In late May 2015, Pope Francis issued his first encyclical, Laudato Si, which presented his argument about the critical issue of climate change.  In the mid-summer, the East Side Freedom Library hosted a series of discussions about the 180 page document, with participants from diverse faith traditions and social and economic movements.  In December, the United Nations hosted, in Paris, a Conference on Climate Change, which became known as COP21 (“the conference of parties”).  There were heated debates, difficult conversations, compromise, and, in the end, an agreement.  A group of students from the School for Environmental Studies, a high school in Apple Valley, attended the conference, witnessed its proceedings, and interviewed various participants, from delegates to scientists.  On Earth Day, April 22, 155 countries announced that they are signing the agreement.