UK faith leaders have come together to support calls for a net zero emissions target in law, amid fears that not enough is being done globally to prevent climate change.
Representatives from the Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Buddhist communities called on the UK government yesterday to set an example for the rest of the world by strengthening its commitment to zero emissions before 2050.
The representatives were speaking ahead of an event to mark the tenth anniversary of the Climate Change Act attended by MPs from all parties and hosted by Simon Clarke MP and Mary Creagh MP in partnership with The Climate Coalition.
Their statements came as the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) revealed that concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that are driving up global temperatures reached a new high in 2017. In its annual greenhouse gas bulletin, the WMO said there is no sign of reversal in this rising trend.
This coming Monday, November 26, will mark 10 years since The Climate Change Act became law in the UK. It is credited with reducing the UK's emissions by 40 per cent since the 1990s, but evidence published last month concluded that the international risk level at current levels of warming is critical, and that the world needs to move to net zero emissions as soon as possible.
In the UK, more than 200 MPs and peers have signed a cross-party letter calling for a net zero emissions target before 2050.
The Bishop of Salisbury, Nicholas Holtam, said: 'Ours is the first generation to know that people are causing climate change and may be the last to be able to do anything meaningful about it. Climate Change affects the poorest the most. What we want is Climate Justice.'
The Bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft, also representing the Church of England at the event, added: 'Climate change is a clear and present danger to the world and the greatest challenge facing future generations. There is a way to prevent further global warming. It is for the whole world to commit to the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to align our lifestyles, policies and investments with that aim.
'An ambitious Government can make the UK a leader in this movement. As we mark the achievements of 10 years of climate action, our commitment must now be to go further and faster, while there is still a chance to avert the crisis facing our global community.'
Chris Walker, Sustainability programme manager for Quakers in Britain, said: 'Quakers in Britain are led by faith to urge the UK to build a truly sustainable economy and help avert climate breakdown. This is vital for a peaceful and just future. But this demands bold leadership from government to cut carbon and keep fossil fuels in the ground. It's time to commit to a net-zero emissions economy.'
