HUNDREDS of campaigners with the Church’s international aid agency in Britain, CAFOD, have joined in marches for climate justice in Glasgow and cities in England and Wales.
They urged world leaders and negotiators at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow to commit to ambitious plans and funding to keep global temperatures rises below 1.5C and called for increased support for the countries and communities on the frontline of the climate crisis.
Marches in the UK were held alongside dozens of other demonstrations in countries including Australia, Brazil, the US, Kenya and Turkey as part of a Global Day of Action.
Catholic schools and dioceses across the UK held initiatives to promote awareness of the climate emergency.
“COP26 has the potential for making significant progress towards our global climate goals,” Alex Ugoh, 19, a CAFOD campaigner from Rainham in East London who joined the demonstration in Glasgow, said.
“I am here to represent the drive and enthusiasm of young people across the globe who want a more sustainable tomorrow.
“The opportunity to be surrounded by a community of passionate young adults focused on future-proofing their planet for generations to come, was something I simply could not pass up.”
CAFOD director Christine Allen, said the first week of COP26 had seen important announcements on issues such as limiting methane emissions, finances, stopping the funding of fossil fuel projects and halting deforestation.
“The progress that has been made is exciting,” Ms Allen said.
“However, we need major breakthroughs in the final week of COP26 to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees.
“If we do not see commitments that keep the ambition of 1.5 degrees alive or that fund the poorest who face the reality of climate change now, the deals we have seen will be undermined”.
