ACT COP27 Media Release: No more time to waste

Today, the UN climate summit, COP27, begins on a dull note. Recent reports from IPCC, the OECD, UNFCCC and UNEP indicate that the climate crisis is reaching its tipping point, and that previous COP promises have not been kept. Emissions have not been reduced, and climate finance is inadequate or not mobilised at scale.  

The world faces huge climate challenges. If not addressed they will impact communities around the world, especially the most vulnerable. Governments must implement urgent measures and stop postponing action. There is no more time to waste. 

The food crisis, the energy crisis, inflation, and several armed conflicts are already affecting people and communities around the world. But these crises will be exacerbated by climate impacts if sustainable solutions are not put in place, and soon. While COP27 has a mandate to address the climate crisis, the other emergencies must also be acknowledged, and world leaders must consider the links between them.  

Sostina Takure, ACT Zimbabwe Forum coordinator, says: 

  • “This summit must become a success. The world cannot wait anymore. Lives and livelihoods are being destroyed as people and communities continue to face the effects of climate change.”  
  • “God’s creation is threatened. It is our responsibility to restore balance, and to find solutions to climate change.”  

COP27 has a heavy agenda. An ambitious result must include an agreement to address loss and damage; commitments that enable adaptation, leaving nobody behind; the provision and mobilisation of climate finance; and real and enhanced commitments to reduce emissions.  

Unfortunately, the debates are polarised, and developed and developing countries remain far apart. To reach agreement, existing differences and disagreements must be abandoned, and the discussions must focus on what matters most: the future of humanity and creation. 

Mattias Söderberg, co-chair of the ACT Alliance climate justice group, says: 

  • “World leaders must never forget that their negotiations have a direct effect on vulnerable communities. If ambition is not scaled up people will suffer.”  
  • “Loss and damage has been discussed for more than 30 years. It is time for this discussion to deliver concrete results. At this summit we want to see commitments to deliver new loss and damage finance that is in addition to existing financial pledges.”  

Julius Mbatia, ACT Alliance climate justice focal point, adds: 

  • “COP 27 sets the stage for a global demonstration of solidarity with all suffering communities and nations. This year’s climate talks must deliver nothing short of an outcome that puts forward multilateral climate decisions and solutions that work for the climate system and people.”  

ACT Alliance is a global faith-based coalition of more than 140 members operating in more than 120 countries and part of a larger ecumenical delegation at COP27.  

Together we will call for climate justice and remind parties that their negotiations should not leave anyone behind.  

For interviews or more information, please contact:  

Simon Chambers, simon.chambers@actalliance.org; +1 416 435-0972 

 

COP27 Blog: Interfaith responses to the climate crisis

Interfaith prayer before COP26, Glasgow. PHOTO: Albin Hillert/LWF

By Bishop Philip Huggins 

Our Australian diplomats and negotiators recently gave briefings to those of us going to COP27. We have a new federal government now with much better policies and a clear intent to be internationally responsible. Accordingly, these folk who must represent the Australian government policies have a fresh buoyancy and vitality as we prepare for Egypt. 

Our briefings have been on Climate Finance, Loss and Damage as well as Article 6 and Carbon Markets. Listening to these highly intelligent, hardworking folks is a blessing. With generous spirits, they try to share what they know and are patient with our questions. The more I learn of these complex negotiations, the more impressed I am by the human ingenuity that shapes and now seeks to implement the ‘Paris Agreement.’ Just listening to the architecture that is required for a functioning, equitable and transparent carbon market evokes one’s admiration. 

But at the same time, there is the terrifying feeling that the implementation of the Paris Agreement – so as to contain global warming to that 1.5 degree C target – is still proceeding too slowly. 

Extreme climate events in Australia 

Some of our family live in Canberra and we are in southern Victoria. Not long ago, I drove up there in a big mask because of smoke after huge bushfires. This week, I came back from Canberra just ahead of unprecedented floods. One of our sons lives on a hill. Beneath them this week was water where stock normally graze.  

Even though we have not yet reached 1.5 degrees C, the climate appears to be changing rapidly. There are more extreme events more regularly and the impact is heaviest on those who are poorer and those in our Asia Pacific region who, unjustly, have had fewer of the carbon economy’s benefits.  

Rapid and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement is clearly what is needed at COP27. We all know the things that make this difficult. Nation state suspicions and rivalries; the divisive, violent impact of narcissistic dictatorships built on historic resentments and maintained by oppression; the continuing influence of vested interests; and so on. 

Cooperation by faith leaders 

But, as people of faith, we must persist with our prayers and meditations linked to advocacy. 

Here in Australia, more than 100 multi faith leaders signed a joint letter to the Prime Minister insisting on a more rapid transition to renewables. I have not seen such spontaneous and substantial cooperation by faith leaders on any other issue and I have been involved in multi faith dialogue since the 1980s! Moreover, what was requested is very political and very focused!  

At and since the Madrid COP, through the Interfaith Liaison Committee of the UNFCCC, many of us have been involved in daily and weekly silent meditations regarding the issues before this COP. There is an evolving community of contemplative souls with a unified and unifying consciousness. 

We will get there. And we must! 

Bishop Philip Huggins, a COP27 delegate, is Director, Centre for Ecumenical Studies, at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture.  

 

 

 

COP27: No one must be left behind 

By Mattias Söderberg

We are approaching a new UN climate summit, COP27, and the stakes are high. Unfortunately, the challenges are also high, maybe higher than ever. The world is facing a

In 2021 South Sudan was affected by climate-induced floods, on top of existing food insecurity and long-term conflict. COP27 must succeed so that no one is left behind. Loss and damage finance will help ensure a better future. PHOTO: Paul Jeffrey/ACT.

climate crisis. But we are also facing a food crisis, an energy crisis, and an economic crisis. While the challenges are multiplying, it is even more important to find solutions. COP27 must be a success.  

The impact of the climate crisis is becoming more and more apparent. This summer saw massive floods in Nigeria and Pakistan. It is estimated it will cost more than USD 10 billion for these countries to recover from these climate-induced disasters. More importantly, it has already cost the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. In Nigeria it is estimated that more than 2.5 million people have been affected by floods. In Pakistan the number is up to 33 million people. At the same time, India and Somalia have seen more intense heatwaves than ever before. The climate is changing, and it is costing lives, livelihoods, and not least, money.  

This money, which in climate lingo is called “loss and damage finance” is one of the hot topics at COP27. For those affected, the need for support is clear. In the negotiations, however, it is still uncertain if the summit will deliver any agreement about future funding.  

At the last summit, COP26, parties agreed to revisit their climate plans to increase their ambition. Today, only 24 of 193 countries have delivered their plans to the UN. And yes, governments have been busy. The crises mentioned above compete for their attention. But the crises co-exist, and governments need to acknowledge that one crisis will not wait for the last one to end. On the contrary, without attention, they will multiply. To fail to deliver on last year’s climate promises cannot be excused.   

To solve one crisis does not necessarily stand in the way of solving another. The national climate plans are linked to the energy crisis. They could ensure that investments in renewables are scaled up. But they can also address the food crisis by helping the agriculture sector adapt to changes in the climate.   

For many developing countries, national climate plans can only be implemented if the promised finance is available. This is yet another challenge. Developed countries still have not delivered on their commitment to mobilise USD 100 billion annually for climate finance. This is worrying. Not only does it undermine trust in the UN negotiations, but it also means that action in developing countries, including implementation of their national climate plans, will be delayed without the promised support.  

COP27 is an important COP. Because global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced; because parties must agree on how to cooperate on an increased focus on adaptation; because climate finance must be scaled up and delivered; and because climate-induced loss and damage must be addressed. The COP27 agenda is packed with important topics, and I hope parties will use the coming two weeks to find ambitious agreements which can deliver climate justice.  

ACT Alliance will follow the negotiations. We will keep calling for climate justice by reminding governments of their responsibilities and their promises. COP27 must be a summit where no one is left behind.  

Mattias Söderberg of DanChurchAid is co-chair of the ACT Alliance Climate Justice Reference Group.

   

 

ACT announces COP27 delegates

At COP26 ACT delegates and members engaged in actions like this one to attract media attention to ACT’s climate justice advocacy priorities. PHOTO: Claudio Cuttarelli/Greens/EFA group/ ACT

ACT Alliance will be sending several delegates to COP27, this year’s global UN climate conference.  COP27 will be held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt from Sunday, November 6 to Friday, November 18. ACT has a limited number of badges each year, and most ACT delegates will attend either week one or week two of the event.  

While at COP27, they will represent ACT and their regional forums and present the alliance’s key advocacy points on climate justice to negotiators and government officials. Delegates can liaise with their regional forums both before and after the event.  

“ACT Alliance COP27 delegates can influence the direction of negotiations by engaging with negotiators and reminding them of the urgent need for climate action” says Mattias Söderberg, co-chair of the ACT Climate Justice Reference Group. “This year our focus is on the need for support to vulnerable communities facing climate induced loss and damage.” 

ACT member delegates  

Romario Dohlmann, Coordinator of environmental programs, Hora de Obrar, Argentina, LAC. (Week One). 

Manal Shehade, Chair ACT MENA Gender Justice CoP. DCA/NCA, MENA. (Week Two) 

Lindiwe Ndebele, Chair, ACT Livelihoods CoP. Christian Aid, Zimbabwe, Africa. (Week One) 

Angelious Michael, National Council of Churches India, Asia. (Week Two)  

Joel Kelling, Chair MENA Climate Justice CoP and Anglican Alliance, Jerusalem and the Middle East, MENA. (Week Two) 

Elizabeth White, Anglican Episcopal Church, Environmentalist and Anti-racist activist, Brazil, LAC. (Week One) 

Dr. Ahmed Safi, DKH, MENA. (Week Two). 

Other ACT delegates 

In addition, ACT’s Climate Justice Goodwill Ambassador Cornelia Füllkrug-Weitzel will participate in the first week. Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, ACT General Secretary, will attend week two. They will be engaged in activities such as media outreach and moderating ACT panel discussions. 

Marianna Leite, ACT Advocacy Manager, will attend week one. Simon Chambers, ACT Director of Communications, will attend both weeks to promote ACT’s climate justice advocacy and media presence. Julius Mbatia, ACT Manager of Climate Justice and Sostina Takure, ACT Alliance Zimbabwe Forum Coordinator will also be there both weeks as members of their respective countries’ delegations, Kenya and Zimbabwe.  

Members, allies and ecumenical network  

Co-chairs of the ACT Climate Reference Group, Mattias Söderberg of DanChurchAid and Elena Cedillo of the Lutheran World Federation, will attend both weeks for their respective organisations

Other alliance members and allies such as the Lutheran World Federation, Christian Aid, Act Church of Sweden, Bread for the World, and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank have their own UNFCCC badges and will send staff and members.  

At COP27, the alliance is part of a larger ecumenical delegation with the World Council of Churches. We work together, united in faith, to draw attention to a wide range of climate justice issues and engage in interfaith work through the Interfaith Liaison Committee.  

Engage with ACT’s COP27 activities 

Sign up for the ACT Climate Justice Communications mail list, which will have frequent notices of our COP27 activities. Send an email to fiona.connelly@actalliance.org giving your permission to be added.  

Virtually: join the daily COP27 strategy sessions through the Fabo learning site.  Learning site: Ecumenical COP27 website (fabo.org) . Contact ACTTrainee@actalliance.org for assistance if needed. 

Follow the ACT Now for Climate Justice Twitter account: https://twitter.com/actclimate  

During COP27, ACT News (https://actalliance.org/news/) on ACT’s website will publish blogs written by delegates about their region’s climate issues and articles on ACT’s advocacy priorities by members of ACT Climate Justice groups. 

 

  

Our faith is neither violent nor discriminatory

ACT Alliance members in Latin America and the Caribbean region (LAC) issued a statement in response to the 52nd General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS). 

Their statement addressed the disturbing increase in influence by some religious organizations who impede or remove human rights, gender rights, and the elimination of violence against women, girls and boys.

ACT members’ understanding of the role of faith-based organizations is very different.  “It is because of our faith that we continue to make visible, fight for, and demand timely and full justice against human rights violations, and we commit ourselves to offer a testimony that is also constructive for democracy, peaceful coexistence in plural societies, and full recognition of the dignity of all people.”

The statement highlighted the need to respect the dignity of all people, including “…particularly children and adolescents, women, indigenous peoples, black and Afro-descendant communities, people with disabilities, migrants, and the LGBTIQ community…”

The LAC members stated, “we reject the way in which religious and faith discourses are exploited and promoted by some sectors to stigmatize other sectors of society, deny them their rights, and increase their vulnerability, putting their lives and dignity at risk.”

They concluded with a commitment to the radical commandment of our Lord Jesus Christ to love without any discrimination.

Read the full statement here (in Spanish and English).

Opportunity for members: Webinar on CHS Self-Assessment

The ACT Alliance quality and accountability team invites all ACT Alliance members, especially the local and national members, to join a  webinar, organised in collaboration with the CHS Alliance, to increase their understanding of the CHS self-assessment tool. 

The webinar is intended for all ACT members’ staff, especially for senior management, programme managers, and those having a role in monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning within the organisation.

At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to describe the CHS Verification Framework and conduct a CHS self-assessment following a step-by-step methodology.

Participants will also be able to listen to the experience of CHS Alliance and ACT Alliance’s members who have already completed the CHS verification process.

Please register in advance.

When: October 27th, 2022

Time: 15.00-16.30hrs CET

Where: Zoom (register here)

Language: English

About Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS)

The Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) sets out the essential elements of principled accountable and high-quality aid. ACT members engaged in the humanitarian response are required to apply the Core Humanitarian Standard in the design and implementation of the humanitarian response. 

To access different language versions of the CHS standard click here:  https://corehumanitarianstandard.org/language-versions

A short e-course on CHS is also available in several languages, it can be accessed by clicking here: https://kayaconnect.org/course/info.php?id=260&lang=en 

For more resources on CHS you are encouraged to visit CHS Alliance website: https://www.chsalliance.org/ 

On the Road2Equality 

 

Elaine Neuenfeldt, Manager of ACT’s Gender Justice programme. PHOTO: Simon Chambers.

As part of ACT’s 2021 Annual Report, we interviewed Elaine Neuenfeldt, Manager of the ACT Gender Justice Programme. Download your copy of the Annual Report here.

Why is working on gender justice important for the alliance? 

When we talk about gender justice, we refer to an intersectional and collective approach focused on the different experiences and lived realities of those most impacted by discrimination and oppression. Although women and their rights are at the centre of our work, achieving gender equality and justice requires a broader cultural and theological shift. As you can see, this is at the core of our work as an Alliance. It is a cross-thematic issue that we need to work on collectively. 

 This is especially true today when we face different forms of fundamentalisms that threaten our democracies, our values, the dignity of those in most in need and the acquired rights of women everywhere. The work to achieve justice is a journey, which is why we called our campaign #TheRoad2Equality. We need everyone to walk on this road regardless of their background or thematic priorities. 

What is your model of programmatic action and how it is working? 

We are grateful to the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) who funded this programme and trust our capacity to develop new ways of walking the talk on the road to equality. We are also lucky to have internal ACT Alliance structures like the Forums, the Communities of Practice, and the Gender Reference Group who support us in this journey. In the past couple of years, we have worked to support several strategic projects in 10 countries. The Forums shaped innovative projects that addressed issues they saw at the local level. We also developed Regional Roadmaps so that all our members are equipped with a gender justice policy not only on paper but in practice.  

We worked to change the narrative in international forums like the UN, where we connected local realities to global policies. We organised conversations on difficult topics for the ecumenical movement, secular organisations and governments on what needs to be done.  These are just examples, but as you can see, we did a lot. And we plan on doing even more. 

What are the challenges and opportunities you see and what are you planning to do to address them? 

The first challenge we all see is a convergence in fundamentalist groups and their narratives. We have an ethical responsibility to challenge those. The role of faith leaders and organisations is crucial. We need to create new theologies of liberation and justice to oppose arguments that try to oppress and control. To do that we need to find ways to protect the prophetic voices that dare to speak up for justice.  

Another issue we will work on is mainstreaming gender in all ACT programmes. We have started with the Climate Justice programme and the Migration and Displacement programme, but we need to do more. For instance, we need to collaborate on Humanitarian Assistance, ensuring that women and girls’ true needs are taken into account when delivering aid.  

 There is so much to do, and our team is ready for the challenge. I am blessed to work with an amazing group of dedicated women and men who truly are committed to justice and rights. But we need more people to support, to engage, to advise and help. Everyone is welcome! There is a saying I really believe in: “If you want to go fast walk alone, if you want to go far, walk together.”  

Well, I believe it’s time to walk together. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ideas for climate advocacy: new ACT Climate Justice publication  

 Ideas for climate advocacy, 40 pages of practical strategies for climate justice, is now available. “We must keep hope alive and I think this publication can help us,” says Mattias Söderberg, co-chair of the ACT Alliance Climate Justice Reference Group. “We can make a difference and achieve climate justice if we take action now!” 

Divided into three sections, the book covers much of what Forums, members and regional climate justice CoPs will need to improve the effectiveness of their climate advocacy.  

The first section explores ACT’s understanding of climate justice based on the foundations of our faith and as a faith-based alliance. It includes a summary of the most important scientific findings on the climate crisis drawn from the recent 6th Assessment Report of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). It examines how past and future climate impacts threaten the sustainable development of all people, but especially those in the world’s most vulnerable communities. COP26 is studied in detail to introduce climate policy and the Glasgow Climate Pact. This section ends by exploring the climate policy challenges of the coming years. 

The second section looks at advocacy practice. Using concrete examples, the publication shows how advocacy for climate justice at local, national, and international levels can be carried out in relatively simple ways. The aim is to raise the level of ambition in national and international climate targets, adaptation programmes, climate finance and in addressing climate-related Loss and Damage. This section also explains the basics of the Paris Climate Agreement and the resulting state obligations, and designing climate adaptation programmes to be gender responsive. Finally, it presents the Climate Justice Module of the ACT Advocacy Academy as the central training tool of our Climate Justice Programme. 

The third section highlights the advocacy activities of ACT’s Climate Justice Programme. Three examples illustrate how ACT Communities of Practice (CoPs) from different world regions advocate for higher climate ambition. The examples illustrate the different priorities of ACT regions for climate justice.  A bibliography and list of useful resources concludes the publication. 

We wish you good and inspiring reading. Download here.

Revised humanitarian programme builds on ACT’s strengths

Marie Nusia, who lives with her four grandchildren, lost her home in Haiti’s 2021 earthquake. She is a community participant in rebuilding a new hurricane and earthquake resistant home. PHOTO: LWF Haiti
Cyra Bullecer
Niall O’Rourke

Niall O’Rourke, ACT Alliance Head of Humanitarian Affairs and Cyra Bullecer, Humanitarian Operations Manager, were interviewed for ACT’s 2021 Annual Report about ACT’s emergency preparedness and humanitarian response programme.  

What is ACT’s Humanitarian Mechanism and how does it work? 

ACT’s Humanitarian Mechanism consists of three pillars: Emergency Preparedness, Rapid Response and our Appeal funded work. It is mandatory for all ACT members and forums around the globe to have Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans (EPRPs). These plans set out how members and forums work together, coordinate, and share capacities before, during, and after humanitarian crises. In their preparedness plans, ACT members identify hazards and risks so that when a crisis hits, they can respond. These plans are linked to the wider resilience approaches used by ACT members to help communities mitigate risks and prevent disasters. For example, houses built in Haiti after a previous earthquake were designed to be stable in future earthquakes.  

ACT’s Rapid Response Fund (RRF) allows local and national ACT members to respond in a timely and effective manner to small and medium-scale emergencies. Emergencies funded through the RRF can be rapid onset (such as an earthquake or flood); slow onset, requiring an early response (such as drought); or of a complex humanitarian nature (for example, conflict driven displacement). Through the RRF, local ACT members are resourced to be agile and respond to crises in their operational context in a timely and efficient manner, helping to save lives and respond to emergency needs. 

The third pillar of ACT’s Humanitarian Mechanism is the ACT Appeal. ACT Appeals are designed to allow members to respond to large-scale humanitarian crises. ACT Appeals also seek to strengthen local response systems. This ensures effective delivery of humanitarian assistance alongside programme activities that strengthen local partners and communities. 

ACT’s revised humanitarian policy was approved by the Governing Board in 2021. Tell us what’s new about it?  

The revised ACT humanitarian policy builds on the strengths of ACT’s humanitarian work. Ensuring ACT members can deliver high-quality, locally led humanitarian response programmes is a strategic priority for the ACT Secretariat. We are doubling the emergency funds exclusively available to local and national members. The Rapid Response Fund allows local and national members to respond to small and medium-sized crises.  

Local and national members can now access to up to $150,000 USD in any relevant humanitarian crisis. For example, members in Brazil were able to access $150,000 USD for the January 2021 floods, whilst members in Indonesia accessed funds for the earthquake that struck West Sulawesi. 

In 2021, a total of 12 local organisations accessed the Rapid Response Fund to respond to localised and medium-level crises. Most of these organisations were linked to our member churches, many of which are already mobilised to respond to a disaster. 

Increasing the level of funding available to local members is also consistent with the Grand Bargain of 2016, a set of commitments which major donors and humanitarian agencies have subscribed to. Localisation is central to the Grand Bargain, putting local communities at the centre of decision-making.  

How does localisation benefit communities? 

ACT understands localisation as a process of giving primacy to the humanitarian solutions of first responders, communities, and diverse forms of local civil society. Past experiences with international humanitarian aid have shown that when communities don’t own the humanitarian response, there’s a high chance of abuses of power.  

Communities understand their own hazards best. If the community is at the centre of decision making before, during, and after a humanitarian crisis it can ultimately emerge stronger and better prepared for the future.  

 

Join us in the ACT Youth Climate Caravan Campaign!

This year the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) on Climate Change will take place in Egypt. Yet, despite 26 years of climate negotiations, in 2022, the climate crisis continues to ravage communities, creating multiple and intersecting paths of destruction across the world.

As the ecumenical youth of ACT Alliance, the ACT Youth Participation Community of Practice seeks to develop a digital climate caravan that gives a platform for voices of youth from various parts of the world  and highlights solidarity and action from within our ecumenical network.

We want to hear from you!  (And particularly from the youth in your organization!). 

Please share your stories with us – in the form of pictures, videos, arts or text – around how youth in your region are affected by, and fighting for climate justice in various ways. We seek to collect stories and testimonies from across the ACT Alliance network that will be published on our social media accounts. 

Our objectives:

  • To raise awareness on the intersectional impacts and challenges caused by the climate crisis (with regard to  gender, migration, conflict, and young people, among others) across different regions. 
  • To strengthen and  the ecumenical youth voice in the discourse on climate solutions. 
  • To showcase international youth solidarity within the ecumenical network regarding the climate crisis. 

Please find out more information in our concept note and share our posters  (download here) with the youth in your organization. 

Any questions, as well as photos, videos and other contributions can be sent accordingly to our regional youth contact persons (see poster)

ACT Alliance Youth Community of Practice
Youth Climate Sub-group
Emma, Patricia, Lauri, Dave, Brigita, Tova, Jeronim, Goitumetswe ,Brynne and Daisy.