WCC News: WCC advocates for creation care and justice at start of triple COP journey

The World Council of Churches (WCC) begins its journey at the triple COPs—starting with the biodiversity COP16 in Colombia—by promoting a holistic approach to environmental stewardship. Rooted in faith and guided by creation care, the WCC calls for integrated policies that address the interconnected challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change, and land degradation while amplifying the voices of Indigenous peoples and vulnerable communities. Yanina Avila, 18, daughter of assassinated Tolupán indigenous leader José de Los Santos Sevilla, in the remote area of Montaña de la Flor in Honduras. Photo: Sean Hawkey/Life on Earth Pictures 23 October 2024 Biodiversity COP16, being held from 21 October to 1 November, marks the first of three major international environmental conferences. The WCC will also participate in the upcoming climate COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11-22 November, and the desertification COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2-13 December. “We are advocating for solutions that honor the interconnectedness of creation and recognize biodiversity as a cornerstone of ecological and human resilience,” said Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary. “Environmental justice is not just a matter of policy but a spiritual and moral responsibility. We are called to address these interconnected crises with urgency, rooted in faith, to ensure a future where all of creation can thrive.” At biodiversity COP16, the WCC will focus on biodiversity’s vital role in maintaining ecosystems that support climate resilience and combat land degradation. The WCC’s advocacy also emphasizes equitable resource distribution, the protection of Indigenous communities that have long safeguarded the planet’s biodiversity, and recognition of the rights of nature. Athena Peralta, director of the WCC Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development, highlighted the connection between biodiversity conservation and climate action: “Our faith drives us to advocate for biodiversity justice not only as a crucial part of climate resilience, but as a sacred duty to preserve God’s creation. Indigenous knowledge and community-based stewardship are invaluable resources in this journey.” The WCC’s engagement across the triple COPs will support fellowship members from vulnerable communities in raising their voices against practices that endanger ecosystems. The WCC will also advocate for integrated policies and ethical financial mechanisms to holistically address the intertwined crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, and desertification. 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 Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland