The World Council of Churches (WCC), in collaboration with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Soka Gakkai International, and Brahma Kumaris, convened a side event titled "Deliver climate action: Support a Robust Global Stocktake from a human rights and Ethical perspective," on 5 June in Bohn, Germany. The event brought together experts and stakeholders to emphasize the importance of integrating human rights, ethical considerations, and climate justice into the forthcoming Global Stocktake process.
The World Council of Churches is an ecumenical partner supported by the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund apportionment, which enables United Methodists to share a presence and a voice in the activities of several national and worldwide ecumenical organizations.
"The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Assessment Report emphasizes that prioritizing equity, social justice, climate justice, and rights-based approaches in adaptation and mitigation actions leads to sustainable outcomes and transformative change, " said WCC consultant for climate, Rev. Dr Henrik Grape.
Grape added that the upcoming Global Stocktake during the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) presents a pivotal opportunity to drive the necessary changes to fulfill the goals of the Paris Agreement. "It enables the pursuit of more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions, ethical solutions, and the fair and equitable implementation of climate action," he concluded.
During the side event, Frances Namoumou from the Pacific Conference of Churches emphasized that the Global Stocktake should evaluate climate action through human rights, including the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Namoumou called for the recognition and integration of local and Indigenous knowledge.
Ian Fry, the UN special rapporteur on Human Rights and Climate Change, highlighted the consistent violation of human rights worldwide due to climate change. He underscored the importance of the Global Stocktake in acknowledging the connection between human rights and climate change.
Michelle Schwarz, a youth representative from the Lutheran World Federation, shared her perspective as someone who grew up near a coal mine in Germany. Schwarz emphasized that climate change is an intergenerational problem and urged policymakers and governments to prioritize long-term thinking and divest from fossil fuels for future generations.
The WCC's side-event was held during the 58th sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SB 58) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at the Bonn Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany.
World Council of Churches website
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund enables United Methodists to share a presence and a voice in the activities of several national and worldwide ecumenical organizations. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
