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Climate activists with solar panels and windmills

Climate activists greet people arriving at the United Methodist General Conference in Portland as the gathering considers a wide variety of policy proposals related to the environment, among them - a move to divest the denomination's pension funds from companies profiting from fossil fuels (Portland, OR, May 2016).

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The WCC strongly encourages churches to become signatories to the declaration as a tangible expression of their commitment to addressing the climate emergency,” said Pillay. The impacts of climate change are already being felt across the globe, with more frequent and severe natural disasters, widespread displacement, food insecurity, and prolonged droughts.”

Pillay noted that scientists have warned that, once critical climate tipping points are crossed, the resulting damage to economies and societies will be irreversible and catastrophic. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has made clear that to limit global heating to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, and to avoid the worst consequences of the climate emergency, global greenhouse gas emissions must be halved by 2030,” said Pillay. As documented in the Save Children's Lives - Responsible Banking Survival Guide, money carries moral weight.”

Money can be used either to perpetuate harm or to advance healing and hope, added Pillay. Churches and Christians therefore have both the opportunity and the responsibility to deploy their financial resources and influence in ways that accelerate the transition to a sustainable, fossil-fuel-free economy,” he concluded. Investing in climate solutions is a powerful act of faith and witness in this decisive moment.”

WCC Letter of Endorsement for the Green Investment Declaration

Green Investment Declaration

Save Children's Lives - Responsible Banking Survival Guide

Learn more about Churches’ Commitments to Children and Climate-Responsible Banking