COP30 Climate Action Alert

Maryknoll representatives are in Belém, Brazil, in the Amazon rainforest, for the crucial UN Climate Change Conference, COP30. Scroll down to find four ways you can take action in solidarity with us!

This international meeting marks ten years since the Paris climate agreement—a decade that has slowed, but not stopped, our approach to dangerous climate thresholds. The need for international cooperation and action is more urgent than ever before.

Why the Amazon is the Front Line

We are meeting in the Amazon because is not just a forest; it is vital to global climate stability. Being here reminds us of everything we stand to lose: our planet’s stability and the lives of the Indigenous and local communities who have been its long-time, faithful stewards. Their leadership is the key to crafting a truly just and sustainable future.

Our Unwavering Commitment to Creation

We share the deep regret that the U.S. government will not be participating in this pivotal conference. The leaders of the Maryknoll entities and other U.S. Catholic leaders sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking the Trump administration to honor its Paris commitments. “Creation is a gift entrusted to our care,” the letter said.

Maryknoll Voices at COP30

Maryknoll’s Fr. Patrick Okok and Lisa Sullivan are at COP30 to bring the voices of missioners and their communities who bear the devastating human and ecological toll of the climate crisis to policymakers. We will tell policymakers our five critical priorities for the flourishing of our “One Earth Community”:

• Cancel unjust debts for climate vulnerable countries.
• Strengthen the Loss and Damage Fund for countries that experience climate disasters.
• Advance a just energy transition to move economies away from fossil fuels.
• Promote sustainable food systems that care for the Earth.
• Stand with affected communities that are experiencing the devastating impacts of climate change now.

Your Faithful Action is Needed NOW

• Pray for courageous leadership at COP30.
• Watch the recording of our webinar Lifting the Catholic Voice on Climate Justice at COP30.
• Sign the Faiths Still In statement.
• Commit to the People’s Determined Contributions.

“My hope is that at COP30 decisions are made that will foster the flourishing of our One Earth Community so that future generations will inherit a livable planet, and require governments to respect both human dignity and the rights of creation.”
— Sister Margarita Jamias, MM, a longtime ecological champion

Thank you for helping us turn hope into action!