As the world gears up for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, scheduled for November, churches across the globe are stepping forward to advocate for a Just Transition in response to the dual crises of climate change and socioeconomic inequality. Peralta, speaking at a recent conference, conveyed the urgency of these intertwined issues, stating, “The climate emergency and rising socioeconomic inequalities have emerged as the defining challenges of our time.” Churches are mobilising to ensure that the shift to a low-carbon economy prioritises the needs and rights of the most vulnerable communities.
Central to the discussions at COP30 will be the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP), which is expected to undergo a crucial review in 2026. This programme uniquely links socioeconomic justice with climate action, according to Peralta, emphasising its importance in the broader context of the Paris Agreement. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that the transition from fossil fuels could risk approximately 6 million jobs while simultaneously generating up to 24 million new positions by 2030. With climate change impacting about 70% of global economic sectors, there is an urgent need for coordinated efforts to mitigate its effects on livelihoods.
In line with these objectives, the World Council of Churches (WCC) has prioritised addressing the climate crisis. During the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, church representatives issued a statement demanding an expedited shift to renewable energy sources and an immediate phase-out of fossil fuels and nuclear projects. Their endorsement of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty highlights a commitment to advancIng renewable energy while safeguarding workers’ rights and community welfare. The WCC asserts that no worker, community, or country should be left behind in this transformative process.
Churches are responding to this challenge through three principal avenues. First, they are advocating for communities adversely impacted by "green" energy projects. For instance, a visit by WCC representatives in 2022 to the Indigenous Sami communities in Norway revealed concerns over how wind farms violated their traditional reindeer herding rights—a scenario described by Sami youth as "green colonization." This serves as a stark reminder that well-intentioned environmental initiatives can inadvertently perpetuate injustices.
Secondly, churches are transforming their internal operations by adopting sustainable practices. Initiatives range from utilising solar energy to engaging in sustainable agriculture, showcasing a proactive stance towards environmental responsibility. Pierre Martinot-Lagarde of the International Labour Organisation echoed this sentiment, noting, "If work is a relationship then it must involve care. Work that cares will help ensure a sustainable future for all," during the "World of Work" event in Rome.
Lastly, churches are advocating for systemic economic reform, calling for a debt jubilee and tax justice to effectively fund climate action. Initiatives such as the “Turn Debt into Hope” and “Zacchaeus Tax” campaigns champion progressive tax measures that could alleviate the burdens on those most affected by climate impacts. The emphasis is on climate finance prioritising grants over loans, which often exacerbate existing economic strains.
The broader economic context indicates that while the shift toward renewable energy brings opportunities, it also carries significant challenges, particularly for workers in high-emission sectors. According to the OECD, an estimated quarter of existing jobs may undergo substantial changes due to climate policies. Those in low-skilled positions, especially in rural areas, are projected to face the most adverse effects. High-skilled urban workers may benefit disproportionately, potentially eroding political support for necessary climate actions.
Moreover, projections from the ILO suggest that rising global temperatures will lead to work-related heat stress, jeopardising productivity equivalent to the loss of 80 million full-time jobs by 2030. This impact will not be evenly distributed; southern Asia and western Africa are expected to bear the brunt of these losses, particularly in agriculture and construction sectors.
In summary, the upcoming COP30 represents a critical juncture for integrating socioeconomic justice with climate initiatives. The collaborative efforts of faith organisations, especially churches, aim to create pathways that ensure the transition to a green economy is equitable and just. As the urgency of climate action intensifies, it is vital to heed the call for a Just Transition that uplifts and protects vulnerable communities while fostering sustainable economic growth.
Reference Map
- Information on churches' role in advocating for Just Transition at COP30.
- Data on job impacts of the transition to renewable energy.
- OECD insights on socioeconomic challenges during the climate transition.
- Broader employment trends and projections related to climate change.
- ILO predictions on productivity losses due to climate change.
- ILO's job creation potential in a green economy.
- Examination of challenges faced by displaced workers from high carbon-intensity sectors.
Source: Noah Wire Services