Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Each year the United Nations host a climate summit called the Conference of the Parties (COP). World leaders from 198 countries meet to tackle the problems of climate change. This year’s summit, COP30, was held in Belém, Brazil in November. Below are some responses from Christian organisations.

Jo Chamberlain, the Church of England’s National Environmental Policy Officer:
“As Christians, our faith tells us that creation is precious to God, yet it’s being damaged by human choices. We are called to love and protect God’s creation - a beautiful yet broken world made through and for Jesus. There is also an issue of justice. Those least responsible for the climate crisis are suffering the most from its effects. As God’s image-bearers, we are called to act with compassion towards our global sisters and brothers. To follow Jesus today means caring for both people and the planet God made.”

Sam Perriman, Tearfund’s Public Policy Lead:
“This year’s climate summit is a significant step in the right direction, even if the final agreement is a long way from what the world so desperately needs. The inclusion of a ‘just transition’ in the text is very welcome as we need to ensure that communities are supported with sustainable, dignified jobs and livelihoods as we shift to a green economy.

Disappointingly, wealthy nations have once again failed to stump up enough cash for climate finance, holding back communities living in poverty as they adapt to the impacts of climate breakdown. The amount that has been promised falls far short of what is needed to help communities adapt to a more dangerous and less predictable climate. We call on leaders to ensure that justice is at the heart of climate action.”

Mariana Paoli, Christian Aid's Global Advocacy Lead:
“Brazil said this would be the 'COP of truth' – but the truth is, this was a disappointing outcome with only mild gains made in tackling the climate crisis. The elephant in the room was the lack of finance from rich countries to fund the energy transition away from fossil fuels and help vulnerable communities adapt to a climate crisis they have done nothing to create. This is why there is an increasing lack of trust in the process from poor countries. If rich nations had been willing to meet their finance obligations, a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels would have been on the cards. But, without the money, that became an impossible task.
“Overall, it feels like this year's summit was a missed opportunity for a COP taking place in the Amazon to step up and meet the climate challenge head on. Without a better vision for what is required, poor and vulnerable people will continue to suffer from a problem they didn't create.”

Bishop John Arnold, of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford:
“The time has passed for scepticism or delay on climate change. We are already seeing its effects in this country and around the world – and they will only worsen. Pope Leo reminded the delegates at the start of the summit: ‘As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to act swiftly, with faith and prophecy, to protect the gift He entrusted to us. But we must be honest: it is not the agreement that is failing, we are failing in our response. What is failing is the political will of some.'
“I encourage people to pray that we become ever-more effective stewards of God’s creation.”

Heavenly Father, stir our hearts into action. As global temperatures increase, inspire us with the ways we can make a difference in our homes, church congregations, communities, and the world around us. We pray, Holy Spirit, that you will prompt us where we can do more to love our neighbour. Amen.