, Joni schools and hospitals, aimed at mak- Cainan, Nicho- ing energy efficiency improvements. las Odell and Calvo said that while the conference Kodi Majors join is looking at programs providing as- a Stop New En- sistance to coal workers, through its ergy Taxes Rally Catholic Campaign for Human Devel- before a public opment, it has supported groups that listening ses- retrain workers for green jobs. sion on federal Numerous studies have examined coal programs state-by-state clean energy potential, hosted by the offering optimism for the Mountain Bureau of Land West but a mixed bag for much of Ap- Management, palachia. Aug. 13 in Gil- Across most of West Virginia and lette, Wyo. eastern Kentucky, 2.3 acres of solar panel surface area could power 1,000 homes, according to the Department of Energy, with incremental improve- ment in Montana and Wyoming. Mon- tana ranks third in wind energy poten- —AP/Gillette News Record/Tim Goessman tial, according to the American Wind Energy Association, and has vast re- serves of geothermal energy, as does COAL: CLEAN ENERGY POTENTIAL A MIXED BAG FOR APPALACHIA portions of West Virginia. Continued from Page 11 moment in West Virginia and its his- renewable energy. It urged the Legisla- The Solutions Project, an effort tory. There’s no question. So will we ture to revise the state’s clean energy backed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk and authored two seminal pastoral letters, just wait for the future and see what’s portfolio standard to emphasize re- actor/climate advocate Leonardo Di- “This Land Is Home to Me” (1975) and going to happen? Or are we part of the newables rather than “alternatives,” Caprio, uses data from Stanford Uni- “At Home in the Web of Life” (1995). solution, that as you said, we talk to and to create an energy enhancement versity to map a road to 100-percent- Regarding Laudato Si’, Stowe said higher people or people who can affect fund to expand renewable energy and renewable energy for all 50 states by his role as a pastor begins with his this situation now?” energy efficiency capacity. 2050. In West Virginia and Kentucky, own understanding of the teaching, The situation, as Bransfield sees it, At the federal level, the council it’s largely through solar photovoltaic so that he may “disseminate it in ways begins with addressing poverty. West asked Congress not only to mitigate plants, to the effect of 73,000 long-term that people are actually going to be re- Virginia’s 18.3 percent poverty rate is climate change but the impact of relat- jobs and $1.9 billion in annual health ceptive to hear what is being said. To tied for seventh highest in the nation. ed legislation on Appalachia’s people. cost savings in West Virginia, and recognize the fragility of our planet at (Kentucky, at 19.1 percent, ranks fifth.) Bransfield said he agrees with the 189,000 jobs and $7.1 billion in annual this moment in history, and that we all Among children in West Virginia, the pope of the need to move off fossil fu- health savings in Kentucky. have a call to work for the sustaining poverty rate rises to 24.3 percent, ac- els, but feels responsible to assure that For Wyoming, the model utilizes of life-giving care of the planet and cording to the U.S. Census Bureau. in doing so, the miners aren’t left bur- a majority of wind power as well as life-giving systems that are part of Addressing this poverty comes in ied beside the mineral. solar, with far less in created jobs or God’s creation.” providing immediate help in access- “We all know what’s wrong. Nobody avoided health costs, but estimates As part of that process, the diocese’s ing adequate health care — already wants mountaintop removal. Nobody as much as $77,000 in annual energy/ pastoral life office is prepping a Lent- aided by the Affordable Care Act, the wants to just have fossil fuels in the fu- health/climate cost savings per person en discussion guide on Laudato Si’. bishop said — or assistance to people ture. But somebody wants to help poor by 2050. Stowe hopes the additional time from struggling in food deserts, areas lack- people who are unemployed. Some- Beyond energy generation, others its release (and accompanying media ing close access to stores with fresh body wants to help poor children, es- have spotted job potential in manu- coverage) will help people “really try fruits and vegetables. Much of south- pecially when you have these propor- facturing components for the grow- to get into the document,” to see how ern West Virginia has either limited tions of them, when you’re not sure if ing renewables sector — particularly it connects to church tradition but also vehicle access or stores 20 or more they have food,” he said. the booming solar industry, which in how it might apply locally. miles away. A partial solution may lie in a piece 2014 employed 32,490 manufacturing In West Virginia, an ad hoc com- Bransfield assures that the Charles- of the president’s proposed fiscal year workers, an increase of 30 percent mittee led by O’Donnell has surveyed ton statehouse knows his and the dio- 2016 budget, the POWER+ Plan. For- since 2010. In the same time frame, parishes and schools on their current cese’s positions on poverty as well as mally known as the Partnerships for solar installation, the bulk of the sec- “green” efforts. In Bransfield’s words, the glaring need to look beyond coal. Opportunity and Workforce and Eco- tor’s workforce, has grown nearly 121 the committee’s purpose is “to discov- On the latter, the diocese also knows nomic Revitalization Initiative, the percent, with a projected 2015 employ- er various ways they can take the en- it’s a rough road. Beyond state opposi- plan has begun using $28 million-$38 ment of almost 119,000. cyclical and bring it to life.” tion to the Clean Power Plan, the 2014 million in federal funds to award From there, the bishop will review midterm elections saw Republicans planning and implementation grants the committee’s recommendations, ride a pro-coal platform to take hold to communities negatively impacted Paving a new path and determine what can be done. of both chambers of the state Legisla- by changes in the coal industry and Outside enthusiasm for new possi- When the diocese has the power to do ture for the first time since the Great power sector. That includes diversify- bilities aside, it’s evident a successful it, like in its new LEED silver-certi- Depression. ing those regions’ economies, creating transition away from coal will not oc- fied chancery, completed in July 2014, Asked if the diocese has consid- and attracting new jobs, and providing cur without local buy-in. That point Bransfield said it will take steps to im- ered endorsing the Clean Power training and educational opportuni- was illustrated in an August Washing- plement environmentally conscious Plan, as the U.S. bishops’ conference ties. ton Post report about a proposed wind technology. has, O’Donnell conceded the present The 2016 budget has an additional farm for southwestern Virginia, what “That will be very high priority to “minefield” of state politics, particu- $55 million earmarked for the pro- would be the state’s first such project, us. To be honest with you, I don’t know larly as it relates to President Barack gram, overseen by the U.S. Economic that quickly ran into opposition from how high a priority that is to poor peo- Obama, and that the state has lagged Development Administration. the region. ple,” he said, noting that it wouldn’t as much as a generation behind others The POWER+ Plan also seeks to “We’re losing our foothold in the make economic sense to take such im- bordering it when it comes to renew- strengthen retired miners’ health coal industry and now they’re propos- mediate steps in every parish — for in- able energy and sustainability. care and pension plans, in addition to ing … ‘Oh, by the way, we’re going to stance, those in poverty-stricken areas A more likely avenue for such ac- providing $1 billion over five years to take your beautiful land for renewable struggling to pay their bills. tion, he said, would come through redevelop abandoned coal mine sites, energy?’ It is insulting, really,” Charles the collective voice of the West Vir- and $2 billion in tax incentives to en- Stacy, an attorney who lives near the ginia Council of Churches, of which courage use of carbon capture and se- planned development, told the Post, Addressing poverty the Wheeling-Charleston diocese is a questration technology. before adding that people didn’t seem Such inward-looking initiatives are member. In its outline of public pol- A similar West Virginia program, to have a problem with coal when it fu- but a piece of the conversation, which icy priorities for 2015, the council de- the Southern Coalfields Organiz- eled the rise of America’s cities. eventually in all fuel-heavy states nounced mountaintop removal while ing and Revitalizing the Economy Pentecost, the Franciscan sister, has must involve the local and national calling energy efficiency programs (SCORE) initiative, seeks to emphasize detected that a lot of the doubt about legislature. “a sensible investment for West Vir- the state’s south tourism, education the potential of wind or solar is fed “What happens here does depend on ginia,” and encouraging state leaders and retraining, redevelopment (par- by the coal companies, which gained leaders,” Bransfield said. “to embrace the economic opportunity ticularly agribusiness and in rural trust as the historical providers of He continued: “This is a defining and job creation offered” from clean, areas), and extending Internet access. the best-paying jobs. Until coal ceases NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER NOVEMBER 6-19, 2015 NATION 13 US bishops set to select ‘strategic priorities’ By TOM ROBERTS lies feel, rural poverty, joblessness, the struggle of the working poor.” WASHINGTON . One of the major decisions He added that he hoped “the body facing the nation’s bishops when they of bishops would throw our collective meet Nov. 16-19 for their annual fall weight behind a voice of advocacy for assembly in Baltimore will be what the poor in America.” “strategic priorities” to focus on Since the U.S. bishops’ last gather- through the year 2020, a discussion that drew some pointed debate during the group’s spring gathering. ‘People first have to be able to listen The bishops will also vote on a new to each other. You don’t accomplish introductory note and “limited” re- vision to “Forming Consciences for anything with a stalemate.’ Faithful Citizenship,” a quadrennial statement issued the year before each —Bishop David Zubik presidential election. According to a release from the U.S. ing, the themes of the Francis papacy Conference of Catholic Bishops, the have come more into focus. Days af- revised citizenship statement “will ter the June meeting, the Vatican re- feature new language around issues of leased “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our public concern for Catholics” arrived Common Home,” Francis’ encyclical at by a working group led by Galves- on the environment and human ecolo- ton-Houston Cardinal Daniel DiNar- gy, and in October, bishops worldwide do, conference vice president. concluded the two-year Synod of Bish- The priorities proposed in St. Louis ops on the family. —CNS/St. Louis Review/Lisa Johnston in June (NCR, July 3-16) focused on In the middle, Francis made his Bishop Robert Malone of Buffalo, N.Y., snaps a photograph before a prayer family and marriage; evangelization; first-ever visit to the U.S., bringing a and meeting with Pope Francis at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in religious freedom; human life and dig- message of mercy to all, and appealing Washington Sept. 23. nity; and vocations. Discussion arose for the pursuit of the common good around the questions of whether the and embrace of the immigrant. “You don’t get very far building walls,” Youth (nominees: Bishop Frank Cag- conference was simply doing more On the latter point, he spoke can- Zubik said. “It never happens that way. giano of Bridgeport, Conn., Archbish- of the same and whether the agenda, didly to U.S. bishops Sept. 23 at the Ca- People first have to be able to listen to op Charles Chaput of Philadelphia); which will be used for a 2017-20 stra- thedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in each other. You don’t accomplish any- • Migration (nominees: Archbishop tegic plan, should better reflect the is- Washington, D.C., thanking them for thing with a stalemate.” José Gomez of Los Angeles, Archbish- sues Pope Francis has emphasized. their efforts to date but encouraging During their meeting this month, op John Wester of Santa Fe, N.M.) Seattle Archbishop Peter Sartain, them to go further. the U.S. bishops also will vote for The bishops will also elect the con- chair of the Committee on Priorities “Perhaps it will not be easy for you treasurer-elect of the conference and ference’s next general secretary and and Plans, emphasized at the time that to look into their soul; perhaps you chairman-elect of six conference com- bishop members of the boards of the proposal was merely a draft open will be challenged by their diversity. mittees: Catholic Relief Services and the Cath- to change and that a final vote would But know that they also possess re- • Catholic Education (nominees: olic Legal Immigration Network Inc. occur at the November meeting. sources meant to be shared. So do not Archbishop Robert Carlson of St. Louis, Discussion and votes will also be held Several bishops expressed dissat- be afraid to welcome them. … I am cer- Bishop George Murry of Youngstown, on the statement “Create in Me a Clean isfaction and disappointment with tain that, as so often in the past, these Ohio); Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornog- the draft, arguing that it did not place people will enrich America and its • Clergy, Consecrated Life and Voca- raphy,” as well as on the inclusion of enough emphasis on poverty or the en- church,” Francis said. tions (nominees: Archbishop Samuel Excerpts from the Roman Missal: Book vironment and that it did not make a In that same prayer service, the Aquila of Denver, Archbishop Joseph for Use at the Chair in dioceses of the strong statement on advocating on be- pope stressed the need to substitute Tobin of Indianapolis); United States. The bishops will also dis- half of immigrants and for reform of “harsh and divisive language” for un- • Divine Worship (nominees: Bishop cuss and vote on a proposed one-time immigration laws. constrained “authentic dialogue” with John Barres of Allentown, Pa., Arch- national collection to fund completion Bishop George Thomas of Helena, all facets of society, adding he “cannot bishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta); of the Trinity Dome in the Basilica of Mont., was blunt: “I want to express my ever tire of encouraging you to dia- • Domestic Justice and Human De- the National Shrine of the Immaculate disappointment. I really do believe that logue fearlessly.” velopment (nominees: Bishop Frank Conception in Washington. there needs to be much greater visibil- Following the service, Pittsburgh Dewane of Venice, Fla., Bishop Robert ity given to the plight of the poor, the Bishop David Zubik expressed ap- McElroy of San Diego); [Tom Roberts is NCR editor-at-large. His economic disparity that so many fami- preciation for the pope’s instructions. • Laity, Marriage, Family Life and email address is [email protected].] as an economically viable option, she “So much of the encyclical is really make it a reality. “Usually when somebody says some- senses discussions on alternatives a challenge for such discussions to be- A “What’s Next, West Virginia?” dis- thing that’s prophetic, it’s uncomfort- can’t begin. gin,” O’Donnell said. cussion video answers the question of able,” Warfel, the Montana bishop, An alternative proposed by oppo- To the same effect, the West Vir- its name, by simply saying, “It’s up to said. “And I see that in this line [about nents like Stacy was tourism, whether ginia Council of Churches has part- us.” coal], as a prophetic statement.” for Appalachia’s natural beauty, histo- nered with the grassroots program Every so often, O’Donnell notices Maybe more than in other parts ry or burgeoning system of ATV trails. “What’s Next, West Virginia?”, which “flashes of life” flicker in the state’s of the U.S., amid the real adventure Jesuit priest O’Donnell has heard the has held community forums statewide south: “You get these little spurts of of West Virginia, the real beauty of same ideas floated in West Virginia, throughout the year. The nonpartisan indication of, yeah, as a matter of fact, Kentucky and the real vastness of though he is uncertain it could com- coalition places front and center the new thoughts can exist down in the Montana and Wyoming, the pope’s pletely replace coal. In his mind, he’s statistical realities facing the state in coalfields.” encyclical itself becomes real: a real played with the idea of cooperative an effort to stimulate and link ideas The same is true in eastern Ken- trial. One that requests not simply ventures — something Francis lauded of how to strengthen local economies, tucky. During the coalfield tour, Stowe altering behavior or adjusting voting in Laudato Si’ — where the members toward eventually turning innovative toured Bit Source, a software and Web priorities, but unearthing a deeply en- share in the ownership and profits. thoughts into actions. development startup in Pikeville. At trenched way of life. “Once people unhook themselves In Huntington, to the southwest, the heart of the nascent company’s “It’s sort of like when anything’s go- from the old ways of doing things and attendees at a community meeting workforce are 10 former miners, all of ing to die, you hold on,” Pentecost said. would be open to entertaining new talked about sharing hope, the con- them retrained for a new chapter in ca- “And it’s when you can let go that you ideas, I think that sort of idea just nections between jobs, education and reers longed defined by coal. can really be part of a new beginning might pay off in a number of cases,” civics, and addressing a “self-esteem “It really is a Cinderella story,” or a new opportunity.” said O’Donnell. issue,” in recognizing the resources Rausch said. The Glenmary priest Said O’Donnell: “That basic conver- Conversations at the grassroots for new opportunities already at hand. lauded coal miners as some of the sation the pope asks for — about our about what the future holds have be- In Clay County, home of the Golden hardest workers in any industry; the stance toward creation, what are we gun at multiple levels in West Virgin- Delicious apple, they took the issues next step is emphasizing ongoing edu- doing in our own life that, on reflec- ia. In September in Mingo County, the that grew from their community fo- cation, a void in the past for the region, tion, may not evidence a real care for federal Appalachian Regional Com- rum to the state capitol to inform leg- given the stranglehold of mining. creation, a real care for those who are mission held a listening session to fos- islators of their visions — replace di- Perhaps the education in some parts poor among us — that conversation is ter wide-ranging conversations among lapidated housing, recruit and retain a may extend to Francis’ encyclical, a very much needed in West Virginia. the coalfield citizens about the future drug-free workforce, begin local busi- challenging proposition no doubt in “But I think it’s beginning.” of their communities. nesses — and what help they need to fuel-rich states. THE INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE Volume 51, No. 14 | $2.95 NCRonline.org | April 24-May 7, 2015 Pre-encyclical pushback

By BRIAN ROEWE

The release of Pope Francis’ en- US NEWS cyclical on the environment later this summer will come as one of HESBURGH the more anticipated papal docu- ments in recent decades. Since its Notre Dame’s ‘most origins as a late 2013 rumor, its difficult student’ hype has snowballed at a time when recalls president international attention to climate PAGE 8 change has approached a zenith, and as world leaders converge in SPECIAL SECTION Paris this December for a possible binding climate agreement. SUMMER While the teaching document has BOOKS fanned optimistic flames for envi- ronmentalists in and outside the Ministry and church, it hasn’t raised tempera- social media; tures evenly for all. Some conserva- Cozzens goes tive corners have a more tepid take, fictional; —AP Photo/Bullit Marquez welcoming papal guidance on envi- and more ronmental issues, while voicing con- PAGES 1a-8a Above: Residents cerns about the document’s ultimate carry plastics for direction: toward a reaffirmation of recycling at the the stewardship role over creation, garbage dumpsite or into the boiler of the contentious of Payatas Jan. 13 climate debate still firing in the U.S. in Quezon City, The unease pronounced itself Philippines. in January. In the span of six days, at least 10 articles posted online from prominent conserva- Right: Pope tive Catholic voices sought to tem- Francis per, clarify or excoriate expecta- MOVIES celebrates tions for the eco-encyclical. One Easter Mass was Robert Royal, founder and ITALY in St. Peter’s president of the Washington, D.C.- Square at the based Faith & Reason Institute. Filmmaker couple Vatican April 5. —CNS/Paul Haring Continued on Page 12 considers whether to leave or stay put PAGE 24 OPINION Church’s credibility is seen in mercy, pope says CONDEMNED By JOSHUA J. McELWEE church’s “very credibility is seen in and indispensable step,” the pope how she shows merciful and compas- continues. Lynching’s legacy VATICAN CITY . Officially proclaiming the sionate love.” “The time has come for the Church endures in today’s upcoming jubilee year of mercy, Pope “Perhaps we have long since forgot- to take up the joyful call to mercy once machinery of death Francis has powerfully called on the ten how to show and live the way of more,” he states. “It is time to return to PAGE 29 entire Catholic church to refashion it- mercy,” Francis writes in the docu- the basics and to bear the weaknesses self as a place not of judgment or con- ment, released April 11 with the Latin and struggles of our brothers and sis- demnation but of pardon and merciful title Misericordiae Vultus (“The Face ters. Mercy is the force that reawakens love. of Mercy”). us to new life and instills in us the cour- Writing in an extensive document “The temptation … to focus exclu- age to look to the future with hope.” convoking the year, which will be- sively on justice made us forget that Francis also notes that Dec. 8 will gin Dec. 8, Francis states that the this is only the first, albeit necessary Continued on Page 20 Redemptorists reach out to neglected Vietnam War veterans By NCR STAFF fellow veterans gave him the prosthesis. HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM . Dinh Van It is a trade he has plied for Hoang, a South Vietnamese vet- years in the glaring heat or the eran whose shirt is soaked in pouring rain. sweat under the burning sun, “I earn only 30,000 dong sits on a collapsible chair on [$1.40] a day and haven’t had a the sidewalk, watching people square meal for years because I traveling along the street in Ho have to buy medicine for a blood Chi Minh City. disorder,” said the 64-year-old, When motorbike riders stop, who lost his right leg below the This issue was mailed on April 17. This issue was Hoang walks a little unsteadily knee in battle with communist —Mary Nguyen on his prosthetic leg and fills guerrillas in Quang Tri South Vietnamese veteran Dinh Van Hoang lives on or patches their tires. He used province in 1972. the sidewalk and has made a living filling motorbike to crawl on the ground until After North Vietnamese forces tires for years. recently, when one of his Continued on Page 19 NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER APRIL 24-MAY 7, 2015 12 SPECIAL REPORT: CLIMATE Funding climate change denial (CEO). According to its website, CEO is a Report points to “research and campaign group working to expose and challenge the privileged access and interlocking efforts of influence enjoyed by corporations and their lobby groups in EU policy making.” US, European think tanks What may further cloud any direct connection between climate change denial and business is By TOM ROBERTS what one CEO researcher described as a change in tactic in European circles from a direct The United States might hold the distinction confrontation with science to a new approach of harboring some of the most potent climate- emphasizing economic development needed to change-denying individuals and organizations stem the costs of transition to alternative fuels on the planet, but it is hardly alone when it comes and energy sources. to organized attempts to debunk of the widely In the 2010 CEO report, much is made of the accepted science saying that the Earth’s climate influence of Koch Industries, one of the largest is warming due to human activity. U.S. corporations, with its extensive global Indeed, a 2014 study by United Kingdom-based reach and wide involvement in oil and chemical polling giant Ipsos MORI showed the United industries. The report cites a 2010 Greenpeace States leading the world in climate change denial. study that claims that Koch, in the years 2005- Of the 20 countries polled, people in the U.S. 2008, spent nearly $25 million in campaign registered the least agreement (54 percent) when contributions, lobbying efforts and think tanks asked to what extent they agreed or disagreed to advance efforts by climate change deniers. The with the statement: “The climate change we are report cited the Institute for Energy Research, the currently seeing is largely the result of human Atlas Economic Research Foundation, the Cato activity.” It was the slimmest majority among the Institute and the George C. Marshall Institute, all 20 countries (and 16,000 people) surveyed. U.S. groups, as chief recipients of Koch funding. Just above the United States were Great In a response to a 2010 New York Times Britain and Australia, each at 64 percent. China report on the Greenpeace study, Koch issued a showed the most agreement with the statement statement, the essence of which would remain that climate change was caused by humans, at a consistent company response to criticism. 92 percent; Argentina and Italy followed at 84 —Reuters/Kacper Pempel The statement said, “Koch companies and Koch percent each. In the middle of the pack were Smoke billows from the chimneys of the Bel- foundations have worked to advance economic Belgium, 78 percent; South Korea, 77 percent; and chatow Power Station, Europe’s largest coal- freedom and market-based policy solutions to South Africa, 76 percent. fired power plant, in Poland in 2013. challenges faced by society.” In the same survey, India and the United States The company also claimed that Greenpeace topped the list with 52 percent in each country Research by one European group concluded “mischaracterizes” and “distorts” Koch’s agreeing with the statement that climate change that documenting ties in Europe between environmental efforts, without citing particulars, is a naturally occurring phenomenon. companies dependent on fossil fuels — either and states, “Political response to climate issues It is impossible to calibrate just how much of as emitters or producers — and climate-change- should be based on sound science. Both a free the resistance to climate change science is the denying think tanks was difficult. society and the scientific method require an open result of material generated by U.S. think tanks “In the EU there is no obligation for think and honest airing of all sides. Not demonizing amply funded by interests with economic stakes tanks to disclose their funders,” said a report and silencing those with whom you disagree.” in the fossil-fuel-burning status quo. issued in 2010 by Corporate Europe Observatory Whether pointing out the amount of funding

themselves too much with only one mental encyclical will be the first from PUSHBACK: RISK OF GOING TOO FAR LEFT part — and you can’t really tell from a pope devoted primarily to the topic. Continued from Page 1 in Africa and the Middle East. what we know so far — but one part An encyclical offers a medium for the At First Things on Jan. 5, Maureen that seems to be relatively extreme in pope to communicate with the world- Upon reviewing excerpts of an early Mullarkey accused Francis of “aban- the environmental debates.” wide church and represents an exer- draft of the encyclical, he wanted to doning nuance for apocalyptic alarm- cise of his ordinary, or non-infallible, alert others of both the good and wor- ism” when he said, “If we destroy magisterium, said Richard Gaillardetz, risome aspects he saw within it. creation, creation will destroy us.” Dissent not new the Joseph Professor of Catholic Sys- “There’s no doubt in my mind or She labeled him “an ideologue and a Disagreement over encyclicals has tematic Theology at Boston College. anybody else’s mind that there are meddlesome egoist” driven into geo- been something of a church tradition In terms of authority, it is superseded very serious environmental ques- political and meteorological areas by over the centuries. According to Mi- only by an apostolic constitution. tions that the human race needs to megalomania. chael Schuck, a theology professor at Generally, he said, Catholics are ex- address. There’s also the question of “Francis serves an environmental- Loyola University Chicago and author pected to read an encyclical “out of a poverty that [Francis] speaks about so ist mindset that, unlike the traditional of the 1991 book That They Be One: The deep respect for the teaching authority eloquently, but to put these things to- Social Teaching of the Papal Encycli- of the pope.” While a teaching based gether in a way that makes sense and ‘The Holy See on this is likely to come cals, 1740-1989, rancor has greeted the on scientific knowledge, whether cli- brings luster to the church’s social texts as early as the 19th century, when mate change or birth control, is not thought, it needs more than I’ve seen down in an area of science that is popes responded to the Enlightenment divinely revealed, that doesn’t mean it so far,” he told NCR. not as settled as it thinks it is.’ and various revolutions in Europe. carries no doctrinal weight. Royal has also seen much of what “There’s nothing new about dissent “Catholics would have to give the his peers preemptively have had to say —Robert Royal and debate about encyclicals,” Schuck presumption of truth to such teaching about the document. said. “That’s been going on since about and could dissent from that teaching On Jan. 5, Rachel Lu wrote in Crisis when they started,” and the custom is only after careful consideration and magazine, “As a political conservative, ethos of conservation, views man as not limited to either liberal or conser- for serious reasons,” Gaillardetz said. I care somewhat about political issues a parasite (Western man in Francis’ vative camps, he said. The bloggers and Catholic writers such as this. But as a Catholic (which is marxisant variant) and understands In 1832, Pope Gregory XVI’s first who so far have addressed the upcom- much more important), I mainly care wealth in pre-modern terms as a zero- encyclical, Mirari Vos, met pushback ing eco-encyclical have primarily pin- about fundamental Church teachings sum game,” she wrote. when he denounced religious plural- pointed their concerns on how the on faith and morals. Climate change is First Things Editor R.R. Reno later ism and separation of church and document will handle climate change. only very distantly relevant to any of publicly stated that Mullarkey’s criti- state. More recently, Humanae Vitae In a Jan. 7 letter, Kishore Jayaba- these, so nothing the Holy Father says cisms did not represent the position of (1968) drew rebukes on the issue of lan, director of the Acton Institute’s about it is likely to muddy doctrinal the publication. contraception, and Laborem Exercens Rome office, said, “It is one kind of waters to any great extent. The deposit While Royal called such portray- (1981) raised anxiety for its perceived problem if a Catholic disagrees with of faith is safe.” als of the pope as left-wing “utterly socialist overtones. papal teaching on the Trinity or abor- Dennis Prager stated Jan. 6 at Real silly,” he acknowledged a “big con- The environmental encyclical will tion; that Catholic’s eternal soul would ClearPolitics.com that Francis’ pre- cern” among conservatives he con- be Francis’ first such solo venture, af- be considered at risk and all efforts vious remarks on the environment siders credible: that the church could ter issuing in June 2013 Lumen Fidei, a would need to be made to correct his have included “left-wing, even radi- “knock itself out of the serious con- text began by Pope Benedict XVI. While erroneous beliefs. It is an altogether cal left-wing, language” — more Marx versation by looking like it’s going Benedict and Pope John Paul II both ad- different kind of problem if a Catholic than Moses. He also questioned how too far left. … There’s a real contribu- dressed environmental issues — includ- disagrees with the pope on his diplo- the pope could focus on the climate at a tion that Pope Francis and the church ing concern for the state of the climate matic efforts or environmental views,” time when Christians face persecution can make here if they don’t identify — at various times, Francis’ environ- matters where he said the church re- NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER APRIL 24-MAY 7, 2015 SPECIAL REPORT: CLIMATE 13 the Koch enterprise is willing to invest in entities challenging the prevailing climate science constitutes “demonizing” is an open question. The Corporate Europe Observatory report, however, claims that the relevance of the funding can be established in the interlocking connections between U.S. and European think tanks engaged in climate change denial. One example in the 11-page report involves Robert Bradley, chief executive officer and founder of the Institute for Energy Research, who is also a visiting fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs in London and an adjunct scholar at both the Cato Institute and the Competitive Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C. According to CEO, Bradley “regularly speaks at conferences organized by the Heartland Institute, which brings together climate deniers from around the world.” The Institute for Energy Research also “has active links with several of the European climate deniers’ think tanks” and “has commissioned bogus research by European think tanks and then organized campaigns to promote these in the U.S. with the support of fellow right-wing think tanks so as to attack Obama’s push for renewable energy and green jobs.” —Newscom/Zuma Press/Jonathan Nicholson Another European think tank viewed by CEO A man protests outside the “This Changes Everything” conference on climate change March 28 in as a source of anti-climate-change thinking London. is the International Policy Network, based in London. The 2010 report says it “is an offspring human causes of climate change. That resistance, industry in Europe is protected” from such spikes. of the Atlas Research Foundation, which played he said, has taken new shape since 2010. He said the claim is used to stir fear that if a role in spreading the web of Koch industry “Industry over the last five years has been electric costs go up, so will consumer prices. “It money to Europe.” moving away from denying the science of climate is a kind of threat used to convince people that In Spain, the Instituto Juan de Mariana, a group change,” said Sabido. In fact, he said, some of the the status quo is preferable. The threat is if advancing libertarian ideas, was “launched with major voices in the debate have essentially left prices go up, industry will leave Europe, and the a seminar against the Kyoto Protocol,” a 2005 that behind and are focusing instead on what jobs will go with them. The implication is that if international agreement that extended a 1992 might be called interim strategies that Sabido Europe takes a strong stand on emissions, those United Nations initiative committing member said allow business as usual to continue. One emissions will just go elsewhere.” nations to reductions in greenhouse gases. element of the strategy, he said, was to call for Another means of maintaining the status Pascoe Sabido, a researcher and campaigner for increased economic growth necessary to deal quo, he said, is to advocate natural gas as “clean the Brussels-based CEO group, said he has not seen with the costs of transitioning to new fuels and burning,” a kind of “bridge fuel” to the future as much reaction to the pending papal encyclical on environmentally friendly technologies. a way of convincing Europeans to allow U.S.-style the environment from the libertarian or climate- Another, he said, is the claim that increasing the “fracking” as an acceptable means to explore for change-denying think tanks in Europe. use of renewables would correspondingly increase and capture natural gas. At the same time, significant pockets of the costs of electricity for ordinary consumers. resistance exist throughout Europe to climate Sabido said the Corporate Europe Observatory [Tom Roberts is NCR editor at large. His email address is change science and to making changes to reduce believes that claim is false “because the power [email protected].] spects differences of opinion. many other people are, as well,” he said. “I am not denying climate change. I’m not even denying that there could Questioning the science be severe climate change as a result of Asked on his mid-January flight to human activity. But what I am saying the Philippines whether humans were is that there’s an awful lot of assump- largely at fault for a warming planet, tion about what we know and what we the pope responded, “I don’t know don’t know, number one; and number about entirely, but mainly, for the most Two women two, if we do know that certain things part, it is human beings who abuse na- join a march are happening, what can be done about ture, constantly. … I believe that man calling for it?” he said. has gone too far.” action on Jayabalan of Acton, a free market Even before that comment, that the climate think tank, also said he doesn’t deny pope could make an affirming pro- change that climate change exists, that it nouncement on the validity of climate Sept. 21, changes all the time. Whether that has change and its supporting science ap- 2014, in reached a situation requiring drastic peared a shared apprehension. New York. actions, such as increasing environ- In Crisis, Lu wrote, “It’s reasonable mental protections that will curtail for the Holy Father to use his moral economic growth, he is less certain. authority to address ethical issues re- “To say that the science requires us lating to climate change. However, he to do X, Y and Z, I’m skeptical about cannot claim infallibility, or even great that because I’m not sure exactly if expertise, in all the relevant empirical, the problem has been adequately un- economic and prudential questions derstood and described so that every- that play into the controversies sur- —AP Photo/Mel Evans day people can make sense of it and rounding climate change.” help us understand what we should do Robert George said much of the like climate change will look foolish or half of observed global surface tem- about the problem,” he said. same Jan. 3 in First Things: “Pope out of date with the passage of a few perature increases from 1951 to 2010 To support the position the climate Francis does not know whether, or to decades. … Do we really understand were human-caused. In addition, 97 has yet to reach crisis levels, Royal what extent, the climate changes (in what we are dealing with here?” percent of climate scientists concur pointed to satellite and other mea- various directions) of the past several Royal told NCR, “The Holy See on that climate change is happening and surements that indicate flat average decades are anthropogenic — and God this is likely to come down in an area is largely human-driven. global temperatures in the past 17 is not going to tell him. … If anything of science that is not as settled as it When presented with the scientific years — the “pause” oft-cited among he teaches depends on views about thinks it is. And that it seems to me consensus, Royal remains uncon- those unconvinced of the science, in- these things, all he will have to go on that it’s likely to mix up what are good vinced. cluding by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is what everybody else has to go on.” theological principles, principles of “Simply as a scientific matter, they days before announcing his presiden- In the U.K.-based Catholic Herald Catholic social teaching, with other can’t know this. They can’t. It doesn’t fit tial campaign. Jan. 2, Fr. Alexander Lucie-Smith said, things that are speculative.” with scientific procedure. You have to Critics of the position say it cher- “Our ethical principles, in so far as In its fifth assessment report, the be able to pin down a single variable in ry-picks an extremely warm start- they are abstract, do not change with U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Cli- a scientific experiment, vary that vari- ing point (1998), and that, according time, but the clear danger is that our mate Change in November reported able and see what the result is. I mean, to the National Oceanic and Atmo- moral pronouncements on something a 95-percent certainty that more than they’re speculating, as I am and as Continued on Page 14 NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER APRIL 24-MAY 7, 2015 14 NATION

PUSHBACK: FRANCIS still should address the matter. Francis “can encourage there to be ‘CAN DO BETTER’ a conversation about that in light of Continued from Page 13 certain principles, but what is hap- pening and how it’s happening and spheric Administration, the “pause” whether it’s happening and where it’s followed a period of rapid accelera- happening, these are all things that tion. It also found that “each of the are dependent on empirical studies last three decades has been succes- and how to respond to them is a mat- sively warmer at the Earth’s surface ter of policy. Those things, those are than any preceding decade since 1850.” not absolute matters of faith and mor- In addition, NOAA and NASA have als,” Royal said. reported nine of the 10 warmest years Beyond policy issues, hopes are in terms of global surface temperature that the encyclical can help reorient have occurred since 2000, with 1998 the people toward a more sacralized view tenth. Earth’s average surface tem- of nature, that protection of creation perature has warmed by 1.4 degrees implies the presence of a creator God Fahrenheit since 1880, when record- and that environmental disasters dis- keeping began. proportionately impact the poor. Even amid the numerous concerns, Royal anticipated conservative Catholics The pope’s opinion will not dispute the pope’s authority in Outside the science, concerns are —NASA matters of faith and morals — “that’s that a strong papal statement on cli- one thing that one can say with a fair mate change or endorsement of U.N.- January New York Times poll said they friendly to the interests of the Church.” degree of confidence” — but will ques- led climate action could cast the encyc- were more likely to vote for a candidate He added that “the pope can do bet- tion prudential judgments. lical as a partisan document. endorsing climate action, and 60 per- ter” than “legitimizing the UN and of- “There’s a difference between [dis- A position that demonizes capital- cent favored federal emissions limits. fering it the moral credibility of and senting from the church position on ism for any climate chaos or, more And a March Yale study found Cath- association with the church.” abortion] and saying that the emis- generally, for environmental degra- olics ahead of their Christian peers Jayabalan, who worked for the sions goals for Europe and the United dation, and calls for a new economic on acknowledging global warming Holy See’s U.N. mission 1997-99, also States or the miles per gallon goals for system could do just that, Jayabalan (69 percent) and limiting carbon emis- expressed caution before the Vatican fleet cars in the U.S. ought to be so and told NCR. Instead, he hopes Francis sions, even at a higher cost to them- signs onto any agreement. He was so,” he said. will challenge problems of material- selves (75 percent). In addition, a broad skeptical that the traditional U.N. dy- Should Francis state that climate ism in a “throwaway culture” by pro- cohort of institutions, such as the U.S. namic, pitting industrialized countries change is largely the result of human moting a humanistic perspective that Pentagon, the National Association of against developing nations, could si- activity — a position he hinted at dur- views people not only as stewards of Insurance Commissioners, Goldman multaneously address poverty, devel- ing the mid-January press conference creation but also essential pieces to en- Sachs, Shell and General Mills, have opment and the environment. Instead, — Jayabalan said he would view it vironmental solutions — rather than either acknowledged climate change Jayabalan endorses more local solu- as the pope’s opinion, one “trying to the problem. or taken steps in preparation. tions. serve a moral end, trying to get us to Royal believes there is a need for a As for the upcoming U.N. climate “There’s plenty of ways you can respect creation.” more nuanced debate on environmen- negotiations — which Francis has have less pollution and a cleaner envi- “As a faithful Catholic, I will take the tal policy beyond typical binary Dem- said he hopes to influence through his ronment that doesn’t require interna- encyclical seriously. I won’t dismiss it ocrat-vs.-Republican conversations, encyclical — several commentators tional treaties, that don’t require man- if it doesn’t agree with my interpreta- and sees the church as an ideal host. worry the pope will place too much dates from large government-owned tion of the facts. And I think it would Recent polls, though, show public reliance on governments to make deci- institutions,” he said. be hasty for any of us to do so, espe- opinion may be shifting toward con- sions benefitting the common good. Royal called the Intergovernmental cially for those of us that are Catho- sensus. A February Reuters survey At CatholicVote.org Jan. 5, Thomas Panel on Climate Change’s recommen- lics,” he said. found two thirds of Americans believ- Peters predicted, “If the future of the dation to cut emissions by as much as ing world leaders “morally obligated” human race comes down to the results 72 percent by 2050 “utterly impossible.” [Brian Roewe is an NCR staff writer. His email to reduce carbon emissions. About of a UN meeting, we’re doomed. The Despite his own reservations on cli- address is [email protected].] half of Republicans responding to a UN is neither competent nor at all mate change, Royal said the church Businessman withdraws name from award after complaints

By SOLI SALGADO tration hoping to express PeaceWorks’ concerns and hear the university’s KANSAS CITY, MO. . A local businessman has reasoning for this nomination prior to withdrawn his name from a leader- the demonstration. Walker, however, ship and ethics award presented by a never had to meet with the university. Jesuit-run university Shortly after her request to discuss here, after protests the award, Gentile withdrew his name stemming from the NCRonline. from consideration, and Rockhurst de- factory he runs, a org cided not to present an award this year. plant that assembles Following his withdrawal, Rock- non-nuclear com- hurst released a statement: “While the ponents of nuclear ON THE WEB University sought to honor Mr. Gen- weapons. For NCR ’s previ- tile’s work with youth, particularly in Chris Gentile, pres- ous coverage of the area of science education, it also protests against ident of Honeywell respects and values the consistent po- the Kansas City Federal Manufactur- Plant, see bit. sition of the Catholic Church, includ- ing and Technologies, ly/1yk9xGy. ing Pope Francis’ December 2014 state- was to have received ment, on the humanitarian impact of the 2015 Rashford- nuclear weapons, which relates to a Lyon Award for Lead- —Wikimedia Commons/Charvex portion of Honeywell’s business.” ership and Ethics from Rockhurst Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo. Francis recently restated the Vati- University’s Helzberg School of Man- can’s long-standing position against agement April 9. A 1999 graduate of and Gentile withdrew his name March especially an award for ‘ethics,’ ” Geor- nuclear weapons, calling on world Rockhurst’s executive MBA program, 25 after the local group PeaceWorks gia Walker wrote in an email to her fel- leaders and people of faith to join to- Gentile has been with Honeywell since objected to the Catholic university low PeaceWorks members. gether to end this global threat at the 1989. honoring an executive of the Kansas PeaceWorks had a protest scheduled opening of Vienna Conference on The Rashford-Lyon Award honors City Plant. According to the Union of for April 9, the day of the award cer- the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear “those who exemplify high ethical Concerned Scientists, the Kansas City emony. The group has a recent history Weapons in December. Francis said standards of business conduct, and Plant produces about 85 percent of the of organizing demonstrations against that “the humanitarian consequences demonstrate excellence in leadership nation’s nuclear weapon parts. the Kansas City Plant, both for its role are predictable and planetary.” through their initiative, inspiration to “It is difficult for me to understand in nuclear manufacturing and for the “I’m convinced the desire for peace others and impact on their communi- why a Catholic institution of higher contaminants the group says the plant will bear fruit in concrete ways,” he ty,” according to Rockhurst’s website. learning would be honoring an execu- releases. said, adding that he hoped “a world The award was announced March 12 tive of a company like Honeywell … Walker wrote to Rockhurst adminis- without nuclear weapons is possible.” NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER DIET 3a MEATLESS Unearthing moral and ethical Our Environment reasons for APRIL 10-23, 2015 NCRonline.org going veggie the Fruit vineof hu and manwork of hands

—Photos courtesy of Delicato Family Vineyards Situated in California’s Central Valley in Lodi is the 1,300-acre Clay Station Vineyard, operated by Delicato Family Vineyards. The region is the heart of California farming and a focal point of the state’s four-year drought. Climate change a complex matter for wine makers By BRIAN ROEWE two years in a row when there’s been zero alloca- tions for some of the San Joaquin Valley.” The lush groves of oranges, olives and peaches Not all portions of the state’s $24 billion in California’s San Joaquin Valley that Elvira agricultural industry have experienced the Ramirez encountered in her childhood appear dif- drought evenly. The four vineyards operated by ferent today. In the past five years, some of the end- the near-century-old Delicato Family Vineyards, less rows and rows of fruit trees that once filled her its cornerstone property in Monterrey County hometown of Lindsey have been uprooted, in part and others to the north in Napa and San Joaquin (particularly for oranges) due to the state’s historic Counties, have so far been able to avert major drought, which has now entered its fourth year. setbacks, thanks to a water system built for more “You’re driving around, and look, there’s anoth- acres of grapes than currently on the land. But er field that’s drying up, and there’s another one the expectation is that luck may dry up this year. that all the trees are getting ready to be chopped “It looks like we’re not getting much more rain, up for firewood,” said Ramirez, executive director so I think you’re going to see a dramatic effect on of Catholic Charities of Stockton, Calif. the 2015 growing season, as far as effects of the The change in landscape is partly attributed to drought,” said Charlie Hossom, Delicato’s direc- drought, with one study declaring the 2012-14 pe- tor of vineyard operations. riod the region’s most severe three-year drought in 1,200 years. How much of it is attributable to climate change remains a question. Researchers Climate litmus test at Stanford University have linked the drought to The drought and the challenges it presents to human-caused climate change, while the Na- winemakers and the larger farming community was tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration a central subject in October at the Roundtable on pointed to natural variability. But the prevalence Food, Farming and Faith, co-sponsored by CalCAN, of rising temperatures, less precipitation and less Catholic Charities-Stockton and California Inter- snowpack, especially in the Sierra Nevada Moun- faith Power and Light. The roundtable examined the tains, at least make droughts more likely. impacts of global warming on the region and the Whatever the drought’s cause, the strain on role agriculture can play in finding solutions. water supply has led some homeowners to spray- Grapes offer one litmus test for detecting paint their lawns to keep them green. But for Using sustainable methods, Delicato Family Vine- changes in climate, in part due to the narrow growers, the largest users of the state’s water, the yards annually produces 2 million cases of wine. ranges for growing (for some varieties as small as implications go beyond vanity. 2 degrees Celsius) and also because of growers’ It’s their livelihood. 70 percent of California’s wine grapes — won’t extensive historical records of past temperatures. This year marks the second where some re- receive water through federal or state projects, As for wine, even small variations in climate in gions of the Central Valley — producer of more said Renata Brillinger, executive director of the the next 50 years could reshape the viticulture than half the nation’s fruits, nuts and vegetables, California Climate and Agriculture Network (Cal- landscape worldwide. and home of the San Joaquin Valley, producer of CAN). “That’s unprecedented. There’s never been Continued on Page 2a 2a APRIL 10-23, 2015 NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER OUR ENVIRONMENT

“These factors do interrelate. And WINE: SMALL VARIATIONS IN CLIMATE COULD RESHAPE PRODUCTION our faith has something to say about Continued from Page 1a enough to access the groundwater both,” Ramirez said, in that it’s funda- table, itself also dropping. mental there is enough food for all, but A 2014 report in Wine Economics “The person with the deepest and that it’s grown in a way that doesn’t and Policy stated, “Few crops are as longest straw gets the most water,” further harm the environment. susceptible to minor changes in cli- she said. Events like the roundtable and a mate than grapes, especially premium In addition, workers reliant on crops similar gathering hosted by Catholic wine quality grapes.” for work are left in limbo. Last year’s Rural Life in the fall have sought to Changes in climate could push prime drought cost jobs for 17,000 seasonal educate farmers not only on the fore- growing regions toward the poles, with and part-time workers statewide. casted changes in climate, but also some forecasts even suggesting the Yu- The most serious situation for how changes in their practices could kon as a future suitable region. In the Delicato is at the Monterrey vineyard, help avert the worst effects. U.S., as much as 81 percent of current Hossom said. This season will be Understandably, growers with premium wine grape acreage could be the first time he has taken out crop already strained resources from facing lost by 2100, the report said. insurance on several grape variet- changing conditions might hesitate to Elsewhere in the world, Australian ies. Should wells not provide enough invest in methods that may help the en- winemakers have noted harvests water to frost protect, he’ll have to let vironment, but hurt their economics. coming 20 days earlier in the past 25 the vines go, hope to keep them alive —CalCAN “You’ve got to show a model that years; extreme weather has become through drip irrigation and bring Renata Brillinger is economically viable, environmen- more common in France’s wine them back next year. tally friendly and again, taking into regions; and Argentina’s southern Smaller vineyards, in more dire intervening measures used by other account the whole farm and how we Mendoza and northern Patagonia re- water situations, could face more vintners in an attempt to make a pure, grow,” said Jim Ennis, Catholic Rural gions have begun switching varietals difficult decisions: pulling out acres unadulterated product. Life executive director. as thermometer mercury has risen. of vines in order to redirect the water “We grow the grapes, and the good His organization has worked with they have toward the remaining crop. Lord makes the wine,” Ouweleen said. agricultural institutes and land-grant “And that basically will drive the The warmer temperatures have a schools across the country to encour- people out of business at some point,” trade-off, though. The hot 2012 and age sustainable farming practices, Hossom said. 2013 seasons that led to remarkable red such as ways to build organic soil and wine also led to subpar, flabby batches release less nitrogen. of the region’s signature Riesling. Brillinger said the California wine Other side of the coin In addition, each was followed by industry has done a “good job of get- On the other side of the country, historically harsh winters in the ting out in front of this.” Numerous and in a sense the other side of the Northeast, with recording-setting wineries already use greenhouse gas climate coin, the changing conditions snowfall in some areas. If tempera- calculators to measure how different are more welcome. tures drop below a grape’s cold-heart- practices can reduce emissions, and “For the Finger Lakes, in particular, iness (for native Finger Lakes grapes, others have swapped nitrogen fertiliz- life has never looked better,” said Will around -10 to -12 degrees Fahrenheit), ers for synthetic or organic types. Ouweleen, brand manager of O-Neh- the buds (the nodes on the canes of While there’s been “quite a sea Da Vineyard, one of the oldest produc- vines) could become damaged and change” among the agricultural com- ers of sacramental wine in the U.S. crops potentially lost. The risk is munity in their acknowledgement Named as a top-10 world wine greater for varietals that don’t pro- of climate change, she stressed it’s destination for 2015 by Wine Enthu- duce secondary or tertiary buds. unfair to expect farmers to go it alone. siast magazine, the Finger Lakes of The result for winemakers could So far, state funds have focused more western Upstate New York is a cool- be less wine, and higher sales costs or on mitigation than adaptation. climate viticulture region, similar to sunk costs. “Farmers are some of the most adap- Germany’s Rhine Valley or the Loire A second threat of extremely cold tive businesspeople you’ll ever meet Valley in France. Those conditions winters Ouweleen knows too well. because they’re always grappling with have allowed the area to gain a reputa- When temperatures fall too low but uncertainties in the natural resources tion in recent years as a producer of snow does not, the trunks of vines are world. But the scale of what they’re fac- world-class Rieslings. left without an insulating layer, which ing is off the charts … and we think it’s —NASA In 2012, however, the temperatures could cause the plants’ food and water not responsible to expect individuals A Jan. 26-27 blizzard blankets the brought a surprise for Ouweleen delivery systems to freeze and shatter to just figure it out the way they have Northeastern U.S. in this satellite im- and his fellow vintners: exceptional — in effect, killing the vine. Replant- historically done,” she said. age. Circled is the Finger Lakes region red wine grape production. With the ing new vines can take up to five years While some farmers may still reject in New York state. fruitful harvest, he made a Meritage to return them to commercially viable the notion of climate change at all, he expects to sell for $100 a bottle, grape-producing levels. Ennis, Ramirez and others in the For California, warming tempera- through O-Neh-Da’s table wine part- The 2013-14 winter cost Ouweleen faith community have emphasized the tures and reduced freshwater could ner Eagle Crest Vineyards. 14 acres of vines and grapes from the need for solidarity — recognizing the leave as much as half of the current “It was a phenomenal, once-in- two vineyards’ 28 acres. He estimated importance of collective action from acreage in Napa and Santa Barbara a-lifetime, maybe, experience,” he the cost of replanting the vines on all sectors even if “you may not be Counties unsuitable for premium grape recalled. the lost acres to be around $25,000 an feeling it in your neck of the woods.” production. So far, warmer tempera- While Ouweleen finds himself acre, or $350,000 total. Stockton Bishop Stephen Blaire, tures haven’t led to much vineyard relo- conflicted on the causes of climate “Up until 2012, we were all kind of an active player in food and environ- cation (an expensive option, economic change, he said the consensus among like, yeah, let’s leave the car running mental issues, has called addressing and energy-wise, as Oregon becomes an Finger Lakes wine makers is “that a little bit here, let’s let that exhaust climate change a moral responsibility attractive, fertile alternative) or shifts to things are warming up.” go up into the atmosphere, let’s warm not only to protect the earth, but “for new varietals, Hossom said. Ideally, the region that produces 16 things up a little bit. And at the same the service of humanity” in ensuring Instead, the changes have come as grape varietals desires warm days and time, the last two years have been adequate food, work and health, a cen- a “very gentle, subtle progression,” cool nights — conditions that allow really hard, so we don’t really know tral facet to the farming vocation. such as more erratic climates, and the grapes to build character — and in what’s going on yet,” he said. “We have to protect it in a way that not necessarily warmer days but particular, warm and dry fall seasons To combat the cold, winemakers it can legitimately serve the human warmer nights. That leads to earlier after the grapes change their colors can burn pallets of wood or place hay being,” he said. budding in the spring, and in turn and begin to mature. The warmer bales or windmills in the vineyard For Ouweleen, his concern for early harvesting, where warmer tem- temperatures have an effect on the to provide radiating heat. Producers climate change boils down to “just a peratures can be detrimental to grape wine itself, producing more sugars, will also check the buds to see what simple stewardship role.” quality. More and more growers have which allow grapes to ripen more and damage to expect, and prune less That same factor motivated him begun picking grapes at night when produce a higher alcohol level. during harsh winters to increase the to fight fracking in New York, to the fruit is cooler, a rarity in the 1980s Conversely, acidity in the grapes possibility of having enough fruit resist natural gas storage in the but more common by 2000. — a key factor in forming the wine’s on the vine — a drawback that could Finger Lakes, and to consider how his Early budding also means more spine and structure — drops as lead to fewer nutrients reaching and electricity is generated and at whose time where frost poses a threat to temperatures rise. The result is a ripening the fruits. expense. In his mind, the land has a the grapes. With water used in frost balancing act to find the sweet spot more noble purpose, best realized in protecting, in addition to drip irriga- for harvesting, an exercise in absolute producing noble grapes. tion afterward, scarcity again poses a precision that can often come down to The whole farm “As a Catholic and as a Christian, I problem for growers. Limited supplies a single hour in a day. The roundtable conversation in consider this a divine creation that’s force tough decisions: fallow land and Hitting the right numbers is espe- Stockton saw farmers share their been given to us to steward for our pur- take yield losses, or even completely cially crucial for O-Neh-Da, which stories of the climate changes they’ve pose, as the Bible says. … We should do uproot some acres. The problems are follows a literal interpretation of the detected and how they’ve worked to our best to do our best,” he said. most severe for small- and medium- church’s guidelines for sacramental adapt. It also recognized the intercon- sized family farmers, Brillinger said, winemaking (found in Canon 924), nectedness between producing food [Brian Roewe is an NCR staff writer. His email who lack the finances to drill deep in that it refrains from many of the and protecting the environment. address is [email protected].]