Quakers highlight faith and ethics at COP30
As world leaders and scientists meet at the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, Quakers are amplifying the moral and spiritual call for climate justice.
Quakers co-hosted a Talanoa Dialogue with the Interfaith Liaison Committee on 10 November and supported a Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) side event the following day.
Both explored how faith and ethics can guide fair, inclusive and transformative climate action, from personal choices to global policy.
[QUOTE-START]
When the poorest suffer from climate breakdown, we all are diminished
- Paul Parker
[QUOTE-END]
Rooted in Pacific Island tradition, the Talanoa Dialogue builds empathy and shared understanding through storytelling rather than debate.
The live-streamed event invited participants to listen deeply, share experiences and identify collective paths forward.
On Tuesday, QUNO's session, “Ethics and Faith: Transforming Community, National and Global Climate Action," cohosted by Quakers in Britain, examined how ethical frameworks can inspire real-world change.
Speakers included Lindsey Fielder Cook (QUNO), Maureen Goodman (Brahma Kumaris), Elisa Morgera (UN Special Rapporteur) and Rae Thomas (Government of Grenada).
They discussed how values such as justice, unity and care for creation can shape climate policy, finance and everyday action.
Quakers are calling on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to show leadership at COP30 and at home by ensuring a just transition away from fossil fuels, rejecting new oil drilling at Rosebank, and repealing laws that restrict peaceful protest.
The UK government should also show international solidarity, listen to the voices of those most affected and environmental defenders and scale up climate finance, they said.
Paul Parker, Recording Clerk for Quakers in Britain, said: “Our faith calls us to recognise the equality of all people and the sacredness of the Earth.
“When the poorest suffer from climate breakdown, we all are diminished. True leadership means acting for climate justice now."