AZERBAIJAN – VATICAN COP29: Card Parolin warns the climate crisis cannot be tackled without debt forgiveness

The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin was speaking at the International Conference entitled "Promoting interreligious dialogue and cooperation in addressing the climate crisis" held on 15 September 2023

The conference is organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Baku, Azerbaijan in preparation for the COP29 UN Climate Change Conference

He emphasized that the negative impact of the climate crisis is particularly felt by the poor and the most vulnerable communities, who are often the least responsible for causing it

The Cardinal stated that the Church is closely following the negotiations leading up to COP29 and encourages the parties to reach an agreement that is both ambitious and realistic, embracing the principles of climate justice and the common good

He urged the international community to recognize that debt forgiveness is an essential element in addressing the climate crisis

Cardinal Parolin said the debt burden stifles the development of poor countries and diverts resources that could otherwise be invested in climate mitigation and adaptation measures

He called for a new international financial architecture that is more just and equitable, and that takes into account the needs of poor countries and their populations

The Cardinal also stressed the importance of education in promoting sustainable lifestyles and responsible consumption

He said that education can help people to understand the causes and consequences of the climate crisis, and to make informed choices about their own behavior

He concluded by saying the Church is committed to working with all people of good will to address the climate crisis and to build a more just and sustainable world