Pope Benedict XVI called on the international community to face up to the need to protect the environment and to act prudently with a course of action that everyone agreed on.
In a message for World Peace Day, which is celebrated on January 1, Benedict spoke of the need for a global commitment to ''decide (action) together'' and he urged governments to avoid ''unilateral decisions''.
''We must take care of the environment,'' he said in the message that was released as UN talks aimed at mapping out a global strategy on climate change were under way in Bali.
The pope urged the international community to act ''with prudence'' but stressed that this did not mean failing to accept responsibilities and postponing decisions.
''It is necessary to review the standards of consumption deriving from the current model of development,'' he said.
He also said investment was needed to find alternative energy sources.
The key to preserving the environment for future generations was ''agreement on a model of sustainable development which can ensure the well-being of all while respecting environmental balances,'' he said.
