Ethical Development and Consolidating Development Efforts to Address Climate Change discussed on day 10 of the Faith Pavilion
On day 10 of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, five dialogue sessions were held featuring 28 speakers. Discussions focused on the ethical development pathways for climate-resilient food systems, the consolidation of development and interfaith efforts to preserve natural resources impacting food security, and the moral imperative of faith communities to address water, food and climate justice.
Participants in the first session, titled "Ethical Development Pathways for Climate-Resilient Food Systems," emphasized the need for a holistic approach to address the just and fair transition to local and climate-resilient food systems. They highlighted the crucial role of behavioral change in this process and underscored the importance of religions in guiding individuals toward values and religious ethics that promote food sustainability.
The second session, "Consolidated Development and Interfaith Efforts to Preserve Natural Resources Impacting Food Security – A Case from Egypt" showcased best practices and practical experiences in interfaith climate action in Egypt. Participants emphasized the importance of studying erroneous agricultural practices to confront climate crises and preserve natural resources. They also stressed the significance of converting agricultural waste into organic fertilizers instead of burning it, raising awareness about the need to reduce carbon emissions.
In the third session, "Faith Communities Have a Moral Imperative to Address Water-Food-Climate Justice," participants affirmed that the vital connection between sustainable food and agriculture, water, and climate change requires a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change alongside other issues.
Prof. Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights to Water and Sanitation, commended the organization of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, stating that its sessions and discussions would contribute to sustainability efforts and climate environmental justice in the field of human rights.
The fourth session, titled "Listen to Those Who Listen to the Earth: A Plea for an Urgent Ethical Blue Framework by Indigenous Populations and World Religions," discussed the importance of transitioning from shared ethical and religious narratives to shared commitments to environmental protection and safeguarding the Earth. Participants also emphasized that engagement in environmental justice would make communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Prof. Nazila Ghanea, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, emphasized that freedom of religion and belief for all, regardless of their thoughts, conscience, religion, or beliefs, is crucial for preserving natural resources and the right of all individuals to access water to confront the climate changes affecting everyone.
The fifth session, "Eco-Affinity: Water and Climate Activism through Contemplative and Faith-Based Practice," highlighted that the healing of the planet from the consequences of climate change is inseparable from our own healing. Participants emphasized the importance of exploring awareness, environmental affinity, and the unity of nature, society, and the economy as driving factors to achieve sustainable and positive outcomes for nature. They also encouraged a shift from fear of the climate crisis to facing and addressing it.
The sixth session, "‘Science-Based Targets for Faith’: Advancing a Global Standard for FBOs to Measure, Manage, and Report GHG Emissions," discussed science-based goals to reduce emissions set by organizations in alignment with scientifically derived goals in the Paris Agreement. Participants presented fundamental concepts of science-based targets and their potential applications for faith-based organizations. They provided examples of creed-based organizations that successfully implemented science-based goal methodologies to mitigate the effects of climate change.
