WCC news: Indigenous youth advocate Julia Rensberg paves the way for climate resilience at COP28 Faith Pavilion

Julia Rensberg, a passionate advocate for youth and Indigenous Sami communities from the Church of Sweden, took centre stage at the Faith Pavilion's side event on “Interfaith Youth Dialogue on Climate Justice, Promoting Resilience and Hope.” Julia Rensberg, from the Church of Sweden. Photo: Valter Muniz/WCC 3 December 2023 Drawing from real-life experiences and case studies, a panel of speakers showcased the impact of their on-the-ground efforts and support of the most vulnerable populations. The discussion connected the challenges faced by communities with lessons learned, transforming them into opportunities for creating innovative solutions to address climate impacts and foster sustainable societies. Rensberg delivered a powerful message: "Adaptation to the climate crisis is a luxury. People living on the margins cannot afford it, as the consequences of the climate crisis are already a harsh reality. Recognising that life depends on the earth's health is not just a holistic view but a solution." Highlighting Indigenous peoples' sacred relationship with the land, Rensbergemphasised that their way of living with nature is vital to just and sustainable adaptation. "Our way of living with nature protects water resources, biodiversity, forests, and oceans. The trees are our planet's best-working lungs, storing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen to us. Protecting the earth is protecting life – a truth for Indigenous people and all of us." WCC special page on COP28 WCC general secretary: “At COP 28 we have to speak up for justice” (WCC news release 3 December 2023) At COP28, WCC general secretary hopes for “less talk and more walk” (WCC interview, 1 December 2023) Interfaith talanoa dialogue brings “ethical, moral, and spiritual voice” to COP28 (WCC news release, 30 November 2023) As COP28 begins, faith communities stand ready to push for climate justice (WCC news release, 30 November 2023) WCC executive committee statement on COP28's responsibility for climate justice "Confluence of Conscience: Uniting for Planetary Resurgence" - Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for COP28 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 general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. 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