The UN Climate Talks in Brazil ended on Saturday 22 November, providing a mixed bag of outcomes. The inclusion of a package to deliver on a ‘just transition’ was a welcome step in the right direction, as it will help ensure that communities are supported with sustainable, dignified jobs and livelihoods as we shift to a green economy.
But, there were also many shortcomings in the final agreement. It was disappointing to see limited progress on scaling up and delivering the climate finance needed to support communities living in poverty as they adapt to a more dangerous and less predictable climate. The failure to include a roadmap to transitioning away from fossil fuels in the final text was another major frustration from this summit, as was the weak language on closing the ambition gap on keeping global temperatures at 1.5.
Sam Perriman, Tearfund’s Public Policy Lead, said:
“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. As we look to COP31, we call on leaders to ensure that justice is at the heart of climate action.”
Miriam Moreno, leading Tearfund’s Latin American delegation to COP30, said:
“COP30 in Belém could have been a pivotal moment to reaffirm our commitment in our fight for climate justice, yet it fell flat without raising ambition for the finance needed to support communities on the frontlines of climate change. Every day we see the devastating impact of climate change on communities across Latin America.
“We were encouraged by how faith communities came together from across Latin America to bring a prophetic voice for climate justice into COP30. We came to stand in solidarity with the people and communities most affected as we ‘mourn with those who mourn’.
“Communities living with the consequences of climate breakdown, particularly Indigenous peoples and local communities must be able to participate in climate decisions in an equitable and meaningful way, so that their voices, rich in ancestral wisdom, justice, and dignity, also reflect God’s call to care for creation and protect the most vulnerable. As we look to COP31, we call on Türkiye and Australia to ensure truly meaningful participation for these communities, so that together we can move towards just, effective solutions that are in harmony with God’s purpose for all creation.”
ENDS
Note to editors
For further information contact Melissa Barnston on 07929 335 146 or email [email protected]. For out of hours media enquiries: 07929 339813 or [email protected].
- Sam Perriman is Tearfund’s Public Policy Lead.
- Miriam Moreno is the Youth Influencing Coordinator for Tearfund in Latin America.
- Tearfund joined a coalition of faith organisations within Latin America an ecumenical call to action at COP30, which can be viewed here: https://oikoumene.org/resources/documents/a-call-to-action-towards-cop30
About Tearfund
Tearfund is a Christian relief and development agency and a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee. Founded in 1968, Tearfund has been working around the world for 50 years responding to disasters and helping lift communities out of poverty. For more information about the work of Tearfund, please visit www.tearfund.org.
