Faith in the Future

AROUND 40 FAITH LEADERS SIGN CLIMATE ACTION APPEAL AT THE VATICAN

On 4th October 2021, around 40 faith leaders representing the world's major religions, joined scientists at the Vatican to call on the international community to urgently step up their climate action ahead of COP26 saying, "Future generations will never forgive us if we miss the opportunity to protect our common home. We have inherited a garden: we must not leave a desert to our children."

This has followed months of dialogue, in which the world's faith leaders and scientists, in a spirit of humility, responsibility and mutual respect agreed a common moral duty to tackle climate change. With an estimated 84% of the world's population identifying with a faith, this moment is highly significant with the potential to have a powerful impact.

Signatories from Christian, Sunni and Shi'a Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and other faiths signed their joint 'Appeal', which was presented by Pope Francis to COP26 President-Designate, the Rt Hon Alok Sharma, and the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Luigi Di Maio.

The Appeal:

- Calls for the world to achieve net-zero carbon emissions as soon as possible, to limit the global average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.

- Presses wealthier nations and those with the greatest responsibility to take the lead, stepping up their climate action at home and financially supporting vulnerable countries to adapt to and address climate change.

- Urges governments to raise their ambition and their international cooperation to transition to clean energy and to sustainable land use practices, environmentally friendly food systems and responsible financing.

- Commits the faith leaders themselves to greater climate action. Notably, doing more to educate and influence members of their traditions and actively participating in the public debate on environmental issues. The faith leaders will also support action to green their community assets, such as properties and investments.

COP26 President-Designate, Alok Sharma, said:

"I am honoured to receive this historic joint appeal as we press for progress towards limiting global temperature rises to 1.5C at COP26 in just a few weeks' time. We must all hear the voices of those most affected by climate change and I hope people of faith will continue to be a key part of this dialogue as we work together to drive forward climate action."