Latin American and Caribbean faith leaders have released “A Call to Action towards COP30,” urging urgent government action on climate change ahead of the 2025 conference in Brazil. They highlight the destructive impact of large-scale development on sacred lands and demand progress on climate finance and a transition to renewable energy.
Faith leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean have issued a significant document titled “A Call to Action towards COP30,” which was presented to Brazilian Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva. This presentation occurred on the final day of a meeting focusing on the climate emergency.
The document addresses the urgent reality of climate change’s irreversible consequences, especially in light of the upcoming COP30 UN climate conference scheduled for November 2025 in Brazil. It highlights the devastating impacts of large-scale agriculture, mining, and fossil fuel extraction on sacred territories, notably the Amazon.
It stresses that these destructive activities masquerading as “progress” contribute to the obsession with capital accumulation. The call emphasizes the increasing persecution of environmental and human rights defenders who work to protect these territories. Furthermore, it warns against repeating past mistakes, like deferred fossil fuel phase-out or unfulfilled climate finance obligations, as the path to COP30.
The text urges governments and the international community to take decisive action in response to the climate crisis. It demands the fulfillment of climate finance obligations, a fully operational Loss and Damage Fund, and a commitment to a just transition from fossil fuels, while supporting local communities to adapt to changing climates.
Moreover, it highlights that the commitments made at COP29 lacked the necessary funding for developing nations to combat climate change effectively. The document insists on immediate operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, enabling prompt access for affected communities.
The call also warns that inaction surrounding fossil fuel phase-out poses risks to our planet and jeopardizes the survival of Indigenous peoples and local communities. It advocates for a commitment at COP30 to transition to 100% renewable energy and progressively eliminate fossil fuel subsidies, redirecting them toward sustainable development initiatives. Latin American and Caribbean communities are already experiencing severe and repeated climate impacts but continuously display resilience and innovative adaptation strategies.
In summary, “A Call to Action towards COP30” serves as a critical appeal from Latin American and Caribbean faith leaders, addressing the pressing climate crisis ahead of the COP30 conference. The document calls for urgent government action, adherence to climate finance pledges, and a focus on renewable energy. It underscores the need to prioritize the voices of the most vulnerable communities while acknowledging the challenges posed by fossil fuel dependency.
Original Source: www.oikoumene.org
