Durban outcome is not enough

Churches reaffirm the need for a fair, ambitious and binding treaty to effectively address climate change. A significant number of representatives of European churches and church related organisations incl. members of ECEN were present in recent climate talks in Durban. They were part of an ecumenical team under the leadership of the World Council of Churches which aimed in a coordinated way to address the meeting.   

The final statement of the WCC analysing the outcome of the meeting underlines: "In Durban, religious communities have come together in various ways to express that climate change is also a moral and spiritual crisis." During the meeting the WCC delegation highlighted the theological, ethical and spiritual dimensions of climate change through various activities.

Expressing his views regarding the COP17, the WCC general secretary, Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit said, “Though a minimum deal was achieved at the last minute to keep the Kyoto Protocol, make some steps towards a new legally binding agreement in 2015, and implement the Green Climate Fund, the overall Durban outcome is far from being enough to respond to the currently disappearing countries and future generations.”

“We need to listen to vulnerable countries and populations, and think of the legacy we are leaving to our children. Churches should continue to act and pray, especially during this time when we prepare for Christmas, the event when God sent his Son, Jesus, to save our beloved planet,” he added.

More information about the activities of churches in Durban you may found here.