The WCC Living Planet Programme has adopted the “Triple COPs” strategy this year, focusing on biodiversity, climate, and desertification. Why is this approach so significant? Archbishop Thompson: In each case—biodiversity, climate, and desertification—there are different levels of loss and environmental degradation. Biodiversity loss takes us to the extinction of plants, animals, and species, both on land and in the sea. When it comes to climate change, global warming is the issue—primarily caused by human activity like industry, transportation, and fossil fuel use. Desertification relates to land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry areas, again tied to human activity and climate variations. The bottom line is that these are three different levels of loss of life caused by human actions. God created the world and said it was good. Humanity was given the responsibility to care for creation, but we have not done our stewardship well. We have treated creation as a resource for consumption rather than preservation for future generations. Awareness is essential, but it must lead to concrete actions to stop the degradation of life—on land, in the air, and in water. The Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development has been active since March. Could you share some of its progress? Archbishop Thompson: The commission was established as a direct response to the WCC 11th Assembly’s commitment to addressing climate challenges. We organized ourselves into five working groups: climate justice; economy of life; land, water and food; productivity and creation justice; and ecumenical diakonia and sustainable development. What sets us apart are the cross-cutting strategies we’ve identified: building capacities, advocating prophetically, addressing vulnerability, fostering partnerships, and mobilizing resources. One recent milestone was the Economy of Life working group’s webinar last October, focusing on “Delivering Climate Reparations Through Global Tax Justice.” It highlighted the need for public funding and asked why the private sector isn’t contributing more. Meanwhile, the Climate Justice working group is preparing for the Ecumenical Call for a Decade of Climate Justice, launching in 2025. This is not something we’ll do alone; we are calling on all ecumenical partners to join us in this initiative. COP29 has been referred to as the “Finance COP,” focusing on funding for climate action. What outcomes do you see emerging from this focus, and what role do you think finance should play in addressing climate challenges? Archbishop Thompson: This COP has been called the Finance COP because it moves away from simply agreeing on principles to addressing the critical financial mechanisms required for action. Developed countries are challenged to triple the funding necessary to meet the climate crisis head-on. However, the reality is that these nations have missed previous funding deadlines, and the amounts proposed are still insufficient to meet the needs of vulnerable countries. It is not just about providing funding for mitigation and adaptation anymore. We must also address non-economic loss and damage, such as the loss of cultural heritage, dignity, and the psychological impacts of displacement. These are losses that money alone cannot repair but must still be prioritized in negotiations. Faith-based organizations must push for accountability and innovative funding solutions. This includes mobilizing resources from both public and private sectors. The corporate world, responsible for significant carbon emissions, must step up and be part of the solution. As stewards of creation, we are called to ensure that financial commitments are met and that funding directly benefits those most affected by the climate crisis. COP29 is finishing at the end of this week, but the challenges of climate justice remain pressing. How can churches and faith-based organizations continue working towards meaningful progress after COP29? Archbishop Thompson: The financial needs of developing countries far exceed what is currently being provided. If we are serious about concrete actions, we cannot continue with the same strategies and expect different results. We need new approaches, and faith-based organizations are uniquely positioned to lead the way. Churches can act as bridges, bringing the corporate world into the conversation alongside governments. Governments must fulfill their responsibilities, but we must call upon the corporate sector to do its part, especially given its role in carbon emissions and resource control. Faith-based organizations can foster these dialogues directly and insist on accountability from all sectors. At the same time, the most vulnerable people—those who are losing their lives and livelihoods—must have a seat at the table where decisions are made. Their voices, faces, and lived experiences bring the moral clarity and practical solutions that this crisis demands. They are the most effective advocates, and we must ensure they are included. I am hopeful as COP moves to the Latin American region, a place deeply rooted in faith and hope. Churches must prepare to attend and engage meaningfully—sharing stories, presenting proposals, and embodying a shared vision for a just and sustainable world. I urge everyone to persist in faith and insist on hope as we move forward. “Youth are leaders now, not just tomorrow,” says Patricia Mungcal at COP29 (Interview, 19 November 2024) “We must move forward, walking with Jesus,” says Argentinian pastor on climate justice (Interview, 15 November 2024) “We are called to protect Mother Earth,” says Aymara youth leader at COP29 (Interview, 13 November 2024) | 
Youth Are the Key to Transformation!
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