World Council of Churches highlights urgent need for a robust Global Stocktake to address climate change impacts

“The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Assessment Report emphasizes that prioritizing equity, social justice, climate justice, and rights-based approaches in adaptation and mitigation actions leads to sustainable outcomes and transformative change, ” said WCC consultant for climate, Rev. Henrik Grape.

Grape added that the upcoming Global Stocktake during the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) presents a pivotal opportunity to drive the necessary changes to fulfill the goals of the Paris Agreement. “It enables the pursuit of more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions, ethical solutions, and the fair and equitable implementation of climate action,” he concluded.

During the side event, Frances Namoumou from the Pacific Conference of Churches emphasized that the Global Stocktake should evaluate climate action through human rights, including the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Namoumou called for the recognition and integration of local and Indigenous knowledge.

Ian Fry, the UN special rapporteur on Human Rights and Climate Change, highlighted the consistent violation of human rights worldwide due to climate change. He underscored the importance of the Global Stocktake in acknowledging the connection between human rights and climate change.

Michelle Schwarz, a youth representative from the Lutheran World Federation, shared her perspective as someone who grew up near a coal mine in Germany. Schwarz emphasized that climate change is an intergenerational problem and urged policymakers and governments to prioritize long-term thinking and divest from fossil fuels for future generations.

The WCC’s side-event was held during the 58th sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SB 58) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at the Bonn Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany.

Henrik Grape
About the author :

Rev. Henrik Grape is officer for sustainable development in the Church of Sweden, and coordinator of the WCC Working Group on Climate Change.
He also blogs in Swedish at blogg.svenskakyrkan.se/hallbar

Video of Side Event

Deliver climate action:Support a robust Global Stocktake from human rights and ethical perspectives.
In the absence of rapid, substantial, and sustained emissions reductions, loss, damage and climate-induced displacement will rapidly increase, particularly in developing countries. A robust Global Stock Take that addresses this is crucial for achieving Paris Agreement goals.

Speakers:
Ian Fry |UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights & Climate Change Michelle Schwarz
LWF Harjeet Singh
CAN-International Woman Indigenous Peoples’ voice

Moderator:
Valeriane Bernard | Brahma Kumaris

Organizer:
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF)
Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU)
Soka Gakkai International Office for UN Affairs
World Council of Churches (WCC)