Climate scientist and Tearfund Ambassador Laura Young (also known as @LessWasteLaura on Instagram) will this week join global campaigners attending the COP28 UN climate talks in Dubai to hold world leaders to account. Tearfund campaigners will be participating in negotiations and in the newly introduced ‘faith pavilion’ space.
Speaking about the introduction of a ‘faith pavilion’ at this year’s summit, ethical influencer, Laura Young said:
“My faith inspires me to care about climate justice and consider what I can do to play my part in caring for creation and for people who have done the least to cause the crisis, and yet are suffering the most. I'm excited that this year space has been created at the UN climate talks for faith communities and leaders to participate, and to share and amplify stories of what they are doing around the world to respond to the crisis and inspire action.
“We are seeing an increase in frequent and severe storms, tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, earthquakes, wildfires and pandemics. Sadly, people living in poverty are at the sharpest end of these events. Church and faith based organisations globally are championing the cause of the vulnerable and stepping in to respond to the impact of the climate crisis. Crucially, churches and faith communities are present before, during and after disasters. They have an essential role to play in strengthening the resilience of their local communities in the face of disasters. They can help strengthen social connections and resolve conflicts; bring hope in times of stress; raise awareness of risks and advocate for change; and offer help in times of crisis."
Tearfund’s Global Campaigns Associate Jessica Bwali said: “We’re in Dubai to keep up the pressure on world leaders. Words and good intentions are not enough if repeated promises are not kept. The road to the flourishing world we all want to see is paved with hard work, accountability and justice. We need collaboration on a global scale to innovate and hold governments to account.
“Climate finance is vital to prevent the worst effects of the climate crisis, help vulnerable communities adapt to a less predictable future, and save lives. Right now, wealthy nations are delaying the delivery of funds, a dangerous venture for which people living in poverty are paying with their lives. The bill is getting bigger and the longer money is held back, the more costs will rise.”
To arrange interviews with Tearfund’s spokespeople in Dubai, please contact [email protected] or call 07929 335606.
- Laura Young is an award winning Scottish climate activist, environmental scientist, sustainability communicator, ethical influencer, as well as a Tearfund ambassador. Laura, 27, lives an environmentally conscious lifestyle, advocating for environmental education and climate justice. Her social media platforms have created a community of activists. You can find her on Instagram, X(Twitter), TikTok, Facebook and YouTube all under @LessWasteLaura. Laura is a regular media commentator on climate and environmental issues. She was at COP26 in Glasgow, when she worked for Tearfund, and featured on Sky News, BBC World Service, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 1, BBC Scotland and Times Radio. She is now a Phd researcher in climate resilience and community engagement at the University of Abertay and the University of Dundee.
- Jessica Bwali is an award winning Climate Activist/Journalist from Zambia. She has been an active activist from 2019 and has since produced a number of short Climate Change documentaries in Zambia. The start of her Climate Activism journey was inspired by her curiosity to know why her country experienced one of the worst power cuts (loadshedding) in 2019 and since then she has continued with her environmental advocacy. Having experienced first hand the effects of Climate Change, Jessica has used this experience to advocate for a Green and Clean Environment. Jessica is currently working for Tearfund as a Global Campaigns Associate.
