Latin American and Caribbean faith leaders released “A Call to Action towards COP30,” addressing climate crises and advocating for urgent governmental action. Delivered to Brazilian Minister Marina Silva, the document criticizes current destructive practices and calls for significant climate finance commitments, operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund, and transitioning to renewable energy.
Latin American and Caribbean faith leaders have presented a significant document titled “A Call to Action towards COP30” during a meeting. It was delivered to Marina Silva, the Brazilian Minister of Environment and Climate Change, emphasizing the urgent climate crisis and its dire consequences. COP30, a crucial UN climate conference, is set for November 2025 in Brazil, aiming to address these pressing issues.
The document highlights the destruction of sacred territories, particularly the Amazon, due to aggressive practices such as large-scale agriculture, mining, and fossil fuel extraction, all under the guise of progress. It warns that these actions lead to the severe persecution of environmental and human rights defenders, specifically calling out the stagnation in fossil fuel reductions and missed promises regarding climate finance.
Faith leaders urge governments and international entities to react with critical urgency, emphasizing the necessity to fulfill climate finance commitments. They advocate for full functioning of the Loss and Damage Fund and actions that will assist communities in adapting to climate changes, while ensuring that the voices of those severely affected are prioritized.
The call indicates that the financial aid promised at COP29 is insufficient for developing nations tackling climate issues. It advocates for immediate operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund to benefit those communities facing direct impacts. Additionally, it stresses the need to phase out fossil fuels to protect both the environment and the survival of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
The leaders call for concrete commitments at COP30 toward transitioning to 100% renewable energy and suggest reallocating fossil fuel subsidies to promote sustainable development. The document recognizes the recurring climate challenges faced by communities in Latin America and the Caribbean, who continue to adapt creatively and resiliently amidst adversity.
The “A Call to Action towards COP30” emphasizes the urgent need for action and accountability in addressing the climate emergency. It advocates for protecting sacred territories, ensuring financial support for vulnerable communities, and committing to renewable energy advancements. The document serves as a critical reminder for governments to honor their pledges and prioritize the voices of those most impacted by climate change, as COP30 approaches in 2025.
Original Source: www.oikoumene.org
