Critical Climate Action

Critical Climate Action

Rev. Dr. Charles Legolie, Bethel AMEC, Cape Town

Climate change is accelerating even faster than scientists expected, and we need to respond in kind: faster and more audaciously. One of the major roadblocks to climate action is that people still don’t connect the issue to their daily lives.

Climate change poses a significant peril to our ecosystem, lives, and financial stability. The window of opportunity to limit global warming to 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius is closing rapidly. Not only our planet’s ecosystem, lives, and livelihoods are under threat, but also macroeconomic and financial stability, according to a new IMF Staff Climate Note. This Climate Note demonstrates that unchanged global policies will leave 2030 carbon emissions far higher than needed to “keep 1.5 alive.”

Policymakers must fill two critical gaps in COP26: ambition and policy. Experts explain the importance of urgent climate action and how we can stay on track to reach the critical goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. These are:

1.5°C Target: To keep global warming below 1.5°C, we need to achieve a 55% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

2°C Objective: For a 2°C limit, a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030 is necessary.

Current Commitments

One hundred thirty-five nations, accounting for almost 75% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, have pledged to achieve net zero emissions by the middle of the century. However, in the short term, our promises are insufficient. This promise, even actualized, would only make up between one- and two-thirds of the reductions required to meet temperature objectives, even if current pledges for 2030 were fulfilled. More quickly reduced emissions are anticipated in advanced economies due to historical accountability and equality concerns. As a group, they have committed to reducing their emissions by 43% below 2030 levels.

Lower-income emerging market nations have committed to a 6 percent drop, while higher-income emerging market economies have collectively committed to a 12 percent decrease. However, the IMF Staff Climate Note emphasizes how urgently more aggressive global climate action is required. Everyone needs to contribute, even if country groupings divide the reduction in emissions differently. For example, advanced economies, high-income developing markets, and low-income emerging markets would need to decrease emissions by 45%, 30%, and 20%, respectively, to meet the 2 degrees Celsius target.

The Urgency of Action

A risky cliff-edge for emissions reductions beyond 2030 will be established in the absence of an immediate narrowing of ambition, policy, and funding gaps. This reduction may result in much higher transition costs and permanently unachievable temperature objectives. Transitions may and must occur in an orderly, cooperative, and timely manner. Again, in the words of Robert Burns: “Now’s the day, and now’s the hour.”

Individual Actions

As religious leaders, we have a great opportunity to advocate locally, nationally, and internationally. We can increase consciousness, sway public perception, and advocate for measures to: 

• Lower Emissions: Contribute to lowering our carbon footprint by utilizing energy-efficient appliances, minimizing our mileage, and endorsing renewable energy sources. 
• Advocate: Advocate for climate action, support policy, and raise awareness. Restore the Environment. 
• Activate: Engage in initiatives to rebuild ecosystems, preserve biodiversity, and restore land and ocean environments. 

In summary, religious institutions, including churches, have a moral duty to advocate for climate action, considering humanity’s well-being and the natural environment. They can inspire change, promote ethical behaviour, and stand in solidarity with those affected by climate change.