EcoFactor: The State of Vatican installs a solar-panel roof with 2400 photovoltaic panels in its attempt to become the world’s first carbon neutral state.
As one thinks of the Vatican City, it is hard to ponder upon anything but religion and the Catholic Church. This is the institution of the Pope and the epicenter for the functioning of the Catholic Church from across the globe. There are many who embrace the religion and there are others who frown upon some of the ways that seem to be both out dated and irrelevant. But, it seems, even the rigid Catholic Church is embracing the changing world and spreading a wonderful green message across the planet. The installation of 2400 solar panels has begun on the roof of the papal audience hall in Vatican City.
This new green venture will cost the Vatican a good $1.5 million but would provide green energy to the city for the next 25 years with maintenance costing very little. The Vatican is also involved in the creation of the “Vatican Climate Forest,” a carbon-offset project in Hungary. This forest is said to make sure that the Vatican is effectively carbon-neutral by absorbing as much carbon emissions as the Vatican state produces each year. It seems that Pope Benedict XVI is pro-green and that he is also contemplating declaring pollution as a “major sin.” Even those who normally bash the church should surely love them for something like this!
The Dark Side:
There is little that we could really crib about. While we do want the church to do so many things and change so many of its ways overnight (depending on your views), one must accept that it takes time for changes to sink in. It would be really cool if the Vatican comes out and declares, “Pollution is the gravest sin of them all”!
Via: Treehugger
