Clerics' crucial role at the COP29 climate talks

Protestors demand a just energy transition from fossil fuel use to renewable energy during COP28. [File, Standard]

Gone are the days when pulpits were the haven for emphasis on God’s goodness, prosperity gospel and need to secure a place in heaven, all without championing good stewardship of our earthly blessings.

The earthly blessings include the environment, which we have witnessed getting damaged but done little beyond praying for God’s intervention. As flooding dominated headlines in April and May, many clerics must have been approached to pray for their flock, either rendered homeless or whose businesses and property were destroyed, or in cases where lives were lost.

Even in the semi-arid areas, when drought is prolonged, religious leaders gather and seek God’s intervention. These same faith leaders can start to address the problem by going up and closer to the source, speaking to power, and igniting reasonability where evil has been normalised.

Unfortunately, some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities consider climate disasters a punishment from God, yet they have little contribution to the cause of the linked global warming. The culprits are known. Their promises and corresponding interventions are also known. And we must call out sin.

I was privileged to follow recent All Africa Conference of Churches-led Africa Faith Actors Network for Climate Justice event, where faith leaders from at least 35 countries engaged with key stakeholders on the role faith leaders can play in addressing climate challenges. This is good progress and must be cascaded to the grassroots with more vibrant actions even as the same faith leaders push for action at the global pedestal.

The clerics must ensure that the voices of their faithful are heard at the upcoming COP29 climate talks. Previous COPs may have had some wins, but they do not supersede the failed promises to adequately fund climate action. Faith leaders must ensure climate funds are directed to where they are needed most, to support mitigation and adaptation efforts.

In cases where Africa has led the way with innovative climate initiatives, storytelling will help spread the word among the faithful through well-developed media strategies showcasing how faith-driven projects are making a tangible impact. Sharing these narratives can inspire replication of such efforts, raising awareness and emphasising the vital role of faith communities in climate sustainability.

Youth and women often lead the charge in climate action but are frequently underrepresented in decision-making processes. Faith leaders can play a critical role in ensuring these groups are actively included in climate discussions and negotiations to have their perspectives and innovations shaping climate policies and actions.

Addressing climate change requires a collective effort, and faith leaders are uniquely positioned to build stronger collaboration among faith actors. These are strategic relationships necessary for advocating for accountability among big emitters, as part of the coordinated and effective continental response to climate change.

The transition away from fossil fuels is crucial for global climate stability, but it must be just and equitable. Faith leaders can advocate for policies that support grassroots communities through this transition, ensuring it does not exacerbate inequalities.

Faith communities often respond to disasters and climate crises ahead of other organisations. Faith leaders can advocate for direct access to grants that empower faith actors to enhance their disaster response and resilience efforts. Faith leaders can advocate for protection and empowerment of people with disabilities (PWDs), local and indigenous communities, recognising their crucial role in environmental stewardship.  Faith leaders have the moral influence necessary to drive stronger climate action to protect Africa’s most vulnerable communities.

-The writer advocates for climate justice. [email protected]