The year 2024 is on track to be the first to see global average temperatures exceed pre-industrial levels by over 1.5°C. Rising temperatures produce natural disasters, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss. Climate change negatively impacts nations globally, but especially underdeveloped nations and small island states that have done the least to cause this problem.
The 29th gathering of the UN Climate Summit (COP29) began on Monday in Baku, Azerbaijan. It brings together delegations from 196 countries, along with Indigenous leaders, climate activists, scientists, youth, and faith organizations—Maryknoll among them. Discussions will center on securing funding for the urgent transition away from fossil fuels decided the year before, and limiting global warming.
Maryknoll participants are advocating for a climate finance commitment to enable a just global transition from fossil fuels, an ambitious national climate plan, a global goal on adaptation, and robust funding for the Loss and Damage Fund. Additionally, they share the hopes of the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops that the most vulnerable be at the center of deliberations.
Pope Francis has called upon wealthy nations to acknowledge the gravity of so many of their past decisions and cancel debt for countries struggling to care of their people and the planet. Cardinal Parolin quoted the pope to heads of state gathered at COP29: "This is more than a question of generosity, this is a matter of justice."
Pray
- Read Maryknoll missioners’ hopes for COP 29
- Fast and pray as a part of the COP29 Climate Fast
Study
- Read the NCR article about Catholic participation at COP 29
- Read the JCor Cop 29 guide and the CIDSE press release for COP 29 and expectations.
Act
- Write to your member of Congress to share the Interfaith Power and Light faith petition on climate using the form below.
Photo of Maryknoll representatives, Lisa Sullivan and Maryknoll Sister Margaret Lacson, at COP 29, Baku, Azerbaijan.