Religious Life for Climate Justice: Turning Hope into Action

The Union of Superiors General (UISG) along with other organisations have offered the following statement for signing and presenting to the upcoming COP30 meeting. We have signed the statement asking delegates and governments to act as set out below.

“Religious Life for Climate Justice: Turning Hope into Action” 

As members and collaborators of the Catholic Church, Religious Orders and Congregations stand united with all people of goodwill who advocate for a just future for all. Our collective voice carries weight, and we urge the delegates to COP30 and governments to:

1. Cancel the debts of poor countries, as unjust and unpayable debts should not compromise resources for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. 
2. Strengthen the Loss and Damage Fund (FRLD) by allocating sufficient resources to tackle the severe effects of climate change. 
3. Set clear targets for a fair energy transition that aims to reduce CO2 emissions, considering historical responsibilities, respecting human rights—especially Indigenous rights, valuing and protecting nature, and prioritizing sustainable livelihoods over profit-driven models. 
4. Set clear goals to develop a global food system based on food sovereignty and agroecological practices; one that promotes culturally adapted methods for production, transformation, distribution, and food consumption.