Following the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, EU-CORD, the World Council of Churches (WCC), and the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) co-hosted a global webinar to examine the outcomes, challenges, and opportunities for faith-based climate action. With over 350 people registered from across continents, the webinar created a unique space for dialogue, learning, and solidarity among Christian and interfaith actors committed to justice, sustainability, and systemic change. It served as a platform not only to unpack what happened at COP30—but to spark renewed energy and collaboration ahead of COP31 and beyond.
COP30: A Step Forward, A Step Too Slow
For Athena Peralta, who leads climate justice and sustainable development at the World Council of Churches (WCC), COP30 offered moments of progress—but also painful reminders of how far we still have to go.
“It was, as always, a mixed bag,” Athena reflected. “We saw important wins—but ambition fell short of what science and justice demand.”
There were hopeful signs:
- A Just Transition Mechanism was adopted—focusing on fairness for workers, local communities, and Indigenous Peoples, whose rights were explicitly acknowledged in two key texts.
- The long-neglected Gender Action Plan was finally adopted—recognizing how climate change disproportionately impacts women and girls, particularly through their roles in food production, unpaid care work, and disaster response.
- The goal for adaptation finance was tripled—reaching $120 billion annually by 2035 for developing nations.
- For the first time, trade policies were formally recognized as influential in climate outcomes—acknowledging a broader systemic view of climate responsibility.
But even with these steps, the summit was marked by critical gaps. The hoped-for commitment to phase out fossil fuels fizzled into a voluntary roadmap—far from the binding action that many had demanded. While countries submitted updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to reduce emissions, these still place us on a path to 2.3–2.8°C of warming—well beyond the Paris Agreement target.
Meanwhile, the climate crisis continues to batter vulnerable nations. Hurricane Melissa, for example, devastated Jamaica during the summit, with damages nearing $9 billion, equivalent to over 40% of the country’s GDP.
“How many more disasters do we need before ambition becomes obligation?” Athena asked.
Faith Communities: From Presence to Prophetic Witness
Rev. Henrik Grape, who has been attending COPs since 2006, has witnessed the evolution of faith-based participation firsthand.
“We used to be small delegations in the background. Now we’re organizing dialogues, influencing the UNFCCC, and standing in solidarity with people and the planet.”
COP30 featured an Interfaith Talanoa Dialogue with over 160 participants, reflecting on the spiritual and ethical dimensions of the climate crisis. Organised by the Interfaith Liaison Committee to the UNFCCC, which Henrik co-chairs, the dialogue brought together voices from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Indigenous traditions, and more.
“Faith-based groups speak for those who are often left out—Indigenous Peoples, future generations, and the Earth itself,” Henrik said. “And in a world where nationalism is rising, our interfaith, borderless solidarity is more important than ever.”
From Soil to Sea: The Nexus Approach to Climate Justice
One of the most significant shifts in climate dialogue in recent years is the recognition of interconnected systems—particularly land, water, and food.
Dinesh Suna, who leads the WCC’s work on Land, Water, and Food Justice, emphasised that climate change cannot be tackled in isolation.
“Everything is connected. You can’t address climate justice without addressing the land that sustains us, the water we drink, or the food we grow.”
Although the UNFCCC only began formally engaging with water and food issues in COP22, Dinesh noted that this “nexus approach” has become more visible since COP28, and continued at COP30.
He explained how oceans, often forgotten, play a massive role in carbon storage—absorbing more carbon than forests—and how industrial food systems and global transport chains contribute to emissions. In turn, droughts and floods caused by climate change disrupt agriculture, threatening food security in regions already vulnerable.
To amplify these stories, the WCC launched the second issue of the Living Planet Monitor during COP30. This regional publication showcases faith-led innovations in land, water, and food security—this time focusing on West and Central Africa. The next edition will turn to South Asia.
“These are stories of resilience,” Dinesh said. “Stories of churches and communities who aren’t just surviving—they’re leading.”
Action Between the COPs: From Reflection to Mobilisation
Participants in the webinar came from across continents—and their reflections grounded the conversation in lived realities.
In Lebanon, one participant shared how local communities are embracing solar power and recycling, even amid economic instability. From South Sudan, another spoke of national advocacy and partnerships with ministries, highlighting how peer learning during the webinar sparked new ideas for collaboration.
“What I learned from Lebanon’s grassroots work—we can bring that back to South Sudan.”
In Bangladesh, the reflection focused on how climate shocks are disrupting healthcare access for leprosy-affected communities. Here, coastal flooding and displacement aren’t just environmental threats—they’re deeply humanitarian and justice issues.
From Kenya, a participant described strong interfaith cooperation on tree planting—now a national tradition—but emphasised the need for greater climate finance to scale these community-driven efforts.
One clear message rang through: We cannot wait for COP31. The real work must continue in churches, communities, and coalitions—especially in the time between the summits.
“By the time COP happens, positions are often already decided,” Henrik reminded. “Advocacy must begin months earlier.”
A Decade of Action: Faith at the Heart of Climate Justice
Launched in June 2025, the Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action (2025–2034) is a WCC initiative calling churches to act boldly for justice.
“It’s about turning hearts and minds,” Athena said, “but also turning systems and policies.”
The decade envisions:
- Radical emissions reductions, aligned with science
- Delivery of climate reparations and finance without increasing debt
- Stronger faith-based advocacy at national and global levels
- Support for interfaith partnerships, like the upcoming Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty dialogue in Colombia (April 2026)
Moving Forward: What Will You Do?
As the webinar closed, a final reflection was offered to all:
“What’s one thing you’ll do between now and COP31?”
Some committed to raising awareness in their congregations. Others pledged to share stories with the Living Planet Monitor, or join advocacy around fossil fuels or food security.
But the shared sentiment was this:
“Climate justice is not just an issue. It’s a journey. And we walk it together.”
Photo by Ruth Faber: https://www.pexels.com/photo/35234682/
