WCC NEWS: Pacific Conference of Churches calls for “less talk, more action” as COP27 begins

The Pacific Conference of Churches is calling for “less talk and more action” that supports the resilience of Pacific communities affected by climate change at COP27 in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. Pacific Conference of Chuches staff joined the team that departed Suva, Fiji, on 5 November to arrive at Vatulele the next day. Photo: Pacific Conference of Churches 07 November 2022 Pacific Conference of Churches general secretary Rev. James Bhagwan says Pacific communities are struggling to be resilient. “They have the Indigenous knowledge and understand their context; they are willing to do what it takes to adapt to the impacts of climate change,” he said. “But they need help and they need it now, not when polluting countries finally feel charitable.” Pacific Conference of Churches ecumenical animator for Ecological Stewardship and Climate Justice, Frances Namoumou, said that accompaniment is vital in the midst of negotiating this crisis. “It means maximizing an opportunity to link what is happening at COP and our radical response to communities’ priorities,” she said. The Pacific Conference of Churches, along with many civil society groups, has joined the Kioa Pledge to establish the Kioa Finance Mechanism to support adaptation needs of Pacific Island communities affected by climate change. The declaration and pledge aim to support communities by reaching out to their partners and those who are willing to support local communities in small- to medium-scale adaptation projects. “We make this declaration to ensure our communities’ access to resources for climate adaptation, mitigation, relocation, resettlement and human security amidst the climate emergency,” reads the declaration.  PCC has sourced funding for an outboard engine and solar powered freezer after a boat used by youth to fish for economic empowerment was damaged during TC Yasa in 2020. PCC will also be providing Climate Induced Disaster Risk Assessment training. The equipment and team were transported via the sustainable sailing vessel the Uto Ni Yalo. Photo: Pacific Conference of Churches The accompanying pledge outlines the responsibility to clear a pathway to resources. “The Kioa Finance Mechanism will exist as a user-friendly process that communities can access upon request,” the pledge reads. Requests can range in scale, and can include capacity building, community adaptation projects, utilities access, planned relocation, and more. “This ensures the burden of access does not fall back on affected communities,” the pledge explains. “We call for national and subnational recognition and support for this community-responsible initiative. For example, following a request from the community of Ekubu village on Vatulele Island, the Pacific Conference of Churches has sourced funding for adaptation, loss, and damage from climate-induced extreme weather. The conference has also sourced funding from the Presbyterian Church (USA) for an outboard engine and solar-powered freezer after a boat used by youth to fish for economic empowerment was damaged during Tropical Cyclone Yasa in 2020. The conference has sourced many other funding efforts as well, all of which support the call at COP26 for more subnational financial support for adaptation, loss, and damage. Learn more about the Kioa Declaration WCC member churches head to COP27, ready to push for a just, sustainable global community - WCC news release 3 November 2022 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 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 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