Faith leaders call for action on climate crisis
Joint statement urges society to work together to create a better world
Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM) joined thirty-seven other faith groups in signing a statement urging every sector of civil society to use the opportunity of lockdown-easing to work together to create a better world.
Paul Parker, recording clerk of BYM, signed the statement, which says: ‘This unique moment calls us to develop a shared new vision for our future which we cannot afford to miss. As faith leaders we are committed to working alongside the people and governments of this nation and the world to formulate and live by such a vision.’
The new vision prompts the faith leaders to call on the government to: ensure that every element of the economic recovery strategy has at its centre the urgent need to reduce the risk of catastrophic climate change; implement policies for sustainability in every sector of the economy; take its due share of responsibility for a global and just transition, including through its approach to trade, investment and overseas aid; use its COP26 presidency to work for a global commitment to net zero, building on the Paris Agreement; and to protect biodiversity and restore the environment.
The statement says: ‘Covid-19 has unexpectedly taught us a great deal. Amidst the fear and the grief for loved ones lost, many of us have found consolation in the dramatic reduction of pollution and the restoration of nature… We have rediscovered our sense of how interconnected the world is… At the same time, less travel and consumption and more kindness and neighbourliness have helped us appreciate what society can really mean.’
