Considering climate change a “root of ethical crisis”, the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary, Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, calls the United Nations Conference on Climate Change COP 17 a “last opportunity for the international community to be responsible in addressing climate change” and urges positive outcomes from the event.
In a statement issued for COP 17, taking place from 28 November to 10 December in Durban, South Africa, Tveit, on behalf of the churches, makes strong recommendations calling for visible outcomes and supporting the interests of vulnerable communities affected by climate change.
“Since the early 70s the WCC has been advocating for building sustainable communities. This is even more relevant today, when it has become imperative to build a low-carbon future. This is a must to improve the living conditions for all through sustainable energy means,” says Tveit.
“Churches witness in their congregations how climate change is affecting lives and livelihoods of entire societies, as well as the earth created by God. Peoples’ rights are threatened, environments are destroyed, the whole creation is groaning,” he added.
At Durban, Tveit hopes for a stronger contribution by the churches and other activists motivated by their faith. He says, “This time in Durban, religious communities, especially from Africa, have come together in various ways to express that climate change is also a moral and spiritual crisis. We proclaim together: We have faith. Act now for climate justice.”