‘Listen to earth’s cry’ — religious leaders advocate selfless action on climate change

Pope Francis has joined Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Bartholomew I, ecumenical patriarch of the Eastern Orthodox church, to ask people of all faiths to take action to address the impact of climate change.

In a letter signed on September 1 but currently in circulation, the religious leaders said decisive action needs to be taken as the world prepares for the United Nations conference on climate change, COP26, scheduled for November in Scotland.

The religious leaders made a case for poor countries, saying such areas contribute the least to the greenhouse gas pollution that drives climate change, but bear “the most catastrophic consequences”.

“As world leaders prepare to meet in November at Glasgow to deliberate on the future of our planet, we pray for them and consider what choices we must all make,” the letter reads.

“Widespread floods, fires and droughts threaten entire continents. Sea levels rise, forcing whole communities to relocate; cyclones devastate entire regions, ruining lives and livelihoods. Water has become scarce and food supplies insecure, causing conflict and displacement for millions of people.

“We call on everyone, whatever their belief or world view, to endeavour to listen to the cry of the earth and of people who are poor, examining their behaviour and pledging meaningful sacrifices for the sake of the earth which God has given us.

“To those with more far-reaching responsibility — heading administrations, running companies, employing people or investing funds — we say: choose people-centered profits; make short-term sacrifices to save all our futures; become leaders in the transition to just and sustainable economies. ‘To whom much is given, much is required’.’’