Latin American and Caribbean faith leaders issued “A Call to Action towards COP30,” urging immediate government action on climate finance and fossil fuel phase-out. The call emphasizes the need for a focus on renewable energy and protection of affected communities, aiming for genuine progress ahead of the 2025 UN climate conference in Brazil.
Latin American and Caribbean faith leaders presented “A Call to Action towards COP30” to Brazilian Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva, during her visit on the meeting’s final day. This document emphasizes the pressing climate emergency and its irreversible consequences. Scheduled for November 2025 in Brazil, COP30 represents a pivotal moment for global climate initiatives.
The document articulates that sacred territories are under threat due to the destruction wrought by large-scale agriculture, mining, and fossil fuel extraction. It highlights that the pursuit of ”progress” leads to increased capital accumulation while ignoring the devastation caused to ecosystems and local communities. Furthermore, it underscores the escalating persecution of environmental and human rights defenders protecting these lands.
As COP30 approaches, the call warns against repeating past missteps: stalled fossil fuel phase-outs, hasty agreements, and unfulfilled climate finance commitments. It urges governments to confront the climate crisis with immediate, effective actions and to uphold promises related to climate finance. Support for communities adapting to climate impacts is essential, along with prioritizing the voices of those most affected.
The authors emphasize that commitments made at COP29 did not meet the financial needs of developing nations. They insist on the urgent operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, facilitating access for impacted communities without delay. Furthermore, they assert that lacking action on fossil fuel phase-out jeopardizes not only environmental integrity but also the survival of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
In conclusion, the text advocates for commitments at COP30 focusing on transitioning to 100% renewable energy and eliminating fossil fuel subsidies in favor of sustainable development. The dire climate impacts affecting Latin American and Caribbean communities reflect their resilience and adaptive capacity.
In summary, the “A Call to Action towards COP30” emphasizes the urgent need for decisive government action and international cooperation to combat climate change. It highlights the vulnerabilities faced by impacted communities and Indigenous Peoples while advocating for renewable energy transitions and fulfilling climate finance commitments. The forthcoming COP30 underscores the necessity for genuine progress in addressing the climate emergency and ensuring environmental justice.
Original Source: www.oikoumene.org
