RADAR

FAITHS UNITED ON CLIMATE CHANGE

BY JONATHON BRADEN | LAUDATO SI’ MOVEMENT / GLASGOW, SCOTLAND

Faith leaders called for a bold action on climate change at COP26. A prophetic ‘Healthy Planet, Healthy People’ petition was presented to representatives of COP26 by more than 425 Catholic organisations—on behalf of hundreds of thousands of Catholics from six continents—and 120 000 Catholics. Prominent Catholic leaders, including Cardinal Peter Turkson and Bishop Victor Phalana of the Diocese of Klerksdorp, South Africa, signed the petition.

The presentation of the petition took place during a Faith in Action for Climate Justice event, an interfaith gathering held at St George’s Tron Church in Glasgow, that united faith groups across the world in prayer for God’s creation.The petition calls on governments to set ambitious targets that tackle the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis together; limit warming to 1.5ºC and promise no more biodiversity loss; ensure equitable global action; and protect and respect human rights, including the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities in climate and biodiversity action. Participating organisations in the interfaith event included the Catholic Laudato Si’ Movement, Christian Aid, Act Alliance, Living Laudato Si’, Lutheran World Federation, Tearfund, Glasgow Interfaith Declaration, among others.