A Vatican panel of scientists warned that urgent measures are necessary to combat climate change and reduce global warming gas emissions.

The Huffington Post today reports that “the scientists called for urgent reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and reductions in methane and other pollutants that warm the air, and for improved observation of mountain glaciers to better track their changes.”

The Pontifical Academy of Sciences posted their report on the Vatican website Tuesday. In the report the scientists make strong appeals to the world:

“We appeal to all nations to develop and implement, without delay, effective and fair policies to reduce the causes and impacts of climate change on communities and ecosystems, including mountain glaciers and their watersheds, aware that we all live in the same home,” the report said.

“We are committed to ensuring that all inhabitants of this planet receive their daily bread, fresh air to breathe and clean water to drink as we are aware that, if we want justice and peace, we must protect the habitat that sustains us.”

A Vatican spokesman said the document was “important” and was a “significant scientific contribution” to the environmental concerns that Pope Benedict XVI has voiced in public statements, and actions like installing a solar roof on a large Vatican auditorium.

Should the Pope do more to speak out about environmental stewardship, the destruction of species and ecosystems, and the impacts that will have on the world’s poor? What do you think?