This initiative calls for urgent action on climate justice as the world prepares for the COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil, scheduled for November 10 – 21, 2025.
1). Cancellation of debts for poorer countries to alleviate financial burdens hindering sustainable development.
2). Establishment of a clear path for a just energy transition, ensuring equitable access to renewable energy sources.
3). Implementation of sustainable food sovereignty measures based on agroecological practices to promote environmental and economic resilience.
The campaign is being spearheaded by the Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat, which is based in Rome and assists the Jesuit Superior General, Fr Arturo Sosa SJ, in developing the Society’s mission promoting social justice and reconciliation with creation. The campaign also involves the Jesuit European Social Centre in Brussels, Jesuítas Brasil, and Britain’s Jesuit Missions.
Richard Solly, Advocacy and Campaigns Officer at Jesuit Missions, stated, "Jesuits from around the world are working together in preparation for this year’s COP30 climate talks in Brazil. Climate change has already become a climate emergency, affecting all life on the planet."
Our Decarbonisation Committee holds regular forums to share progress, updates, information and news of what is going on around the British Province of Jesuits. You can find out more about that in our Integral Ecology Quarterly Update (more details here).
The Laudato Si’ Research Institute (LSRI) at Campion Hall, University of Oxford, continues to provide scholarship and thought leadership on issues around integral ecology and the climate crisis. At a recent conference, held just days after Pope Francis’ death, over 100 theologians, scientists, and activists from different parts of the world gathered at the LSRI to discuss the intersection of theology and integral ecology and to honour Pope Francis’ legacy. You can read more about that here.
And we continue to work directly with schools in the UK on giving young people a voice. Last October, the Provincial of Jesuits in Britain, Fr Peter Gallagher SJ, accompanied by students from four London schools, delivered a petition to 10 Downing Street. Signed by over 600 individuals, the petition urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to champion climate action at COP29, highlighting the need for a United Nations Loss and Damage Fund, debt cancellation, and a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty. You can read about that here.
Looking ahead, Jesuit representatives will participate in preparatory talks in Bonn, Germany, this June, and maintain a presence at COP30 in Belém. They will aim to collaborate with other Catholic organisations and global partners to advocate for climate policies that make a positive impact.
Resources and updates related to the campaign will be available through Ecojesuit and Jesuit Missions, encouraging communities to engage in ecological conversion and contribute to the global dialogue on climate justice.
You can read the Jesuits for Climate Justice Statement for COP30 by clicking on the file link below.
Banner photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
