COP26: People of faith demand climate justice for the most vulnerable

“We need bold action to ensure climate justice,” says LWF General Secretary

(LWI) – More than ten faith groups and NGOs gathered on 2 November to call on world leaders to deliver on climate justice at COP26. The “Faith in Action” event took place at St George’s Tron Church of Scotland.

Rev. Anne Burghardt, General Secretary of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), supported the call. “We need bold action to ensure climate justice,” she said. “As people of faith, we call on all governments to take decisive steps at COP26 to avert further climate catastrophes and human suffering.”

The LWF, with the Global Action and Prayer Chain for Climate Justice, supported a global campaign in the run-up to COP26 calling on governments to ramp up their efforts and commitments to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

LWF youth delegate Nora Antonsen from the Church of Norway presented the petition on behalf of the Action and Prayer Chain. “I am also here representing the Global Pray and Act campaign and all the people supporting the campaign, including 40,000 people who have signed our petitions being handed in today,” she said. “I stand united with my brothers and sisters in faith. We call on you to take action. We demand climate justice for all and care for the earth we depend on.”

We demand climate justice for all and care for the earth we depend on.

Overall, the interfaith partners at the petition hand-in collected more than 150,000 supportive votes, including petition signatures and prayer boats, alongside statements from religious leaders and youth.

They include calling on governments to:

• Put in place legislation and policies that will limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and achieve global net-zero emissions;
• Deliver on existing climate finance commitments without delay and provide new and additional finance for people already experiencing the worst impacts of climate change;
• Shifting investment from fossil fuels to sustainable renewable energy;
• Reaffirm and respect obligations to protect and respect human rights, including in particular the rights of Indigenous peoples, women, and local communities in climate action;
• Recognize human-induced climate change and biodiversity as part of one and the same crisis and implement solutions to climate change based on locally-led ecosystem preservation and restoration and protection of biodiversity;
• Listen to those on the front line of the crisis and make sure their voices are at the heart of climate talks and decision-making.

By LWF/A. Weyermüller

Video of the event

COP26 photo album

COP26

The LWF participates in the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) which takes place in Glasgow, Scotland, from 31 October to 12 November. This engagement is part of the communion’s ongoing focus to strengthen climate action and advocacy at all levels. Young people are vital agents of change and form the greater part of the LWF’s delegation to COP26.