LWF at COP29: strengthening the climate justice call for the most vulnerable people
LWF contributing to the discussions on climate justice at COP29 through the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance
Climate change continues to disproportionately affect the world’s most vulnerable people
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is participating in the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, from 6-18 November.
Through its engagement in the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA), LWF is contributing to the discussions on climate justice, advocating for policies that protect the rights of the most vulnerable people.
LWF’s delegation is led by General Secretary Anne Burghardt, who will be speaking at several events throughout the conference.
“The climate crisis is a matter of life and death for millions of people around the world,” Burghardt said. “We are here at COP29 to call for climate justice and to ensure that the voices of the most vulnerable are heard.”
Burghardt emphasized the importance of climate adaptation and mitigation measures that are inclusive and equitable.
“We need to ensure that the most vulnerable people have access to the resources and support they need to adapt to the changing climate and mitigate its impacts,” she said.
LWF advocating for a just transition to a sustainable future
LWF is also advocating for a just transition to a sustainable future, one that leaves no one behind.
“We need to move away from fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy sources,” Burghardt said. “And we need to do this in a way that creates decent jobs and protects the livelihoods of those who depend on fossil fuels for their income.”
Burghardt called on governments to take bold action on climate change.
"We need to see real commitments to reducing emissions and providing financial support to developing countries that are already facing the devastating impacts of climate change,” she said.
LWF’s participation in COP29 is part of its ongoing commitment to climate justice. LWF is a member of the Climate Action Network (CAN), a global network of civil society organizations working to address the climate crisis.
LWF joins partners to launch new report on climate finance
On the sidelines of COP29, LWF joined with partners to launch a new report on climate finance.
The report, titled “Climate Finance: A Call for Justice,” calls for a fundamental shift in the way that climate finance is provided and used.
The report argues that climate finance should be provided as grants, rather than loans, and that it should be used to support community-led initiatives.
“Climate finance should be used to empower the most vulnerable people to take action on climate change,” Burghardt said. “It should not be used to enrich corporations or perpetuate the status quo.”
LWF calls for urgent action on climate change
LWF is calling on governments and other stakeholders to take urgent action on climate change.
“We need to see real commitments to reducing emissions and providing financial support to developing countries that are already facing the devastating impacts of climate change,” Burghardt said.
“We need to move away from fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy sources. And we need to do this in a way that creates decent jobs and protects the livelihoods of those who depend on fossil fuels for their income.”
“The time for action is now,” Burghardt added. “We cannot afford to wait any longer.”
