At the COP29 summit in Baku, Central America’s Anglican Archbishop and Chair of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Climate Justice and Sustainability Commission, Rev. Julio Murray Thompson, shared his insights on the unique role of the church in promoting fairness and effectiveness in climate action:
“Faith-based organisations are not just advocates; they should also serve as bridges between governments and the private sector to advance global climate solutions.”
This year, the WCC adopted the “Triple Treaty” strategy, integrating biodiversity, climate change, and desertification into a unified approach. Archbishop Murray highlighted the interconnectedness of these challenges, which are all exacerbated by human activity and lead to significant loss of life in various forms. “We are entrusted with the responsibility of caring for creation, yet our actions have often been more exploitative than protective, resulting in ecosystem degradation,” he noted. Murray emphasised the need to translate this realisation into concrete actions to halt the ongoing loss of life across land, air, and water.
Addressing Global Challenges with the Triple Treaty Approach，Driving Financial Commitments and Accountability
Since its establishment, the commission has pursued multiple initiatives, including advocating for life-centred economies and global tax justice. Murray cited a recent milestone: a webinar focused on “Climate Reparations Through Global Tax Justice,” which urged greater financial contributions from the private sector to address the climate crisis. He also mentioned the commission’s preparations to launch the “Decade of Ecumenical Action for Climate Justice” in 2025, aiming to rally global Christian communities to advance climate justice.
As COP29 is dubbed the “Climate Finance COP,” Murray underlined the critical importance of doubling financial commitments to ensure the survival of vulnerable nations. However, he expressed concern that current financing mechanisms remain inadequate. “This is not just about funding mitigation and adaptation; we must also address non-economic losses, such as the destruction of cultural heritage and the psychological toll of displacement,” he stressed. Faith-based organisations, he argued, have a vital role to play in pushing for innovative financing solutions and ensuring that funds directly benefit the communities most affected by the climate crisis.
Amplifying the Voices of the Most Vulnerable
“Businesses, as major contributors to carbon emissions, must be part of the solution. Faith-based organisations can facilitate dialogue between governments and the private sector, holding all stakeholders accountable,” Murray urged. He called on the church to act as a catalyst, helping to coordinate resources and develop actionable climate plans.
Murray also emphasised the importance of including those most affected by the climate crisis in decision-making processes. “The experiences and voices of these communities provide the moral clarity and practical solutions needed for effective climate action,” he said. Looking ahead to COP30 in Latin America, Murray expressed optimism about the region’s deep-rooted faith and culture of hope, which he believes can energise global climate efforts.
“Church communities must actively participate, sharing stories, offering solutions, and embodying a shared vision for a just and sustainable world. As we move forward, let us remain steadfast in our faith and commitment to hope,” he concluded.
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