In the Encyclical Letter LAUDATO SI’ Pope Francis writes:
"171. The strategy of buying and selling “carbon credits” can lead to a new form of speculation which would not help reduce the emission of polluting gases worldwide. This system seems to provide a quick and easy solution under the guise of a certain commitment to the environment, but in no way does it allow for the radical change which present circumstances require. Rather, it may simply become a ploy which permits maintaining the excessive consumption of some countries and sectors."
For many years I have argued that “carbon credits” are like the indulgences sold by the Catholic Church for the forgiveness of sins, and which Martin Luther protested. And these carbon credits are currently much promoted by Germany.
So, in a strange twist of history, it now would seem the Catholic Church is telling the Lutheran Church “Thou shall not sell carbon emission indulgences”
PS. This clearly applies to "negative emissions" too.
