Paris agreement signals climate friendly, more equitable future
PRESS RELEASE
International humanitarian and development network ACT Alliance has welcomed the final global climate agreement adopted today in Paris after years of negotiations among all countries.
“The Paris agreement has delivered the universal Paris Accord and a support package,” said ACT Alliance global climate ambassador Archbishop Thabo Makgabo, from South Africa. “Hundreds of cities, regions, companies and churches have proven their strong commitment to phase out fossil energies by mid-century. This is a milestone in the human story to tackle climate change and gives us hope for a climate friendly, resilient and more equitable future.”
“The universal Paris agreement includes for the first time the commitment of all states to keep global warming well below 2 degrees,” he continued. “With the long term mitigation goal, a mechanism to dynamically scale up each country’s action over time, common transparency rules and a support package for the vulnerable, all necessary instruments are on board to move forward.”
“Now we call on all national governments to close the remaining loopholes, which were included in the agreement due to countries not willing to take on their responsibility,” said Mattias Söderberg, head of the ACT alliance delegation at the negotiations in Paris. “More and faster climate action is needed to adequately address the core concerns of poor and vulnerable people. The implementation of the Paris Accord must be accelerated by national action and deepened international cooperation.”
Archbishop Thabo Makgabo concluded: “We are all part of Creation, and while we are thankful for this, we also need to acknowledge our responsibility to take care of the earth. This responsibility was given to us by God, and thus we, as faith groups around the world need to lead the way.”
The joint faith-based delegations of ACT Alliance, Lutheran World Federation and the World Council of Churches, included more than 100 people during the two week long climate summit.
Paris envoie un signal pour un futur écologique, résilient et plus équitable
Communiqué de presse
Le réseau international humanitaire et de développement ACT Alliance a accueilli favorablement l’accord mondial sur le climat aujourd’hui à Paris après des années de négociation entre tous les pays.
« Des centaines de villes, régions, entreprises et Eglises ont prouvé leur engagement déterminé à sortir des énergies fossiles d’ici le milieu de ce siècle. C’est une étape clé dans l’histoire humaine de la lutte contre le changement climatique qui nous donne de l’espoir pour un futur écologique, résilient et plus équitable », dit l’ambassadeur global et archevêque Thabo Makgabo, d’Afrique du Sud.
L’accord universel de Paris inclut pour la première fois l’engagement de tous les Etats à garder le réchauffement global bien en dessous des 2 degrés. Avec l’objectif d’atténuation de long terme, un mécanisme pour rehausser l’action de chaque pays au fil du temps, des règles de transparence communes et un paquet de soutien pour les vulnérables, tous les instruments nécessaires à l’avancée sont présents.
« Nous appelons à présent les gouvernements nationaux à combler les lacunes qui ont fait leur entrée dans l’accord du fait de certains pays ne voulant pas prendre leur responsabilité », dit Mattias Söderberg, qui mène la délégation d’ACT Alliance.
Mattias Söderberg poursuit : « Une action climat plus importante et plus rapide est nécessaire pour s’attaquer de façon adéquate aux enjeux qui concernent les populations pauvres et vulnérables. La mise en œuvre de l’accord de Paris doit être accélérée par l’action nationale et une coopération internationale approfondie. »
L’archevêque Thabo Makgabo dit : « Nous faisons partie de la création et bien qu’elle nous inspire de la reconnaissance, nous devons aussi reconnaître notre responsabilité de prendre soin de la Terre. Cette responsabilité nous a été donnée par Dieu, c’est pourquoi nous, en tant que groupes de foi partout dans le monde, devons montrer la voie. »
Les délégations d’ACT Alliance, de la Fédération Luthérienne Mondial et du Conseil œcuménique des Eglises, comprenaient ensemble plus de cent personnes durant les deux semaines du sommet climat.
FIN
Pour des questions supplémentaires, merci de contacter le responsable de la délégation d’ACT Alliance, Mattias Söderberg : msd@dca.dk +45-29700609.
París establece una señal para un clima futuro resiliente y más equitativo
COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
El red international de desarollo ACT Allianza, bienvenida el borrador del Acurdo Global de cambios climáticos que es adoptado ahora en Paris despues de anos de negociasiones entre los países.
” Cientos de ciudades, regiones, empresas e iglesias han demostrado un fuerte compromiso para eliminar las energías basadas en fósiles para mediados de siglo. Esto marca un hito histórico en la lucha contra el cambio climático y nos muestra un futuro esperanzador, más sostenible, resiliente y equitativo”, dice el Arzobispo y el embajador mundial de la Alianza ACT Thabo Makgabo, de Sudáfrica.
El acuerdo de París universal incluye por primera vez el compromiso de todos los estados para mantener el calentamiento del planeta por debajo de 2 grados. Con el objetivo de mitigación a largo plazo, un mecanismo para aumentar dinámicamente los compromisos de cada uno de los países con el tiempo, las normas comunes de transparencia así como un paquete de apoyo a las personas más vulnerables, están todos los elementos necesarios a bordo para seguir adelante en la lucha contra el cambio climático.
“Ahora hacemos un llamamiento a todos los gobiernos nacionales para cerrar los flecos que quedan todavía y aquellas cuestiones que aparecen indebidamente en el acuerdo debido a los países que no están dispuestos a asumir su responsabilidad”, dice Mattias Söderberg, jefe de la delegación alianza ACT.
Mattias Söderberg continúa: “Se necesita mayor acción contra el cambio climático y que ésta sea más rápida para abordar adecuadamente las preocupaciones fundamentales de las personas más pobres y vulnerables. La aplicación del Acuerdo de París debe ser aumentada e incrementada por medidas a nivel nacional y la cooperación internacional”.
Arzobispo Thabo Makgabo dice: “Todas las personas somos parte de la Creación, y mientras estamos agradecidas por esto, también tenemos que reconocer nuestra responsabilidad de cuidar de la tierra. Esta responsabilidad nos fue dada por Dios, y por lo tanto nosotros y nosotras, como los grupos religiosos de todo el mundo tienen que liderar el camino ”
Las delegaciones religiosas conjuntas de la Alianza ACT, la Federación Luterana Mundial y el Consejo Mundial de Iglesias han estado formadas por más de cien personas durante las dos semanas cumbre contra el cambio climático.
Para más preguntas: Jefe de la delegación de la Alianza ACT, Mattias Söderberg, en msd@dca.dk o + 45-29.700.609.
FRANCOIS HOLLANDE PRAISES FAITH-BASED CLIMATE CAMPAIGNERS TODAY IN PETITION HANDOVER CEREMONY AT PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
During the UN climate talks COP21 : in Paris, a delegation of faith leaders and climate change activists met with President François Hollande. Credit: Sean Hawkey
The President of France Francois Hollande today praised the efforts of campaigners and faith leaders who personally delivered to him a collection of petitions containing over 1.8 million signatures calling for climate justice.
François Hollande received the international petitions at a special reception held at the Presidential Palace in Paris. They were presented by a delegation that included the Philippines’ leading climate activist Yeb Saño, Bishop of Salisbury (UK) the Rt Rev Nicholas Holtam, Auxiliary Bishop of Brasília the Most Rev Leonardo Steiner and Dr Ghaleb Bencheikh, President of Religions for Peace – France,
The 20 guests at the event represented the four faith-based networks who led the petition campaign – ACT Alliance, OurVoices, Religions for Peace and the Global Catholic Climate Movement – as well as other organisations that helped to gather the 1,833,973 signatures worldwide.
At the ceremony, François Hollande thanked the group, saying he was pleased to receive them “just a few hours before the end of the climate conference”. “We must protect the planet… Through the petitions, through the walks and pilgrimages, you have committed to defend life,” he said.
The President then spoke of the importance of bringing together religious leaders of all faiths to protect the world’s “common heritage”. He said: “It is necessary that all citizens engage and mobilise, like you have done.
“This is the least we should hope for… Your example has paved the way, through all the walks and pilgrimages, together with these petitions. I hope they will have as much influence as possible while we’re still negotiating the agreement.”
Mr Hollande reminded the inter-faith group that that the primary role of the conference negotiators was to “deal with the future of the planet.” He told them: “It is a responsibility that we can’t walk away from… Your message, your petitions, must be heard, and this voice you’re bringing, must be listened to.”
Climate pilgrims from across the world were represented by Yeb Saño, leader of the People’s Pilgrimage and an ambassador for OurVoices. He told the President: “As a way to express faith communities’ deep sense of urgency regarding the climate crisis, we embarked on pilgrimages from all over the world … spreading hope for the future of humanity and hope for COP21, carrying the message of climate justice and our solidarity as one human family.
“Altogether we journeyed the distance of close to 300,000 kilometres, including a group that I personally joined from the Vatican to Paris. We also cycled over 7,000km from Mozambique to Kenya, pushing the climate justice flag high and collecting thousands of signatures on the way… As pilgrims we walked and cycled together out of sense of justice, love, faith and hope that we can build a better future together. We are honoured to be walking with you on this journey.”
On behalf of ACT Alliance, the Rt Rev Nicholas Holtam explained why the groups had united to call for a fair and ambitious deal. He remarked: “People of all faiths urge all partiers to agree on a Paris deal applicable to all. Following the acts of terrorism in this city we want the world to act together, in care of our common home.
“For it to be ambitious, the agreement must include a long-term goal drastically cutting the world’s carbon footprint and making the transition to clean energy. The island states in particular need a limit of 1.5 Celsius. It must also have a tool to review and increase countries’ contributions, to review and increase ambitions as gaps arise.
“When they go home, governments must actually start to deliver a low-carbon future. On this, Human Rights Day, a fair deal must provide robust transparency rules, make a firm commitment to deliver $100bn climate finance to the poor, with the anchoring of the Warsaw International Mechanism on loss and damage in the Paris agreement.”
Representing the Global Catholic Climate Movement the Most Rev Leonardo Steiner, Secretary General of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil, voiced his solidarity in the wake of the Paris attacks and highlighted the success of the petition campaign. “As faith representatives we are very happy to be here to bring to you our firm petition for climate justice,” he said.
“Through the campaigns of the organisations, we collected more than 1.8 signatures of believers around the world. We are extremely concerned by the common crisis, but we know that everything is not lost… thank you very much for listening to our plea for climate justice.”
Dr Ghaleb Bencheikh, President of Religions for Peace – France, spoke about the need to work for an end to conflict, in order to “build a future with a sound environment for mankind”. He said: “Religious tradition brings hope within misery. Now we are facing a climate challenge, we are acting for peace and for the future of mankind.”
He then told the President: “We admire you for what you are doing because, under your auspices, we hope that this negotiation will bring about a future for coming generations.”
Also present at the Paris ceremony were representatives from the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, We Have Faith, the Lutheran World Federation, and the ‘Bhumi Project’ at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, as well as climate pilgrims from Britain, Scandinavia and Germany.
The petitions were originally presented to UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres and the French President’s Special Envoy for the Protection of the Planet, Nicolas Hulot, on November 28 in Saint-Denis, northern Paris. Delivering the opening remarks today, Mr Hulot told the delegation: “The President did not hesitate at all to receive you, as you bring the fruits of your pilgrimages”.
Unlock ambition in climate agreement, not hide behind differentiation says ACT
PRESS RELEASE
ACT Alliance said today that while it was happy to note that the text of the UNFCCC climate negotiations in Paris has managed to progress to the Ministers’ stage of the process, the text is still weak and contains many of the crucial unresolved issues.
Mattias Söderberg, head of the ACT Alliance delegation at the COP21 in Paris, observed: “There are still big boulders on the road to an ideal Paris agreement and Ministers have an important task in front of them, to clear this road. This is the time for bold leadership and increased ambition by the Ministers and all countries, and not a time to be timid and hide behind differentiation or other parties.”
ACT Alliance noted its particular concern for five key areas, where it said progress must be achieved before an agreement can be adopted.
Söderberg said: “We see five boulders on the road. Firstly, countries must agree on how to share both burdens and opportunities. The old division between developed and developing countries is no longer applicable, and we need a fair and equitable differentiation of the future engagement. Secondly, we already know that the ambition of the Paris agreement will be too low, and there is need for a strong ratcheting up mechanism, including early review to increase ambition. Thirdly, we need global goals, guiding governments and investors, to a low carbon and resilient transformation of future development. Fourthly, parties need to agree on climate finance, to ensure that there are adequate means of implementation to support developing countries in their efforts to engage in both mitigation and resilience. And finally, the Paris agreement should not leave anyone behind. It must acknowledge the situations where adaptation is no longer possible, and Loss and Damage must thus be a central element of the text.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
ACT Alliance is a coalition of 137 churches and faith-based organisations working together in over 100 countries to create positive and sustainable change in the lives of poor and marginalised people regardless of their religion, politics, gender, sexual orientation, race or nationality in keeping with the highest international codes and standards.
Paris agreement must ensure resilience for future generations
PRESS RELEASE
International humanitarian and development network ACT Alliance welcomed the decision to label Thursday 3 December as “Future Generations Day” at the UN climate talks, stating that decisions in Paris will be of a huge importance for children and youth for generations to come.
“Negotiations here in Paris refer to 2050,” said Signe Cecilie Mathiassen, a youth delegate from the ACT Alliance. “However, how many of the delegates will actually see the results themselves in 2050? They should deliver an agreement they can be proud to hand over to their children and grandchildren.”
While highlighting the need to consider future generations, the negotiations to reach an agreement are continuing, with some progress being made in talks about loss and damage.
“On a day where we are asked to consider youth and future generations, I am happy to note that there is some progress in the negotiations, particularly on the issue of Loss and Damage,” said Mattias Söderberg, head of the ACT Alliance delegation at the Paris talks. “Developed and developing countries have very different views on the need to address situations where it is no longer possible to adapt to the effects of climate change. This is unfortunate as this represents the exact worst-case scenario for the poorest and most vulnerable people. With no possibility to adapt, they are forced to migrate, or even to become refugees.”
“We are happy to note how parties now start to look for common ground and that developed countries, including the US, start to acknowledge the need to address loss and damage,” he continued. “The COP21 agreement must answer to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable people, and we cannot leave Paris with an agreement where loss and damage is not a solid part of the text.”
ENDS
For more information contact Mattias Söderberg, head of the ACT delegation, on is +45 297 006 09.
Paris agreement must ensure resilience for future generations
PRESS RELEASE
International humanitarian and development network ACT Alliance welcomed the decision to label Thursday 3 December as “Future Generations Day” at the UN climate talks, stating that decisions in Paris will be of a huge importance for children and youth for generations to come.
“Negotiations here in Paris refer to 2050,” said Signe Cecilie Mathiassen, a youth delegate from the ACT Alliance. “However, how many of the delegates will actually see the results themselves in 2050? They should deliver an agreement they can be proud to hand over to their children and grandchildren.”
While highlighting the need to consider future generations, the negotiations to reach an agreement are continuing, with some progress being made in talks about loss and damage.
“On a day where we are asked to consider youth and future generations, I am happy to note that there is some progress in the negotiations, particularly on the issue of Loss and Damage,” said Mattias Söderberg, head of the ACT Alliance delegation at the Paris talks. “Developed and developing countries have very different views on the need to address situations where it is no longer possible to adapt to the effects of climate change. This is unfortunate as this represents the exact worst-case scenario for the poorest and most vulnerable people. With no possibility to adapt, they are forced to migrate, or even to become refugees.”
“We are happy to note how parties now start to look for common ground and that developed countries, including the US, start to acknowledge the need to address loss and damage,” he continued. “The COP21 agreement must answer to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable people, and we cannot leave Paris with an agreement where loss and damage is not a solid part of the text.”
Paris agreement must ensure resilience for future generations
PRESS RELEASE
International humanitarian and development network ACT Alliance welcomed the decision to label Thursday 3 December as “Future Generations Day” at the UN climate talks, stating that decisions in Paris will be of a huge importance for children and youth for generations to come.
“Negotiations here in Paris refer to 2050,” said Signe Cecilie Mathiassen, a youth delegate from the ACT Alliance. “However, how many of the delegates will actually see the results themselves in 2050? They should deliver an agreement they can be proud to hand over to their children and grandchildren.”
While highlighting the need to consider future generations, the negotiations to reach an agreement are continuing, with some progress being made in talks about loss and damage.
“On a day where we are asked to consider youth and future generations, I am happy to note that there is some progress in the negotiations, particularly on the issue of Loss and Damage,” said Mattias Söderberg, head of the ACT Alliance delegation at the Paris talks. “Developed and developing countries have very different views on the need to address situations where it is no longer possible to adapt to the effects of climate change. This is unfortunate as this represents the exact worst-case scenario for the poorest and most vulnerable people. With no possibility to adapt, they are forced to migrate, or even to become refugees.”
“We are happy to note how parties now start to look for common ground and that developed countries, including the US, start to acknowledge the need to address loss and damage,” he continued. “The COP21 agreement must answer to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable people, and we cannot leave Paris with an agreement where loss and damage is not a solid part of the text.”
Over 20 faith leaders, with youth, political and civil society representatives sat down for a unique lunch at COP21 at a table with knives and forks but no food, in a public demonstration of their hunger for climate justice. The stunt was part of the Fast for the Climate initiatives on December 1st in Paris.
Yeb Saño, former Philippines’ chief climate negotiator, the Most Rev. Dr Thabo Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town, and Imam Ibrahim Saidy of Norway were among the ‘diners’ taking part in the Fast For The Climate at the UN climate summit in Paris.
The event was a chance for the campaigners to tell gathered journalists and COP delegates why they had chosen to abstain from food: to show solidarity with communities worst affected by global warming and make a compelling call for climate justice.
Other faith leaders at the empty lunch table included Archbishop Antje Jackelén, Primate of the Church of Sweden, a member of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Bishop of Salisbury the Rt. Rev Nick Holtam, and the Rev. Dr Martin Junge, general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF).
Together with 10,000 people worldwide, they were part of the global initiative, which takes place on the first of every month. Besides the demonstration, the Fast for the Climate day at COP21 also included an official side event at the climate conference and the celebration of the breaking of the fasting.
Commenting on the inter-faith initiative, Junge stressed the spiritual aspect of fasting. “Since time immemorial, we have fasted in order to get space in our minds and hearts for renewal. So when I fast for the climate, I’m fasting first to get that mental space, that very strong focus, on vulnerable people suffering the most from climate change“, said the head executive of LWF.
“Climate change is an issue of inter-generational justice. That’s why I am fasting for the climate with a particular focus on the youth, who are already taking – and will take – the brunt of what will happen if we remain inactive on this issue”, added Junge.
For Archbishop Dr Antje Jackelén fasting is always a powerful reminder of the interdependence among people and with the planet. “Fasting for the climate is an expression of the global commitment in the worldwide church”, she said. “For all of our churches involved in the initiative, this has to do with leadership, values, lifestyle and justice”, added the Swedish church leader.
ACT Alliance general secretary Dr John Nduna fasted in solidarity with those who don’t have food on the table due to climate change. “It’s our responsibility, as an international community, to ensure that climate change is addressed and to reverse the problems that communities are facing, for the sake of those who have nothing to eat, whose children go to bed hungry”, he said.
Later the same day, Fast for the Climate enthusiasts gathered in a small church downtown Paris for the breaking of 24-hour fast and feast to celebrate unity and the solutions for a better future. Organizers estimate that about 10,000 people worldwide were fasting for climate action.
Addressing the participants of the celebration, Yeb Saño, who inspired the Fast for the Climate campaign, emphasized that the initiative is also a mechanism of pressure upon negotiators gathered at COP21. “We want to tell the world leaders here in Paris, that, please, don’t disappoint the world. The whole world is watching”, he said.
Faith leaders urge action at UN climate talks
Over 20 faith leaders, with youth, political and civil society representatives sat down for a unique lunch at COP21 at a table with knives and forks but no food, in a public demonstration of their hunger for climate justice. The stunt was part of the Fast for the Climate initiatives on December 1st in Paris.
Yeb Saño, former Philippines’ chief climate negotiator, the Most Rev. Dr Thabo Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town, and Imam Ibrahim Saidy of Norway were among the ‘diners’ taking part in the Fast For The Climate at the UN climate summit in Paris.
The event was a chance for the campaigners to tell gathered journalists and COP delegates why they had chosen to abstain from food: to show solidarity with communities worst affected by global warming and make a compelling call for climate justice.
Other faith leaders at the empty lunch table included Archbishop Antje Jackelén, Primate of the Church of Sweden, a member of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Bishop of Salisbury the Rt. Rev Nick Holtam, and the Rev. Dr Martin Junge, general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF).
Together with 10,000 people worldwide, they were part of the global initiative, which takes place on the first of every month. Besides the demonstration, the Fast for the Climate day at COP21 also included an official side event at the climate conference and the celebration of the breaking of the fasting.
Commenting on the inter-faith initiative, Junge stressed the spiritual aspect of fasting. “Since time immemorial, we have fasted in order to get space in our minds and hearts for renewal. So when I fast for the climate, I’m fasting first to get that mental space, that very strong focus, on vulnerable people suffering the most from climate change“, said the head executive of LWF.
“Climate change is an issue of inter-generational justice. That’s why I am fasting for the climate with a particular focus on the youth, who are already taking – and will take – the brunt of what will happen if we remain inactive on this issue”, added Junge.
For Archbishop Dr Antje Jackelén fasting is always a powerful reminder of the interdependence among people and with the planet. “Fasting for the climate is an expression of the global commitment in the worldwide church”, she said. “For all of our churches involved in the initiative, this has to do with leadership, values, lifestyle and justice”, added the Swedish church leader.
ACT Alliance general secretary Dr John Nduna fasted in solidarity with those who don’t have food on the table due to climate change. “It’s our responsibility, as an international community, to ensure that climate change is addressed and to reverse the problems that communities are facing, for the sake of those who have nothing to eat, whose children go to bed hungry”, he said.
Later the same day, Fast for the Climate enthusiasts gathered in a small church downtown Paris for the breaking of 24-hour fast and feast to celebrate unity and the solutions for a better future. Organizers estimate that about 10,000 people worldwide were fasting for climate action.
Addressing the participants of the celebration, Yeb Saño, who inspired the Fast for the Climate campaign, emphasized that the initiative is also a mechanism of pressure upon negotiators gathered at COP21. “We want to tell the world leaders here in Paris, that, please, don’t disappoint the world. The whole world is watching”, he said.
