LAUSR

Abstract Environmental issues are strongly influenced by their human dimensions, so understanding this relationship is important for effective conservation. This study investigates changes in public interest in the environment after the release of Laudato Si'. Comparisons between searches for church-related and environmental topics before and after its release demonstrate significantly raised public interest in both areas, especially in Catholic countries. There were important differences between developed countries and countries with other economic classifications. After decades of declining interest in the environment, Laudato Si' may be catalyzing societal transformation similar to that performed by the 1969 encyclical Humanae Vitae. Regulation of abortion in the U.S.A. went from a non-political issue in 1969 to a primary dividing line between the political parties in 1976. Two years after release of Laudato Si', the Catholic Church had implemented a long-term sustainability plan for what could grow into a major Catholic environmental movement, similar to the anti-abortion movement. The results within suggest public interest in the environment may already be growing as a result. No previous environmental movement has benefitted from this kind of support, and this provides reason for hope that environmental progress is just around the corner.