Care for creation: Sowing the path to COP30

Climate Justice Forum in Latin America and the Caribbean launched a tree-planting campaign

(LWI) — In the wake of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Climate Justice Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean launched the campaign “Sowing the path to COP30” on 28 February.

The LWF’s campaign promotes planting 15,000 native trees across the region as a concrete act of hope and action in the face of the climate emergency. It invites churches, faith communities, and activists to join this movement for climate justice and the care of creation.

The largest global event for discussions and negotiations on climate change will take place in Belém, near the Amazon River in northern Brazil, from 10 to 21 November 2025.

“Sowing the path to COP30” was launched with a webinar broadcast on YouTube.

Called to be agents of change and hope

In her message, Rev. Sonia Skupch, LWF Regional Secretary of the LWF for Latin America, the Caribbean and North America, emphasized that planting trees is an action that goes beyond symbolism: “It is a reminder that, as churches and communities of faith, we are called to be agents of change and hope. On this journey toward COP30, we want to encourage every church, every community, and every person to join this effort.”

“The climate emergency is an urgent challenge for all of humanity that demands immediate and collective action,” said Elena Cedillo Vargas, LWF Program Executive for Climate Justice. “Reforestation is a powerful way to reconnect with nature while taking tangible steps to protect our common home.” Indigenous trees helped mitigate climate change and play a vital role in restoring biodiversity, improving air quality and fostering a healthier planet for future generations,” she said.

During a brief devotion, Rev. Angela Trejo Haager of the Mexican Lutheran Church (ILM) reflected on the biblical passage from Jeremiah 39.9-10, linking justice and peace with the care of creation. Her message was a call to action rooted in spirituality and faith, reminding participants that caring for the environment is a shared responsibility.

Caring for our common home

“The Salvadoran Lutheran Synod joins the ‘Sowing the path to COP30’ campaign, responding to the call to be stewards of God’s creation,” said Bishop Guadalupe Cortés. “By planting native trees, we contribute to biodiversity conservation and express our faith by supporting this regional initiative. We call on the churches of the region to join us, so that together we can work to care for our environment and the right to a healthy environment.”