Faith groups are active at COP28, the latest climate conference taking place in Dubai (30 November - 12 December 2023.) A first ever Faith Pavilion is an impactful space for people of faith and many others to listen and engage with faith perspectives.
Faiths for Biodiversity’s COP28 livestream is reporting on news from the climate conference through the lenses of faith communities and their shared values. Decisive action to phase out fossil fuels, restore nature, transition justly to renewable energy and roll out of an agreed international fund to compensate communities most impacted, will follow successful deliberations. Faiths for Biodiversity are network partners of St Columbans Mission Society.
This year’s COP28 includes a five-year global stocktake on progress to limit global warming. The news already in is the world is not on track to meet commitments and this year’s northern hemisphere recorded the globes hottest ever summer. In the lead up to COP28, Pope Francis was among a host of world faith leaders who signed the Interfaith Statement on Climate Action to urge strong action.
On the third day of COP28, the Vatican’s Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin delivered Pope Francis’s message to delegates of the climate conference. “To all of you I make this heartfelt appeal: Let us choose life! Let us choose the future! Let us leave behind our divisions and unite our forces! And with God’s help, let us emerge from the dark night of wars and environmental devastation in order to turn our common future into the dawn of a new and radiant day. Thank you.” The Pontiff reminds too of invitation to the whole world to take part in a journey of transformation and assures the commitment of the Church in works of education and promoting participation.
Sr Caroline Vaitkunas RSM
Peace, Ecology and Justice Office
Columban Mission Centre, Essendon
