Emphasis on strong climate justice advocacy beyond COP30

“Science is clear: we must cut carbon emissions by 60 percent by 2030 to keep 1.5°C alive. While COP30 made some progress establishing a Just Transition Mechanism and reaffirming the 1.5°C goal, the outcome is far from enough. We need urgent, concrete action, not empty promises, to accelerate the Paris Agreement and protect communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis,” said LWF Program Executive for Climate Justice Elena Cedillo, recalling the COP21 decision to limit rising temperatures globally to a maximum increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.

“The COP30 package contains no reference to phasing out fossil fuels, and this omission is reflected in all official decisions. At the same time, the COP, which was expected to deliver strongly on adaptation, fell far short, the pledge to triple adaptation finance by 2035 lacks ambition, clarity on the obligations of developed countries, and guarantees that resources will meet the real needs of developing nations. Adaptation cannot be based on vague promises, but demands accountability,” Cedillo emphasized.

The work continues, through communities, churches, people of faith

The failure to bring ambition up to the scale called for by the most vulnerable countries, or by large sections of civil society including faith-based communities, serves as a reminder of the importance of also mobilizing efforts more widely, LWF delegates said.