His Holiness Pope Francis yesterday addressed thousands of audience at the United Nations headquarters' office in Nairobi, Kenya  as part of his 6 days tour to Africa, calling on world leaders to seal a strong agreement at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) climate summit scheduled to commence next week. Pope Francis placed particular emphasis on the following

''The need to adopt low-carbon energy systems and end the 'throw-away culture' that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions''

He also noted that we are confronted with a choice which cannot be ignored: either to improve or to destroy the environment

"COP21 (the climate meeting) represents an important stage in the process of developing a new energy system which depends on a minimal use of fossil fuels, aims at energy efficiency and makes use of energy sources with little or no carbon content. We are faced with a great political and economic obligation to rethink and correct the dysfunctions and distortions of the current model of development. "I express my hope that COP21 will achieve a global and transformational agreement based on the principles of solidarity, justice, equality and participation an agreement which targets three complex and interdependent goals: lessening the impact of climate change, fighting poverty and ensuring respect for human dignity."

An analysis of current pledges in UNEP's Emissions Gap report has shown that the forecasted global temperature rise will still be upward of 3' with these commitments.

Pope Francis's role in environmental leadership was displayed in his encyclical 'Laudato Si' earlier this year calling on the faithful to embrace their responsibilities to the environment, creating global momentum for the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted in September, and the new climate change agreement to be finalized in Paris next month.

Disadvantaged and poor communities across the world are likely to be more vulnerable to Climate Change impacts, Pope Francis ability to relate and tie environmental issues and a just and equal society was all reflected during his Kenya visit where he called leaders to address inequality , social justice and care for the planet .

His message is likely to resonate in Africa where climate change is already being felt with unreliable rainfalls and where wildlife poaching is rampant.

On his tour at UN grounds ,Pope Francis planted an Olea capensis, an African indigenous tree as a symbol of his environmental commitment .

  "Planting a tree is first and foremost an invitation to continue the battle against phenomena like deforestation and desertification," said Francis who has taken on a vocal role in environmental issues.

"Planting a tree is also an incentive to keep trusting, hoping, and above all working in practice to reverse all those situations of injustice and deterioration which we currently experience."

During a visit to the Kangemi slum on Nairobi's northwestern edge,Pope Francis focused on addressing environmental challenges from urbanization crisis facing most developing countries, he insisted on access to a basic sewage system, garbage collection, electricity as well as schools, hospitals and sport facilities among slum dwellers

 The pope's six-day African tour will also take him to Uganda and the Central African Republic.

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