Quakers back global faith outcry over backsliding on climate ahead of COP30

Insufficient action and backsliding in the international community on climate change cause for deep concern, faith groups say.

People and large blue banner which reads Faith and Beliefs for Climate Justice
Insufficient action and backsliding in the international community on climate change are cause for deep concern, faith groups worldwide say

Faiths including Quakers in Britain warn that the world is facing an existential emergency in a new interfaith call to action released ahead of November's COP30 climate summit in Brazil.

The statement, coordinated by the Interfaith Liaison Committee (ILC) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, calls on governments to show political will, leadership and moral courage to tackle the climate crisis.

[QUOTE-START]

The climate crisis is a crisis of justice and inequality

- Paul Parker

[QUOTE-END]

Faith groups including the World Council of Churches and the Brahma Kumaris back the call to action.

They urge action to phase out fossil fuels, strengthen climate commitments, and ensure financial support for those most affected by climate breakdown.

For more than a decade, the ILC has brought together faith-based organisations to act together for climate action including the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO).

QUNO, which contributed to the statement, works to brings Quaker values of peace, justice and sustainability into international climate discussions.

The call to action stresses the need for a human rights-based approach, saying: “There is no justice when those least responsible are the first victims."

It asks governments to listen to the voices of Indigenous people, youth, women and vulnerable communities. And it urges reform of financial systems that depend on extractive economic growth and consumption.

Paul Parker, recording clerk for Quakers in Britain, said: “The climate crisis is a crisis of justice and inequality.

“We are proud to stand with people of faith worldwide in calling for urgent and fair action from governments."

The statement recognises: “Faith communities have a moral responsibility to protect our planet."

It concludes: “We recognise that we must also build up our own capacities, invest in education and awareness, and help our communities connect their moral and spiritual beliefs with the need for ambitious climate action."

Watch press conference on the interfaith call to action here