So far, only one nation in Europe is already “carbon neutral”.

Give up? Yes, it is the Vatican.

Not only are there are solar panels on the Vatican’s Audience Hall roof, the Vatican now owns a 37-acre tract of land on the Tisza River east of Budapest, Hungary — once ancient forest, until recently denuded — now renamed the Vatican Climate Forest.

This restored vegetation absorbs as much carbon dioxide as the Vatican produces each year by driving cars, heating, lighting etc.

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The Pope encourages other nations and states to likewise put some effort into real conservation.

Three weeks ago in his World Peace Day speech, he urged “all persons of goodwill to protect creation”.

Note his use of the word “creation”.

The Pope believes in conservation, not because it’s a vote-catcher — he doesn’t need votes — he believes in it because he believes in the God who creates all living things.

He also says that “commitment for the environment should be situated within the larger framework . . . .”

What larger framework?

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He spells it out: “If we wish to build true peace, how can we separate the protection of the environment from the protection of human life, including the life of the unborn?”

In other words, you cannot claim to love God’s creation while, at the same time, condoning the destruction of God’s most wonderful creation — little baby humans – little babies that other heads of state gladly exterminate by legalised abortion in their desperation to secure feminist and greenie-brigade support to keep them in power.

What about world over-population?

No such thing, says the Pope.

 More about that tomorrow.