WCC news: WCC shares vision for just transitions at Geneva Environment Network Roundtable

The World Council of Churches (WCC) joined diplomats, faith-based organizations, and leading experts at a roundtable discussion celebrating Geneva’s legacy in global environmental governance. Organized as part of the Geneva Environment Network's 25th-anniversary series of events, the discussion focused on the vital role of faith-based organizations in tackling the triple planetary climate change crisis, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Photo: Geneva Environment Network 18 December 2024 During the event, Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Public Witness and Diakonia, emphasized the need for a faith-rooted approach to just transitions. “At the heart of our engagement for just transitions is the faith-rooted imperative to lift up the voices and perspectives of, and respond to the needs of, the impoverished and vulnerable,” he said. “This includes taking great care of our only planetary home and upholding and protecting the divine gift of life.” Mtata also highlighted the profound challenges posed by the climate crisis, stating, “A just transition must prioritize equity as the pathway to sustainability. Action that does not recognize historic responsibilities for the drivers of the climate emergency cannot qualify as faithful stewardship.” This dialogue comes as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns of the destructive impacts of a 1.5°C warmer planet. While the panel stresses that further temperature increases can still be limited, achieving this requires urgent action, equity-driven policies, and global solidarity. At the heart of the WCC’s work is promoting a “green churches” movement, from adopting renewable energy to creating conservation spaces such as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Forests and the Anglican Churches’ Communion Forests. Additionally, the WCC actively advocates for global tax justice to finance just transitions and ensure the voices of the most vulnerable are integral to climate solutions. Reflecting on the broader implications of faith in addressing the planetary crisis, Mtata concluded, “Faith has a vital role in envisioning a different economic model that is not founded on relentless wealth accumulation. It is about redefining wealth to mean the health, wellbeing, and happiness of human and ecological communities.” Geneva Environment Network's 25th anniversary series of events Living Planet Monitor debuts with insights on interconnectedness of people and planet (News Release, 03 December 2024)  Care for creation and climate justice Sustainability and Economy of Life 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