Vatican Climate Forest

The Vatican Climate Forest, to be located in the Bükk National Park, Hungary, was donated to the Vatican City by a carbon offsetting company. The forest is to be sized to offset the carbon emissions generated by the Vatican during 2007.[1] The Vatican's acceptance of the offer, at a ceremony on July 5, 2007, was reported as being "purely symbolic",[1] and a way to encourage Catholics to do more to safeguard the planet.[2] No trees have been planted under the project and the carbon offsets have not materialised.[3][4]

In a more effective move to combat global warming, in May 2007, the Vatican announced that the roof of the Paul VI Audience Hall would be covered with photovoltaic panels.[5] The installation was officially placed into service on November 26, 2008.[6]

See also

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References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Vatican signs up for a carbon offset forest, Catholic News Service, published 2007-07-13, accessed 2007-08-03
  2. Climate forest makes Vatican the first carbon-neutral state, Western Catholic Reporter, published 2007-07-23, accessed 2007-08-03
  3. Carbon offsets: How a Vatican forest failed to reduce global warming The Christian Science Monitor
  4. Dangers lurk in offset investments, Ethical Corporation published 2011-09-19, accessed 2012-08-25
  5. Going green: Vatican expands mission to saving planet, not just souls, Catholic News Service, published 2007-05-25, accessed 2007-06-12
  6. Vatican wins award for creating rooftop solar-power generator, Catholic News Service, published 2008-11-26, accessed 2009-12-22