PRESS RELEASE

Leaders from various faiths today came together to hand an interfaith statement to the UNFCCC Executive Secretary calling for clear action to move from polluting fossil fuel use towards clean renewable energy sources.

Representatives from Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist communities among others showed their united support for the full and ambitious implementation of the 2015 Paris climate agreement to keep the temperature rise below 1.5C, and in their statement urged governments to accelerate climate action before 2020 including greatly increasing the level of ambition of the future Nationally-Determined Contributions.

Reverend Henrik Grape of Church of Sweden said: “As people of faith, we stand united in the care for the creation. God has given us the task to look after the earth, and he has trust in our commitment. This belief is strong in many religions, and it is a call for action.”

Dinesh Vyas, co-Chair of the ACT Alliance advisory group on climate advocacy said: “To make the Paris commitments happen, urgent action is needed. The human rights of people are fundamental, and must be protected. When countries increase their efforts to combat climate change, they should never forget people and communities who are affected.”

ENDS