Pope Benedict XVI may have to apply for a name change since people have started referring to him as the "green pope." Since being elected the spiritual head of the Catholic church in 2005, the pope has embraced eco-friendly changes in the Vatican, which is the only sovereign state in the world that is carbon-neutral. The area's greenhouse gas emissions are offset through carbon credits and renewable energy, and last year solar panels were installed in the city-state's buildings.

Not only are the pope's digs environmentally-conscious, but he also stresses to church members that it is their responsibility to preserve the environment and "be better stewards of God's creation." However he doesn't believe devout Catholics are the only ones who should be striving to practice this; last year the Vatican held a conference specifically regarding climate change and Benedict stated that the rest of the world also has the responsibility to "focus on the needs of sustainable development." Early last month during the season of Lent, the Catholic Church unveiled seven new sins it felt required repentance, one of them being polluting.

It seems the church is paying attention and following the pope's example; the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary have incorporated green living into their convent by making their facility sustainable using geothermal energy and energy-efficient lighting.

However, despite the pope's support of many earth-friendly initiatives, there are some the church will not support such as reducing the human population. Instead he is like to focus on the effect global warming is having on the earth's resources and how this will impact future generations.

» Newsweek