Drought and displacement have devastated cattle herds, which are the foundation of the local economy and culture, in South Sudan. Today, faith leaders call upon the G7 nations to be leaders in a green transformation towards a sustainable future. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/ACT

Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and Buddhists. Big religions, each with its own beliefs and faiths. But also with a strong and united concern. On Friday, the eve of the G7 Environmental Ministerial Meeting in Bologna, faith leaders from some of the biggest religions in the world met and agreed on a joint statement to the G7 ministers.

The statement was formulated as a charter of values and actions, a message based on the belief that the world – nature, and the environment – is wonderful, and that we have a moral obligation to care for this miracle – the creation.

Each religion framed the concern in its own way, but each had the same message. We have the responsibility to take action, and to transform our way of life into a sustainable development path.

“We, as faith leaders and faith-based organizations, stand in solidarity with people and communities all over the world who are affected by the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation and commit to galvanizing greater awareness and action that promotes more sustainable consumption and lifestyles and protects our natural environment, both on land and water,” say faith leaders in the joint statement.

When faith leaders talk about the world they do not focus on countries as such.  When the world was created, there were no borders. And climate change knows no borders. Droughts and floods do not stop to clear customs, and the long term effects will fuel conflicts and migration with implications far beyond the borders of individual countries. At the same time, all global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced. But this can only be achieved if all countries and all people engage. All countries must embrace a green and sustainable development paradigm, ensuring a resilient future for all people in the world.

So why was a call directed to the G7? All countries are important, but rich countries have special responsibilities for two reasons. First, they have a historic responsibility, linked to their large carbon emissions for decades, contributing to global warming. And second, because of their capacity to actually make a difference. A green transformation will not come by itself. It will be a result of innovation, technology development, and changes in our current development paradigm. And this is why the G7 is important. The G7 constitutes a group of countries with big responsibility, and big capacity. They can, and should, drive the transformation towards a green and sustainable future.

However, at this time, the G7 is not only a platform for discussion about development. This time the G7 meeting may also be a battlefield in a growing conflict between the current US government, and the other G7 countries. The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in the US, Scott Pruitt, will face his first international diplomatic challenge since President Donald Trump announced that the US will withdraw from the Paris Agreement. When the G7 leaders recently met in Taormina, Sicily, Italy, climate change was also on the agenda, and Trump was isolated. Pruitt will most likely face the same situation. Mr. Pruitt was one of the persons who advised President Trump to withdraw, and he is known for his skepticism towards climate change. My guess is that he will have a difficult time defending and explaining the US decision when he meets his G7 colleagues.

In this context, the call from faith leaders contributes an additional critique. While the other G7 members will bring up arguments of security, economy, growth and development, faith leaders bring up the moral and ethical concern. Faith leaders stand, as they so often do, with the most vulnerable, the ones who have contributed the least to climate change and yet are disproportionately affected by it.

Together, faith leaders delivered their message of solidarity, calling on the G7 leaders—and all people—to take seriously the need to care for creation.

The full text of the joint statement can be found here: https://actalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/CharterOfValuesAndAction-1.pdf 

___________

Mattias Söderberg, Senior advocacy advisor in DanChurchAid. Was elected co-chair for the ACT Alliance advisory group on climate change advocacy and was the acting head of the ACT delegations to UN climate talks from 2010 to 2015. Was co-chair of the ACT EU climate change working group from 2007 to 2009, and head of the ecumenical COP15 secretariat in 2009. Mattias is originally from Sweden, but lives in Denmark.

PRESS RELEASE

BOLOGNA, Italy. On Friday the 9^th of June, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist leaders will meet for an Interfaith Forum on Environmental Protection, with an aim to agree on a Charter of Values and Actions, to be delivered to the ministers attending the G7 Environment Ministers Meeting on the 11^th  – 12^th of June.

Climate change is an important topic for many religions. This was stressed in a global statement made by more than 150 faith and spiritual leaders in the run up to the Paris climate summit in 2015.

“Many religions share a belief that humanity has an important task, to care for creation. However, when we look around us today, we are concerned. Our current way of living is not sustainable. We must change our way of living and enter a new and sustainable development path,” says Mattias Söderberg, representing the ACT Alliance in the Forum.

 “When earth was created there were no countries, no borders. The responsibility to take action is also without border. All countries, all people, have a responsibility to take action,” says Gianfranco Cattai, President of Federazione Organismi Cristiani Servizio Internazionale Volontario (FOCSIV).

Éamonn Meehan, President of Coopération Internationale pour le Développement et la Solidarité (CIDSE), says, “Those most affected by climate change are those who have done the least to contribute to it, which is an inherent injustice. There is a moral imperative for G7 countries to recognise and take responsibility for the global damage they have caused through their carbon emissions. Climate change is the most pressing issue of our time and if world leaders, including the U.S. don’t begin to care for creation and see that the Earth is for all, then there will be little left for future generations to enjoy.”

Cecilia Dall’Oglio, representing the Global Catholic Climate Movement (GGCM) at the Forum, comments, “Christians worldwide are responding by coming together in unity to care for creation in prayer and action as announced on the occasion of World Environment Day. A new wave of climate action during the new edition of the Season of Creation will be running from September 1 to October 4, uniting the 2.2 billion members of the Christian family to care for creation. Besides local action in grassroots communities, Christians will also engage in advocacy initiatives such as a new Joint Christian Divestment Announcement on October 4.” To date, 27 Catholic institutions have already divested from fossil fuels. The convening organizations who are leading the Season of Creation promotion efforts are: World Council of Churches, Anglican Communion Environmental Network, Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer), the Global Catholic Climate Movement, and ACT Alliance.

The G7 Meeting is a major international event, especially for the new head of the US Environmental Protection Agency, Scott Pruitt, who can expect a lot of critique following the US decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.

Faith representatives, preparing for the Interfaith Forum, express their deep concern about the US decision. “To care for creation, is a moral and ethical responsibility. We cannot treat creation with disrespect, and we must develop a sustainable way of living. I therefore call on the US to reconsider the decision to leave the Paris Agreement,” says Mattias Söderberg.

He continues, “I welcome how most world leaders, including six of the G7 countries, as well as cities, states and corporations in the US, have reconfirmed their commitments to take action on the Paris Agreement.”

 ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Mattias Söderberg, participant in the dialogue, representing the ACT Alliance
Email: msd@dca.dk; Mobile: +45-29700609

Andrea Stocchiero, participant in the dialogue, representing FOCSIV
Email: policy@focsiv.it;

Cecilia Dall’Oglio, participant in the dialogue, representing the GCCM
Email: cecilia@catholicclimatemovement.global ; Mobile: +39-3331271680

The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction was held in Cancun May 22-26, 2017.  The platform worked to move from the commitments made through the 2015 Sendai Framework for DRR to concrete actions to realize the commitments. The ACT Alliance delegation in Cancun showed how to put of words into action by sharing their concrete example of projects and actions resulting in change at the community level.

ACT organized an official preparatory event in collaboration with the Buddhist international network Soka Gakkai and the Jewish organization Cadena from Mexico.   The three different faith-based organisations each presented best practices on disaster risk reduction interventions.  They also created an interfaith statement.

The FBO statement calls for meaningful and substantive engagement of FBOs in the implementation and monitoring of the Sendai Framework for DRR, and presents concrete proposals for engagement. Over the course of the Global Platform more FBOs joined and signed the statement, creating and mobilizing a network of organizations from different faiths.

“Faith drives people to take action, offers courage, comfort and hope. Faith contributes to the coping and adaptive capacities of many people and can be a powerful element in reducing vulnerabilities and, thus, reduce disaster risk,” the statement reads. “It is an integral element that needs to be taken into account in disaster risk prevention and reduction.”

The conclusions presented by the platform at the end of its meeting reference several issues that are close to the heart of FBOs, including  the need for more focus on local leadership and community action, continued monitoring and clear accountability frameworks.

ACT welcomes the emphasis on integrating the international agreements on disaster risk reduction, climate, sustainable development goals and humanitarian action. People in disaster prone and affected communities do not distinguish between climate, disaster, and poverty. So let us not do that at the international policy level.

The most concrete action point was the development of Loss & Damage data for all countries by 2020. ACT welcomes this idea, and will continue to push for action. The increased availability of data on loss and damage will have to result in increased investments and measures that will make a difference in the lives of people living in disaster prone areas.

“As ACT Alliance we are committed to continue working with other stakeholders, including mobilizing FBOs and expanded networks, to support the strengthening of resilience in communities,” said Jeroen Jurriens. “We should leave no one behind and make this world a more disaster resilient place! Cancun brought this vision one step closer again, and builds the way for new steps in the future. “

Read the full joint FBO statement here. Interested Faith Based Organisations can contact Jeroen Jurriens to co-sign the statement.

The Board of the global ACT Alliance, meeting in Geneva on the 1^st and 2^nd of June 2017 expresses its deep concern with the unfolding crisis of democracy in Brazil, characterised by violence and aggression against the most vulnerable citizens of the country.

Since the current political crisis began, violence is escalating, especially in remote areas and against Indigenous Peoples. This year alone 35 peasants, indigenous and human/environmental defenders have been murdered in Brazil; painful evidence of the rising hostility towards vulnerable groups and those that stand up for them.

Although political woes and violence are not uncommon in the country, the impunity of the attackers and the links with police activities should concern all Brazilians and the international community as expressed by the UN in its recent statement.

The situation in Brazil requires our careful attention, permanent solidarity and commitment. As violence escalates, space for civil society shrinks, and the poorest and marginalized are the most affected by it.

The unprecedented austerity measures which lead to increasing inequality and a sharpening of social divisions are contributing to an escalating crisis that calls for action from the ecumenical movement. As affirmed by a declaration by FE-ACT, the ACT Forum in Brazil, it is critical that social provisions by the state are restored and that democratic institutions are revived and strengthened to guarantee social inclusion while reversing the trend towards greater inequality.  The distribution of income, fair taxation of wealth, fair and transparent political processes, fair and just application of the law should all be pursued.

We reaffirm our commitment to walk with the people who are directly affected by the unjust decisions currently being made. We, as representatives of the global ecumenical community, therefore call for a restauration of democratic principles and processes, especially taking into account the voices of the most marginalized.

All sectors of society, are called upon to take responsibility and help turn the tide of intimidation and violence.  It is time for active reflection, leveraging prophetic voices and joining hands in solidarity.

“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream! “
(Amos 5:24)

The Board of the global ACT Alliance, meeting in Geneva on the 1^st and 2^nd of June 2017 expresses its deep concern with the unfolding crisis of democracy in Brazil, characterised by violence and aggression against the most vulnerable citizens of the country.

Since the current political crisis began, violence is escalating, especially in remote areas and against Indigenous Peoples. This year alone 35 peasants, indigenous and human/environmental defenders have been murdered in Brazil; painful evidence of the rising hostility towards vulnerable groups and those that stand up for them.

Although political woes and violence are not uncommon in the country, the impunity of the attackers and the links with police activities should concern all Brazilians and the international community as expressed by the UN in its recent statement.

The situation in Brazil requires our careful attention, permanent solidarity and commitment. As violence escalates, space for civil society shrinks, and the poorest and marginalized are the most affected by it.

The unprecedented austerity measures which lead to increasing inequality and a sharpening of social divisions are contributing to an escalating crisis that calls for action from the ecumenical movement. As affirmed by a declaration by FE-ACT, the ACT Forum in Brazil, it is critical that social provisions by the state are restored and that democratic institutions are revived and strengthened to guarantee social inclusion while reversing the trend towards greater inequality.  The distribution of income, fair taxation of wealth, fair and transparent political processes, fair and just application of the law should all be pursued.

We reaffirm our commitment to walk with the people who are directly affected by the unjust decisions currently being made. We, as representatives of the global ecumenical community, therefore call for a restauration of democratic principles and processes, especially taking into account the voices of the most marginalized.

All sectors of society, are called upon to take responsibility and help turn the tide of intimidation and violence.  It is time for active reflection, leveraging prophetic voices and joining hands in solidarity.

“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream! “
(Amos 5:24)

The Board of the global ACT Alliance, meeting in Geneva on the 1^st and 2^nd of June 2017 expresses its deep concern with the unfolding crisis of democracy in Brazil, characterised by violence and aggression against the most vulnerable citizens of the country.

Since the current political crisis began, violence is escalating, especially in remote areas and against Indigenous Peoples. This year alone 35 peasants, indigenous and human/environmental defenders have been murdered in Brazil; painful evidence of the rising hostility towards vulnerable groups and those that stand up for them.

Although political woes and violence are not uncommon in the country, the impunity of the attackers and the links with police activities should concern all Brazilians and the international community as expressed by the UN in its recent statement.

The situation in Brazil requires our careful attention, permanent solidarity and commitment. As violence escalates, space for civil society shrinks, and the poorest and marginalized are the most affected by it.

The unprecedented austerity measures which lead to increasing inequality and a sharpening of social divisions are contributing to an escalating crisis that calls for action from the ecumenical movement. As affirmed by a declaration by FE-ACT, the ACT Forum in Brazil, it is critical that social provisions by the state are restored and that democratic institutions are revived and strengthened to guarantee social inclusion while reversing the trend towards greater inequality.  The distribution of income, fair taxation of wealth, fair and transparent political processes, fair and just application of the law should all be pursued.

We reaffirm our commitment to walk with the people who are directly affected by the unjust decisions currently being made. We, as representatives of the global ecumenical community, therefore call for a restauration of democratic principles and processes, especially taking into account the voices of the most marginalized.

All sectors of society, are called upon to take responsibility and help turn the tide of intimidation and violence.  It is time for active reflection, leveraging prophetic voices and joining hands in solidarity.

“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream! “
(Amos 5:24)

PRESS RELEASE

The ACT Alliance, the Lutheran World Federation and the World Council of Churches, call for a prioritization of climate justice as US President Donald Trump issues executive order withdrawing the US from the Paris Climate Agreement.  They express deep dismay at this development, which goes against global commitments to address climate change.

The three faith based bodies actively contributed the development of the Paris agreement, welcomed its outcomes and the commitments of the nations of the world to it.

“Only 18 months ago global leaders welcomed the landmark Paris Climate Agreement for taking into account the immediate needs of countries most severely affected by the impacts of climate change.  The move by the President of the United States today flies in the face of ethics and Christian values,” says Rudelmar Bueno De Faria, ACT Alliance General Secretary.

“Addressing climate change equals protecting human beings, their workplaces and the economies of the world. The LWF will continue to promote climate justice, as an issue of intergenerational justice, in the conviction that creation is not for sale,” says Martin Junge, LWF General Secretary.

“This is a tragedy, missing an opportunity to show real, accountable leadership for the future of humanity and our common home. This is a decision that is not morally sustainable – and not economically sustainable either. The struggle for climate justice has to continue,” says Olav Fykse Tveit, WCC General Secretary.

As global temperatures continue to rise, severe floods, droughts and superstorms are becoming more and more commonplace. It is the most vulnerable people who are hit first.

The poorest countries will be hit twice more: first by unwillingness to curb US carbon emissions, and then by a planned decrease in climate finance to support people in adapting to the impacts of climate change and towards a transition to clean energy for poor countries.

The implementation of the Paris agreement is the only way for the human family to turn away from the threat of global warming. The ACT Alliance, the Lutheran World Federation and the World Council of Churches affirm their commitment to climate justice and call on the nations of the world to stand by the commitments of the Paris Agreement.

ENDS

Contact
Simon Chambers
Head of Communications, ACT Alliance
simon.chambers@actalliance.org
Tel: +1-647-939-5859

Arni Danielsson
Head of Communication, Lutheran World Federation
asd@lutheranworld.org
Tel. +41 78 929 9686

Marianne Ejdersten
Director of communication, World Council of Churches
Mej@wcc-coe.org
Tel: +41 79 597 63 63

Ecumenical leaders, ACT secretariat staff, WCC and LWF leaders, the ACT governing board and others gathered in Geneva yesterday to celebrate John Nduna’s work with first ACT International and then as General Secretary of ACT Alliance since its founding.

John was praised for his ecumenical approach, his ability to lead in difficult times, and for the vision with which he crafted the ACT Alliance into one of the largest faith-based networks of humanitarian and sustainable development agencies.

John compared his time with ACT to a pilgrimage, a journey.  “The formation of ACT Alliance is one of the things the ecumenical family has done a good job of,” he said to those gathered.  “To address the suffering of the people out of war, natural disasters, those who are marginalized.  ACT has worked with so many people in so many places, but difficult places.  We always go to the hardest to reach places.  The staff of the members of ACT have been unrelenting to assure that we provide whatever assistance or programs are needed.”

“I sincerely believe in ecumenism,” he continued.  “Working with WCC, LWF, and other sister church organizations has been a pleasant experience for me.  I would like to say ‘continue with the cooperation that is ongoing among all sister organizations.’”John’s successor, Rudelmar Bueno de Fario, begins his role as General Secretary today.  “I said to Rudelmar, ‘the door is open,” John said.  Then he continued jokingly, “But he was quick to say in the meeting this morning, ‘Yes, John opened the door.  I can call him any time.  But yesterday he changed his telephone number!’  But Rudelmar, you can rest assured that the old telephone number is still working.”

ACT wishes John all blessings as he moves on to the next phase of his life, and welcomes Rudelmar into his new role.

The Karamojong region in northeastern Uganda is the most marginalized and vulnerable region in the country. Home to cattle-herding nomads, Karamojong has been trapped in a cycle of conflict for generations as warriors have battled the government—and each other—for cattle and survival.  Droughts have increased in severity and frequency over the years, leading to chronic food insecurity and widespread economic hardships in the region, just like in many other districts in the arid and semi-arid areas of the country. Prolonged droughts have led to drying of crops and grasses for animals that form the basis for the region’s livelihood.

Communities have been relying on food donations from relief humanitarian agencies and the government of Uganda’s relief aid. This has not been a sustainable venture considering that the humanitarian agencies and government have shifted their attention to the over one million South Sudanese refugees currently living in Uganda.

“Sometimes we sleep without any meal. Would be dead by now if there were no support from the government and non-government organizations,” said a 12 year-old boy who herds his family’s cattle.

However, efforts to build resilience and cope up with the recurring hunger arising from bad harvests and prolonged droughts have been embraced by many communities. Programmes such as backyard farming and alternative sources of livelihoods in addition to livestock, disease surveillance, drought early warning systems (Dews) and community managed disaster risk reduction (CMDRR) are helping people in Karamojong to be more resilient in the face of disasters.

But more needs to be done.  Crop yields continue to be low due to reliance on natural rain-fed agriculture. There is a need to support technologies that will increase water production to improve harvests, increasing food security for the communities in the region.

It’s the hope of these communities that international meetings as the Global Platform for DRR will translate into practical outcomes that directly make their lives better with hope for survival amidst the challenging times.

____________

Patriciah Roy Akullo works for ACT member DCA as the Advocacy Officer for the Uganda Forum.  She engages in national and regional level advocacy on climate change and DRR among other advocacy issues pertinent to the forum.

Recognizing the unprecedented challenges to human well-being and safety posed by climate change related disasters, ACT Alliance is working actively to minimize the impacts of disasters through prevention, mitigation, and preparedness programs in over 100 countries. We are rooted in communities, where we assist people in identifying their risk, resources, and capacity to cope with the disasters.

The ACT DRR-CCA (Disaster Risk Reduction- Climate Change Adaptation) Award is awarded each year by ACT’s DRR-CCA Community of Practice (CoP) to an ACT member who has shown innovation and best practices in a programme over the last year.  The ACT Award winner is named during the Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction, taking place in Mexico now, which reviews the progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework on DRR (SFDRR) which was adopted in March 2015 in Japan. The CoP is showcasing the unique role of Faith Based Organizations in DRR and is promoting locally-led DRR-work during the Global Platform. The winning organization has been invited to the Global Platform for DRR to present the project’s achievements to the public.

The winner for the 2017 ACT DRR-CCA award is the Lighthouse Project in Indonesia by Pusbinlat (Training Centre) Motivator GT, a partner of Bread for the World and Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe. The project  successfully  increased the community’s awareness of the potential negative impacts of climate change on their livelihoods and steps which can be taken to adapt capacities, increase resilience and reduce poverty such as:

• tree planting,
• reducing the use of agricultural chemicals,
• use of organic compost and pesticides,
• promoting local seed varieties,
• refraining from burning rice straw,
• reducing the use of plastics,
• improving income and nutrition through home gardening,
• diversifying crops and increasing the variety of foods eaten,
• along with protecting housing and lives, and
• developing opportunities for climate-friendly alternative livelihoods.

Today the ACT Award winner will present the project in the central hall in front of the main entrance of the Global Platform conference, putting ACT Alliance and Faith Based Organisations right in the spotlight!

Follow the ACT Alliance delegation on twitter during the Global Platform for DRR 2017 in Cancun, Mexico and share the power of faith in reducing risks to disasters!

@actalliance
@michaelmoss44
@tamas_cos
Hashtag: #MexicoGP2017

Phichet Munpa (James), ACT Alliance Secretariat, Asia/Pacific
Regional Program Officer Asia/Pacific