COP28 – Christian groups call for action

One hour for climate justice – https://lutte-et-contemplation.org/cop28-cercles-silence-appel/

Eight years after COP21 in Paris, it is time to take stock. In Dubai, delegates from various countries will review their progress in meeting their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. Eight years after Laudato Si, Pope Francis has also taken part in this exercise by updating his thoughts on the ecological crisis in Laudate Deum. Like the representatives of the various Christian denominations gathered within the World Council of Churches (WCC), he concludes that COP28 has a crucial role to play. Looking back over these years, each of us can see that the consequences of global warming are becoming more dramatic and visible. Whether it be the United Nations, churches, or civil society, the conclusion is clear: the results are not up to par, and the current trajectory will not allow us to limit global warming to well below 2°C by the end of the century.

Despite growing awareness and the goodwill of many people, we know that without adequate public policies, our individual actions will not be enough. While these actions are essential for personal change and the spread of a culture of moderation, it is primarily our political and economic institutions that can bring about the necessary structural transformations. Global climate governance remains an important lever for influencing these decisions.

It is therefore impossible for us, as Christians, to remain indifferent to COP 28. Taking collective action between November 30 and December 12 is the only way to respond to the gravity of the situation. Pope Francis encourages us to use this action to exert “healthy pressure” (LD58) on the leaders gathered in Dubai.

That is why we call on all those who believe that the situation is serious and requires action to come together during the COP for an hour of silence in public spaces. Our circles of silence will be a visible, respectful, and inclusive way to highlight the issues of climate governance, which may seem distant, and through this humble gesture, to call on decision-makers to exercise their power to act. Everyone is invited to participate, regardless of their beliefs. Christians can pray that those attending COP will be inspired by the Holy Spirit and that they will take responsibility.

Through this silence, we will convey the following messages: we are aware of the seriousness of the situation; we want countries to be more ambitious in their emission reduction targets; we want governments to act “without further delay to phase out fossil fuels for good”; we expect greater climate justice, particularly from countries in the “North,” which have promised aid to countries in the “South” in the past without fully following through on their proposals.

The watchword for these meetings will be silence. Signs, banners, and flyers will carry our voice. We call on everyone to join us for the circles of silence already scheduled on the dedicated page and to propose new ones in their cities.

Let us come together to carry the cry of the earth and the poor in our silence!