WCC NEWS: National Council of Churches in Australia on COP26: “last chance to save our planet”🌍

Bishop Philip Huggins, president of the National Council of Churches in Australia, described the United Nations COP26 climate talks as possibly the “last chance to save our planet” in a letter to Australian prime minister Scott Morrison. Photo: Peter Williams/WCC 4 May 2021 Huggins joined others who are calling for more ambitious emissions reduction targets well ahead of the summit in November. The letter reads: “Can I urge that you include an Australian announcement not only to match that of the many nations already committing to net zero emissions by 2050, but also make vivid our commitment to real zero emissions asap?” The term ‘real zero’ reflects scientists’ recent critiques that ‘net zero,’ where ongoing emissions are roughly equal to carbon sequestered, won’t be enough to avoid further climate destabilisation. Huggins challenged Morrison to become an inspirational leader. “In humankind's history, what does it take for us to make powerful and right decisions that bring greater safety and well-being?” Huggins asked in the letter. “Always the answer to this question includes, doesn’t it, inspirational leaders?”         See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland