The fight to save our planet isn't only about survival. According to Pope Francis, we have a “grave ethical and moral responsibility” to act on climate change, and in 2015, the pontiff will direct all Catholics to do just that. In March, Pope Francis will urge the world's 1.2 billion Catholics to do more to address global warming.

In addition, Francis will also give an address to the United Nations, and he will address the climate at a summit of the world's religions. Although we don't yet know how the Pope will layout his call for action, his recent speeches shed some light on why he sees this as a moral issue.

At an event in October, Pope Francis explained, “The monopolizing of lands, deforestation, the appropriation of water, inadequate agro-toxins are some of the evils that tear man from the land of his birth. Climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and deforestation are already showing their devastating effects in the great cataclysms we witness.” In other words, rising temperatures around the world already cause massive destruction and suffering around the world, and things will only get worse if we don't act.

At a speech in Lima, Peru, Pope Francis warned that “the time to find global solutions is running out.” That's why the Holy Father is doing everything in his power to push people to act. We do have a moral responsibility to prevent destruction and suffering caused by climate change, and we have to fight to ensure the survival of our species.

Pope Francis can push a billion Catholics to help stop global warming, and that's a cause that even non-Christians should support.