EarthBeat Weekly: A moral voice and spiritual authority in climate conversations

A moral voice and spiritual authority in climate conversations Your weekly newsletter about faith and climate change November 10, 2023   More than 200 religious leaders, academics, scientists and youth activists took part in the Global Faith Leaders Summit Nov. 6-7 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to deliver a united interfaith message for just and rapid action on climate change at next month's COP28 United Nations climate conference. (Courtesy of Muslim Council of Elders) "We need the moral voice and spiritual authority of faith leaders globally to summon the conscience of world leaders, awaken their ambition and inspire them to do what is needed," said United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a video message this week to a pre-COP28 summit of faith leaders held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The NCR Editorial Staff agrees, writing in an editorial in August, "We need interfaith climate action to continue with increased intensity."  And over the past few years, it has.  In 2021 ahead of the U.N. climate change conference in Glasgow, nearly 40 heads of major religions, including Pope Francis, issued what was at the time an unprecedented joint appeal calling for governments to cut greenhouse gas emissions — the leading drivers of climate change that result from burning fossil fuels. And last December in Montreal marked the first time faith-based organizations held an official side event at a U.N. biodiversity conference, with hopes to raise their moral voices and contribute to implementation strategies for conservation initiatives. These are just a few examples of how people of faith are working together for climate action, driven by a shared moral conviction that ecological concerns are a matter of justice. The latest iteration of these efforts came at the pre-COP28 summit in the UAE earlier this week. NCR environment correspondent Brian Roewe reports that in a statement signed Nov. 7 and delivered to COP28 president-designate Sultan al-Jaber, 28 high-level faith leaders, representing 19 different faith traditions, wrote: "We ardently implore all decision-makers assembled at COP28 to seize this decisive moment and to act with urgency, weaving a tapestry of shared action and profound responsibility. The urgency of the hour demands that we act swiftly, collaboratively, and resolutely to heal our wounded world and preserve the splendor of our common home." They included 13 calls to action for leaders at COP28, among them to mobilize a just and rapid transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources, and for nations to establish accountability mechanisms to hold them to their climate action pledges. Jaber called it "a powerful statement of intent that the whole world needs to hear." Read more: Religions call on COP28 for climate pledge accountability, rapid shift to clean energy     What else is new on EarthBeat: Vatican confirms papal trip to Dubai for climate conference by Catholic News Service Pope Francis will travel to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates Dec. 1-3 to participate in the U.N. Climate Change Conference, the Vatican press office confirmed.   In US, 'Laudate Deum' won't make it into many homilies or prompt any marches by Michael Wright Pope Francis' new apostolic exhortation is a renewed clarion call to address climate change and to promote integral ecology. But it may not have much of an impact in the U.S. Here's why.   Pope Francis sets the table for the upcoming climate summit by Mark Silk, Religion News Service The degree to which Pope Francis has engaged with the central debate in environmental thought — anthropocentrism versus eco- or biocentrism — has not been adequately recognized.    Climate science denial rife at launch of Jordan Peterson's ARC project by Adam Barnett, Desmog Climate science denier Jordan Peterson's new right-wing project launched last week with claims that carbon emissions have "declined" and that the climate crisis is a "secular religion."   69% of young people experience 'sacred moments' in nature, says new poll by Adelle M. Banks, Religion News Service 'Inviting young people beyond the traditional and typical provides room for them to experience something beyond the ordinary,' a Springtide Research Institute report states.     Pope to address UN climate conference, inaugurate 'Faith Pavilion' by Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service The Vatican said Pope Francis will address COP28 on Dec. 2 and spend the rest of the day in "private bilateral meetings." The inauguration of the Faith Pavilion will be Dec. 3.   'La Lucha': The struggle for land and water in Honduras by Sharon White The struggle for land ownership and water rights in Honduras continues 40 years after the disappearance of activist Jesuit priest Fr. James Carney, writes Josephite Sr. Sharon White.    What's happening in other climate news: Cardinal Parolin underlines Holy See's commitment to climate action — Christopher Wells for Vatican News French Nuns and Climate Activists Square Off Over Plans for a Megachurch — for The New York Times Some houses are being built to stand up to hurricanes and sharply cut emissions, too — Isabella O'Malley for The Associated Press Boiling Point: Trump is lying about California and clean energy again — Sammy Roth for the Los Angeles Times Farm bill faces battle as GOP pushes to strip climate, SNAP funding for subsidies — Saul Elbein for The Hill Climate data can save lives. Most countries can’t access it. — Zoya Teirstein for Grist Final Beat: It was one week ago (Nov. 3) that the Vatican confirmed Pope Francis will be the first pontiff to attend a United Nations climate change conference, with this year's iteration, COP28, set to take place this year in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12.  The pope had unofficially announced his Dec. 1-3 trip in an interview with Italian television network RAI on Nov. 1. NCR Vatican correspondent Christopher White reported that it will be the 86-year-old pope's 45th trip abroad since his election in 2013. On Nov. 9, the Vatican released the pope's schedule for his time in Dubai. Cindy Wooden reported for Catholic News Service that Francis will give an address on Dec. 2 and spend the rest of the day in private bilateral meetings. On Dec. 3, he will help inaugurate the first-ever Faith Pavilion at a U.N. climate change conference. You can find all of EarthBeat's coverage leading up to and during the COP28 U.N. climate change conference in the "COP28 Dubai" feature series. Thanks for reading EarthBeat! Stephanie Clary Environment Editor National Catholic Reporter sclary@ncronline.org Instagram: @stephanieclaryncr Twitter/X: @scherp01   Featured Advertisers   Explore spirituality and social justice at Xavier University. Graduate theology degrees and certificates. Online options. Tuition discounts available. Need fresh ideas for your homilies?  More than 900 relevant and practical homilies at www.seedsforsowing.weebly.com