Pope Francis sends out strong climate change warning, urges environmental policy

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Pope FrancisPope Francis has released his encyclical on climate change, urging for worldwide environmental policy and warning that humans threaten the planet.

Climate change "represents one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day. Its worst impact will probably be felt by developing countries in coming decades," the Pope wrote.

Francis has called for renewable fuel subsidies and "maximum energy efficiency." He urges the use of public transportation, carpooling and recycling.

Francis also had a few words to write on climate change skeptics, whom he scolds for their "denial."

"It must be said that some committed and prayerful Christians, with the excuse of realism and pragmatism, tend to ridicule expressions of concern for the environment," Francis wrote, adding that "doomsday predictions can no longer be met with irony or disdain."

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