Anglican Communion calls for protection of the world’s poorest in the face of climate crisis

An Anglican delegation is attending COP29, the United Nations Conference of the Parties on Climate Change, in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11–22. They will make calls for action demonstrating Anglican commitment to tackling the climate crisis and the power of faith groups in achieving change.

The COP29 delegation will be led by Archbishop Julio Murray – the Bishop of Panama and former Primate of Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America – and Martha Jarvis, the Anglican Communion’s Permanent Representative at the UN. Their presence follows hot on the heels of COP16 in Cali, Colombia, where an Anglican delegation led by Bishop Graham Usher attended to contribute to discussions on biodiversity loss.

At COP29, Anglican advocacy will emphasise the importance of justice in how nations finance climate change, as the major focus at this year’s COP29 is on agreeing a new goal for worldwide climate finance. Justice needs to be part of these calculations, because areas of the world that have contributed least to climate change are often impacted most and face the highest costs as they respond. Previously agreed goals have been repeatedly missed, adding to mistrust between countries.

With global temperatures hitting record highs, and extreme weather events escalating it’s often the world’s poorest and most vulnerable communities that are impacted. Trillions of dollars are required for countries to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect lives and livelihoods from the worsening impacts of climate change.

Grants not loans

Anglicans at COP29 will urge governments to “Choose Justice, by funding action that reduces damage and inequality.” This includes calls to make finance available as grants, not loans. Many of the places that are worst impacted by climate change already have significant debt burdens and face high interest rates when they borrow to rebuild after climate disasters. Interest repayments often outstrip how much governments spend on healthcare and education. Anglican calls also include the need for governments and businesses to prioritise more than just financial growth – recognising that without environmental and community health, growth pushes us beyond the planet’s natural boundaries.

The focus on finance is one of five calls Anglicans are making at COP29, which are outlined in a short report called: Choosing Hope: Anglicans Working For Joint Action on the Climate Crisis and Nature Loss. Alongside just financing (Choose Justice), the report also advocates for collaboration with faith groups in building community resilience (choose hope); peace and reconciliation work to protect people and the planet from the destruction of conflict (choose peace); recognising the voices of indigenous people (choose wisdom); and encouraging whole society approaches to protecting nature as a source of wellbeing (choose wellbeing).

Stewards and carers

In a speech prepared for the Pre–COP Faith Leaders’ Summit, Archbishop Julio Murray spoke about the role of religious leaders and faith organisations in promoting a green future and raising awareness about combatting climate change. It read: “Christians believe that God has called us to be good stewards of creation and to take care of our neighbors, to seek the welfare of the poor and bring about justice… As people of faith, we are called to promote a green future and raise awareness to combat climate change. We face this challenge as we share the reverence and respect for our world, and we do so out of the faith and the hope that we have, but also in response to the dignity of every human being on this planet.”

Speaking of her hopes for COP29, Martha Jarvis said: “Advocating for just financing is vital, even as we recognise the scale of the challenge of injustice globally. Through our partnerships and networks around the world, the Anglican Communion Office is in touch with many churches and communities directly impacted by the climate crisis. This includes flooding in Burundi and Kenya; rising sea levels in the Pacific; hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, the Yucatán Peninsula, and the Gulf Coast; and recent flooding in Valencia. In many of these situations, the devastation is exacerbated by power imbalances and unjust financial systems. Prioritising the voices of those who are suffering most would is one way to reflect Jesus’s call to love our neighbours as ourselves, restore trust and accelerate action. Without it, the impact of climate disasters will only get worse.”

Anglicans at COP29 will share case studies of how communities are directly impacted by climate crisis, and how faith groups are playing a major role in climate crisis response.  This includes work by the Church of England Pensions Board, to convene twelve UK pensions funds to commit to supporting just transitions in emerging markets.

Building on biodiversity pledge

In a statement after COP16, Bishop Graham Usher, who led the Anglican delegation at COP16 said: “Efforts such as the Finance for Biodiversity Pledge signed by the Church Commissioners for England and the call to action led by the Church of England Pensions Board reflect the commitment our own institutions have made towards supporting biodiversity worldwide. 

“Now, as we look towards COP29 in Baku, it’s essential that climate and biodiversity goals align. The anticipated climate finance commitments, especially under the New Collective Quantified Goal, will be vital to rebuild trust and support the world’s most vulnerable communities. However, investments in biodiversity conservation, restoration, and environmental protection are futile if climate change continues to advance at the current pace. 

“COP29 will provide a unique opportunity to implement a rapid response when loss and damage occur and to solidify pathways for fossil fuel phase–out. My hope is that COP29 will inspire leaders to act decisively, recognising that climate action is inseparable from the health of the whole creation. Let us continue to pray for courageous leadership and renewed commitment to protecting our shared planet.”