To achieve a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change, groups from all echelons of society must act without delay. Seeking to do their part, faith institutions from around the globe have recently come together to take a stand for the climate.
A global coalition of faith groups has announced its divestment from fossil fuel in a joint announcement from the Global Catholic Climate Movement, World Council of Churches, Green Anglicans, Operation Noah, and GreenFaith.
“Every dollar invested in fossil fuels is a vote for suffering. These institutions are taking prophetic action to light the way towards a more just and sustainable future because now more than ever, we need to protect our communities and build a just recovery together,” said Tomás Insua, Executive Director of the Global Catholic Climate Movement.
The coalition, with £1.1 billion in assets under management, urges governments to focus on sustainable futures with smaller carbon footprints in the time to come after the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that people have already had a chance to try out more simple modes of living, it is the perfect time to phase out fossil fuels and avert a global crisis.
The announcement from the 42 institutions is indicative of a growing trend of climate action among faith communities. In addition to an increasing number of divestment commitments from faith groups globally, many are also moving towards more renewable technologies such as solar panels.