Jesuit Missions joined thousands of other campaigners in Westminster at a Mass Lobby on the environment, calling for decisive action on key climate issues.
The event, which was arranged by The Climate Coalition, saw organisations and individuals meet with their MPs throughout yesterday (Wednesday, 9 July) to discuss the future of our planet.
Those taking part stressed the need to deliver funding for communities impacted by climate change, measures to restore and protect nature, and plans to secure a greener, fairer future for all across the world.
These aims crossover with the ongoing Jesuits for Climate Justice campaign, in which Jesuit Missions is involved, and which promotes debt cancellation for poorer countries, a clear path to a just energy transition, and sustainable food sovereignty measures based on agro-ecological practices.
Several members of the Jesuit Missions’ team met with their own local MPs, where they raised awareness of the climate issues affecting its partners in the Global South.
Leyton and Wanstead’s Labour MP, Calvin Bailey, spoke in favour of addressing international debt but suggested any approach needs to be “sustainable” and there should be a focus on “restructuring private finance” in this area.
Paul Kohler, Liberal Democrat MP for Wimbledon, was less enthused about debt cancellation, but did call for an increase in overseas aid to help communities tackle the impact of climate change.
He also is in favour of taxing high polluting companies and called for a “balance” when it comes to growth and a greener economy.
Labour’s Meg Hillier, MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch, was sympathetic to points made about aid and climate finance and encouraged her constituents to continue to provide her with information on environmental issues. She said she would send written responses to the points made.
She added that she agrees with many of the principles of the Climate and Nature Bill – which seeks to establish clear goals to help the country tackle climate change and damage to the natural world – but that, in its present state, she could not support it in practice.
The Bill’s Second Reading in Parliament is due to take place tomorrow (Friday, 11 July).
Jesuit Missions was encouraged by the process of the Mass Lobby, and Campaigns and Advocacy Officer, Richard Solly, has urged supporters to engage with their MPs on issues it is working on, including climate.
He said: “I certainly recommend that people speak in person with their MPs. It clearly makes an impression on them and helps them to prioritise the issues raised in a way that would not happen if the MP does not understand how much people care.”
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