A Statement of Reflecting on COP 30 – Religions for Peace Asia

Asian Conference of Religions for Peace (ACRP)

‘ Must not halt the decarbonization movement.’

A Statement of Reflecting on COP 30

The Thirtieth (30th) Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Belém, Brazil, concluded with the adoption of a document entitled ‘Global Mutirão’. Mutirão is a Brazilian indigenous word signifying the spirit of ‘collective efforts’. This large-scale environmental conference was attended by 195 countries and regions, with over 60,000 participants registered, including citizens.

Across the globe, extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, wildfires and heavy floods have been tragically frequent, making the impacts of global warming increasingly evident. Ten years ago, the Paris Agreement was adopted with the goal of limiting the global average temperature rise to ‘well below 2°C’ while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C, the scientific benchmark for avoiding irreversible climate change. However, it has become clear that the latest greenhouse gas reduction targets set by nations are nowhere near sufficient to achieve this goal. Last year, the global average temperature temporarily exceeded 1.5°C. Far from being halted, climate change is worsening.

Against this backdrop, COP30 confirmed plans to strengthen measures against global warming. This includes accelerating emission reductions and tripling funding for disaster mitigation in developing countries by 2035. As UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell noted, “COP30 showed that climate cooperation is alive and kicking, keeping humanity in the fight for a livable planet”.

However, it must be acknowledged that COP30 was met with several significant challenges. A roadmap for achieving the controversial goal of ‘phasing out fossil fuels’ could not be agreed upon, as oil-producing nations and others remained entrenched in their opposition. Disagreements also persisted between developed and developing nations regarding funding for loss and damage. Ultimately, a compromise was reached: the contribution period was extended, and the commitment was changed from an obligation to a non-binding target.

It became clear that commitment to climate action among nations remains insufficient. The UN requested that countries submit their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets by the end of September 2025, but only 30% met the deadline. Although the deadline was extended, only 60% of countries ultimately submitted their targets.

These outcomes are underpinned by a pervasive lack of empathy for those suffering the consequences of climate change, a lack of insight into the Earth and humanity as a whole, and a lack of consideration for future generations. Instead, excessive selfishness, self-centeredness and an abnormal profit-first mentality prevail.

Throughout this COP period, numerous religious leaders worldwide continued to publicly challenge these dangerous trends from ethical, moral and spiritual perspectives. At the COP venue, online and in written documents, they reflected upon and advocated for the common good of humanity and the Earth, and the dignity of each individual.

Now that COP30 has concluded, we, the religious leaders of Asia, would like to express our profound concern regarding the current climate crisis. We make the following earnest requests to the world’s political leaders in order to ensure the sustainability of the Earth and humanity:

This phase of intergovernmental negotiations and planning for climate change measures has concluded. It is now time for action. The focus must swiftly shift from ‘negotiation’ to ‘implementation’.

Nations must abandon narrow self-centeredness and excessive profit-seeking, uniting for the common good of all humanity. For climate action to succeed, international cooperation and enhanced trust-building between nations are indispensable.

The 1.5°C target must not be abandoned. Countries must once again sincerely devise and implement measures to achieve this goal.

The transition away from fossil fuels was agreed at COP28. It is of paramount importance that a concrete roadmap for this transition is developed. While it was not formulated at COP30, we expect the incoming Presidency of Brazil to advance the initiative and COP31.

Developed countries must strengthen their support for those affected by climate change. They must fulfil the commitment made at COP30 to at least triple global adaptation finance for developing countries by 2035.

Accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy as soon as possible.

The Asian Conference of Religions for Peace is determined to fulfil its responsibility of realizing a sustainable world alongside political leaders, the United Nations and civil society. At the 9th ACRP Assembly (2021), we reaffirmed the social responsibility of religious communities. We pledged to build a global community towards a world where ‘no one is left behind’ and to leave a clean world for future generations. We must continue to prioritize the decarbonization movement, a pillar of climate action, and our prayers and actions must reflect this commitment

261125 Statement for COP 30 (PDF)
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