A version of this article was originally published in Jesuits & Friends
As the curtain came down on COP29 in Azerbaijan last year, many of those who took part weren’t sure how to feel.
Some promises had been made, but they didn’t go far enough. There was plenty of talk, but would that translate into meaningful action? Marginalised groups tried to make their voices heard, but they were left with a clear reminder of the gap between richer and poorer nations.
The Jesuits did their best to raise awareness of several issues in the run-up to, and throughout, the conference.
A joint venture between organisations from Europe and Africa – Jesuits for Climate Justice – published a global statement which called for an effective Loss and Damage Fund, debt cancellation for climate efforts, and a just energy transition.
This statement formed the basis of a campaign organised by Jesuit Missions (JM), where people in the UK were encouraged sign postcards detailing the demands, which would then be delivered to the Prime Minister.
Around a month before the start of COP29, on the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, British Provincial Fr Peter Gallagher SJ joined pupils from four London Catholic schools to hand over more than 600 signatures to 10 Downing Street.
Jesuits for Climate Justice, made up of JM, the Jesuit European Social Centre in Brussels, the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice in Ireland, the Centre Arrupe Madagascar and the Jesuit Centre for Ecology and Development Malawi, also produced a series of resources for COP29.
These included daily reports outlining the key events and decisions of the previous day, daily prayers, regular reflections and a special podcast episode.
Staff from the Centre Arrupe, who attended the conference with support from JM, provided daily updates of their experiences, giving valuable insight into the challenges faced by a developing nation when it comes to tackling climate change.
“Attending COP as citizens of the Global South is both empowering and challenging,” said Henintsoa Nary Mihamina from the centre’s Environment and Sustainable Development department.
“It’s motivating to share our experiences and advocate for our communities. However, it’s also discouraging to see how some discussions are influenced by fossil fuel interests or the Global North, which can overshadow the needs of the most vulnerable.”
Madagascar is one of the most biodiverse nations in the world. It is also among the poorest and most vulnerable to climate hazards. It can – and should – play a key role in climate action going forward.
Reflecting on his time in Baku, Henintsoa’s colleague, Efa Ravelonantoandro, said it is important for all parties to work together to confront the precarious state of the planet’s environment.
But he, too, is under no illusions that developed countries need to pull their weight when it comes to this worldwide issue.
“Although rich countries committed to meeting the Paris Agreement goals, their promise to provide $300 billion each year to developing nations was much less than the over $1 trillion that was requested,” Efa said.
“This gap shows the ongoing challenge of turning promises into real financial support, which is essential for tackling climate change in vulnerable regions.”
Jesuits for Climate Justice are well into planning for COP30, which is set to be held in Brazil later this year.
Home to more than half of the Amazon rainforest and with the potential to become a world leader on climate solutions, the significance of the location for this conference cannot be understated.
The group will continue to hold those in power to account, demand meaningful, quick and decisive action, and repeat calls for climate justice for all.
And it is hoped that the Centre Arrupe will again be able to be fully involved in the process, ensuring that the voices of those who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change are heard.
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