Pope urges lifestyle changes to save environment

Recalling that world leaders had gathered in Copenhagen last month for the UN climate conference, the pope said action at a personal and community level was just as important. Pope Benedict

used his traditional New Year address on Friday to call on people to change their lifestyles to save the planet, saying environmental responsibility was essential for global peace.

                                            Recalling that world leaders had gathered in Copenhagen last month for the UN climate conference, the pope said action at a personal and community

level was just as important to safeguard the environment.                                            "Nevertheless, in this moment, I would like to underline the importance of the

choices of individuals, families and local administrations in preserving the environment," the Pope told the thousands of faithful gathered in St Peter's Square.

                                            "An objective shared by all, an indispensable condition for peace, is that of overseeing the earth's natural resources with justice and

wisdom."                                            The pope, who had a scare last week when a woman with a history of mental problems knocked him down during Christmas Eve mass, also

said "ecological responsibility" should be taught as part of the education syllabus.                                            The pope and his predecessor John Paul have put the

Vatican firmly on an environmentalist footing. Last month, in a message sent to heads of state and international organisations, the pope called on rich nations to acknowledge responsibility

for the environmental crisis and shed consumerism.