Newly released satellite photos show the widespread destruction left by Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean islands over the weekend.
Pope Francis on Monday slammed climate change skeptics as "stupid’ while flying over areas in the Caribbean decimated by Hurricane Irma.
“You can see the effects of climate change and scientists have clearly said which path we have to follow” the pontiff said during a press conference on the return leg of a five-day Colombia trip.
Before Hurricane Irma churned its way to mainland U.S. where on Monday it was still wreaking havoc in South Carolina late Monday after causing at least 10 deaths in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.
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It had killed dozens of people, left residents and tourists without power and resources and severely damaged homes and buildings throughout the Caribbean islands.
"Whoever denies it (climate change) should go to the scientists and ask them. They are very clear, very precise,” he said.
"A phrase from the Old Testament comes to mind: 'man is stupid, a stubborn, blind man'," he added.
The pope has been an ardent supporter of efforts to combat climate change and its consequences to the world's most vulnerable populations, in terms of pollution, disease, wars and migration.
He said individuals and politicians had a "moral responsibility" to act on advice from scientists, who had clearly outlined what must be done to halt the course of global warming.
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“All of us, small or large have a moral responsibility, we have to take it seriously, I think it is something we cannot joke about it”
"These aren't opinions pulled out of thin air. They are very clear," he said.
"They (world leaders) decide and history will judge those decisions," he added.
