The stunt was organised by the aid agencies CAFOD, Christian Aid, World Vision, SCIAF, Tearfund, and the Faith for the Climate network. They are calling for the Prime Minister to push for agreements at the summit to:
- Keep 1.5C warming limit agreement alive
- Ensure rich countries meet commitments to meet and exceed $100bn in climate finance each year to countries hardest hit by the crisis
- End further support for fossil fuels everywhere
Last week, representatives from across the participating faith groups delivered a statement to No.10 Downing Street on behalf of tens of thousands of people from their communities, urging Boris Johnson to show leadership by taking action to tackle the climate emergency in a way that is fair and just for those on the frontlines of the crisis.
The Rt Rev Olivia Graham, Bishop of Reading, said: “The climate crisis brings global inequalities into stark relief. The leaders of the richer nations must commit additional finance at scale to compensate for the loss and damage experienced, though not caused by, poor people in poor countries. It’s time for us to take responsibility.”
Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, Senior Rabbi, Masorti Judaism, said: “To our political leaders: You’ve been entrusted with power and resources at this critical hour for the future of our planet. Use it for climate justice; use it so that the world’s children and children’s children have a future.”
Avnish Thakrar, National Coordinator, Hindu Climate Action, said: “Climate justice is an important issue for the Hindu community. Those who have done the least to harm our only home, Mother Earth, are being unfairly harmed by, predominantly, the actions of richer nations. That's why we support ending the use of public money to support fossil fuels, ensure developed economies fulfil their $100 billion a year promise to developing nations and limit temperatures exceeding 1.5C. Faith communities are united in this demand, and we will continue to work together to hold political leaders to account.”
Olivia Fuchs from Eco Dharma Network said: “We are uniting as faith organisations to demand climate justice and ensure that those most impacted are heard and supported both morally and financially.
“We must all play our part in transforming ourselves and our communities with a deep respect for life in all its interconnectedness, leaving no one behind.
Let’s end all support for fossil fuels everywhere.”
Imam Emad Choudhury, Imam at Bahu Trust, said: “The earth has looked after us our whole lives now and we as humans haven’t really returned the favour. Let’s consider our commitments and keep 1.5c alive as we decide our own future.”
Notes to editors:
These actions in the UK were part of Faiths 4 Climate Justice, a grassroots, multi-faith uprising of more than 350 faith-based actions in 30 countries. Over 200 senior faith leaders and 50 religious groups representing more than 50 million members have signed onto these demands and taken part in these actions.
