A march took place through Katowice, Poland during the UN climate negotiations of COP24, with marchers from all over the world, protesting the dangerously slow process of the negotiations. Photo: LWF/Sean Hawkey
There can be no delay in addressing the climate crisis
(LWI) – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is looking forward to the 2019 United Nations climate conference or COP25 as a vital platform for dialogue and commitment to address climate change. The LWF will be sending a delegation of young climate activists to represent the communion of churches at the conference. Elena Cedillo, Program Executive for Climate Justice, spoke with Lutheran World Information, about the upcoming conference.
A necessary and vital platform
The LWF received news last week of the COP bureau's decision to hold COP25 in Madrid, Spain, 2-15 December. This followed the announcement that the Chilean government would not be hosting the climate summit due to the massive protests that have taken place in recent weeks.
“COP25 is a necessary and vital platform for dialogue on how to address climate change and mitigate crisis,” said Cedillo. “It is still possible to stay at 1.5 ° C to prevent a climate disaster – but only if we take immediate action.” Climate change knows no borders, she added, “that is why climate justice requires a global, multilateral approach. We are grateful for the platform that the COP meetings are and will continue supporting them.”
“Although the COP25 will no longer be held in Chile, we should not take our eyes off the country,” she added. “The situation in Chile shows the need to find a new model of development where social justice is at the core of addressing the climate and ecological crisis.”
Climate change knows no borders, that is why climate justice requires a global, multilateral approach.
As in previous years, the LWF delegation at the COP25 meeting in Madrid will include young climate activists from the communion’s member churches. “They are bringing a clear message: Climate justice is intergenerational justice. Creation is not for sale,” said Cedillo. She expressed the hope that despite the change of venue the UN would ensure that COP25 will be accessible and that the necessary engagement of civil society organizations would be ensured.
“It is important to ensure the participation of civil society as a whole, and support increasing participation of young people who are completely devoted to climate action. It is also urgent to address the climate crisis on a political level, Cedillo added. “There is no more excuse for countries not to ratchet up action and ambition. Otherwise, we will not be able to curb the impacts of climate change."
LWF will collaborate with ecumenical and interfaith partners at the climate conference, including ACT Alliance and the World Council of Churches, bringing the message that churches around the world are working together for climate justice. The photo exhibition “And It Is Good” on the Bible and biodiversity will be displayed in Madrid during the conference.
