Catholics respond to COP28 outcomes with mixed reactions

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December 15, 2023

People walk through the COP28 U.N. climate summit Dec. 13 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (AP/Peter Dejong)

Nearly a day after it's scheduled conclusion, negotiators at COP28 reached an agreement that for the first time in the nearly 30-year history of the U.N. climate change conference mentions a commitment to move away from fossil fuel energy in pursuit of a world that's safer from dangerous climate impacts like droughts, floods, heatwaves and extreme storms.

Fossil fuel combustion is the leading force behind greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global temperature rise. And a warmer planet leads to more catastrophic climate impacts.

Catholics who were present at COP28 told NCR environment correspondent Brian Roewe the deal is good, but falls short of what young people, vulnerable communities and scientists say is required to protect the futures of millions of people.

The UAE Consensus text requires: "Transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science."

Martin Krenn, advocacy officer for the Coordination Office of the Austrian Bishops' Conference for International Development and Mission, said that language sends "a very significant signal to the world, also to private investors and industry that fossil fuels don't have a future."

Josianne Gauthier, secretary general of CIDSE, a network of Catholic social justice organizations, said that while the text "illuminates the beginning of the end for the fossil fuel era … the outcome fails to fully reflect the urgency of climate action or the reality faced by the world's most vulnerable nations. … Fossil fuel producing countries and wealthy western states have not shown the courage to overcome greed and their lifestyles. In doing this, we continue to ignore the demands from Indigenous peoples, youth movements, and vulnerable countries to abandon our addiction to fossil fuels in a way that is fair, fast, funded, and forever."

Lindlyn Moma, advocacy director for Laudato Si' Movement, said, "The outcome fails to address the climate crisis with the seriousness it warrants, echoing Pope Francis' concerns about poor implementation and lack of oversight in previous accords."

Archbishop Christophe Zakhia El-Kassis, the Holy See's nuncio to the UAE said, "The goal is clear. … Firstly, to accelerate climate action and transition away from fossil fuels in a just and equitable manner in this critical decade in order to keep 1.5 within reach. Secondly, to give hope and secure a livable common home for our children, where everyone everywhere can thrive. … A lot of work is still ahead of us. … And we have a duty towards those who rightly are demanding that we as leaders act in their name."

COP28 also reached other decisions, including on climate funding, adaptation, and resilience. The final text did not include anything about climate education, something the Holy See had raised during meetings as an important part of climate solutions.

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What's happening in other climate news:

China is close to peak emissions, but it doesn't want to talk about it —Christian Shepherd for The Washington Post

Azerbaijan Is Expected to Host the U.N. Climate Summit in 2024 —Brad Plumer and Max Bearak for The New York Times

The 12-year-old who halted COP28 —Emily Atkin for HEATED

LGBTQ+ people are nearly twice as likely to be displaced after disasters, new research shows —Jessica Kutz for The 19th*

How will El Niño affect the U.S. this winter? —Bob Henson for Yale Climate Connections

Spiritual sickness is at the heart of the climate crisis —Kevin Clarke for U.S. Catholic

Final Beat:

During a panel presentation at COP28 last week, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong of Figi's Archdiocese of Suva played a recording of "Climate Change Lament," a song with lyrics he wrote based on Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si'. The song had been launched locally earlier this year. You can play a recording of Chong's "Climate Change Lament" on the Archdiocese of Suva Facebook page here.

Thanks for reading EarthBeat!

Stephanie Clary
Environment Editor
National Catholic Reporter
sclary@ncronline.org
Instagram: @stephanieclaryncr
Twitter/X: @scherp01