Commitment to take global and local approach to climate mitigation, adaptation and societal transformation also signed by Pope Francis at Vatican Climate Summit

VATICAN CITY - Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey, Boston Mayor Michele Wu and University of Massachusetts Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco last week joined Pope Francis, Mayors and Governors across the world in signing the Planetary Action for Climate Change Resilience. The document, which was authored in part by Chancellor Suárez-Orozco and Massachusetts Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer, is a result of a three-day global summit entitled “From Climate Change to Climate Resilience.”  

Governor Healey was the first Governor to sign the Planetary Action, and Mayor Wu was the first Mayor to sign. 

“Climate change impacts the entire world, and it is essential that we work together with the urgency that this challenge demands to build resiliency in all of our communities,” said Governor Healey. “I was grateful to join the Vatican Climate Summit this week and learn from so many of my colleagues in government, as well as scientists, academics and faith leaders, about the policies and strategies that can be most impactful for protecting our environment and driving the transition to a clean energy economy.” 

“Over the course of this convening, leaders around the world highlighted the ways that each of our communities are experiencing the devastating impacts of climate change and taking action to mitigate and adapt, said Mayor Wu. “After hearing so many inspiring examples of community organizing, technological advances, and local innovation for sustainability, now is the time for collective action to amplify and multiply our progress. I’m proud for Boston to be among the original signatories of this global commitment to make each community a home for everyone and for our planet—our common home—to be healthy, connected, and prosperous for generations to come.” 

“Under Governor Healey’s statewide leadership and Mayor Wu’s leadership in Boston, we are an international climate resilience model, which is why when I convened this summit under the guidance of His Holiness Pope Francis, I wanted our best practices shared with the world,” said Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco. “As Chancellor of Boston’s premier public university, I am proud we will continue to be at the forefront of developing innovative solutions for addressing our climate crisis.” 

“We had an inspiring experience at the Vatican Climate Summit as we’ve learned from esteemed leaders from across the globe about best practices to reduce emissions and strengthen resiliency in our communities,” said Chief Hoffer. “We also shared the ways in which Massachusetts is a global leader in this work and committed to future collaboration to meet this unprecedented moment in human history. This protocol articulates science-based principals and reflects our shared commitment to rapidly bend the warming curve, accelerate adaptation, protect our communities and build a strong clean energy economy.” 

The Planetary Action reads in part: The need for a profound societal transformation across the global population is immediate and critical. Our aim is to enlighten and galvanize societies worldwide into prompt, unified action against climate change and for climate resilience. Our strategy is comprehensive, spanning policy shifts, education, and behavioral changes under the banner of MAST [Mitigation, Adaptation and Societal Transformation]. This is a pivotal moment that calls for unwavering commitment and immediate action. We must capture this moment and transition to a benevolent era with no one left behind. 

During an audience with summit participants, Pope Francis emphasized the urgent need to “act to protect people and nature.” He called for a universal approach to addressing climate change, swift action to lower emissions and embrace decarbonization, safeguarding natural resources, and develop new financial architecture to respond to climate catastrophes.  

Participants also committed to follow up on the global summit by hosting state and city summits to develop locally relevant resilience plans. Governor Healey announced that she will work with Chancellor Suarez-Orozco to host a summit in Massachusetts this fall with local leaders from across the state to coordinate adaptation, transformation, and financing plans.