Several church organizations have issued a unified call to action at the COP16 conference in Cali, Colombia, urging immediate steps to address the intertwined crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.

In a statement, the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), and the ACT Alliance “reaffirm our commitment to play an essential role in protecting biodiversity and the health of the planet.”

These organizations represent millions of Christians worldwide, including Anglican, Orthodox, Protestant, and Lutheran denominations across over 120 countries. 

The statement, released during the COP16 Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), stressed that biodiversity loss has reached critical levels due to “an extractivist economic system and worsened by the impacts of climate change.” 

The ecumenical groups assert that global action is essential, as ecosystems deteriorate rapidly under the strain of climate change.

The call to action, titled “A Call to Action for Biodiversity and Climate Justice at COP16,” emphasized the need to harmonize diverse forms of knowledge, including scientific, social, theological, and traditional insights. 

“Each area of knowledge contributes to our collective reflection on what it means to be human and how we should act to safeguard the peace and well-being of all creatures, for both this generation and those to come,” the statement read.

The organizations urged governments to make biodiversity protection “an unwavering priority,” as it is vital for addressing climate challenges and promoting peace. 

They emphasized that solutions must respect the rights of Indigenous communities, women, youth, and historically marginalized groups. 

“These communities not only experience firsthand the consequences of climate change but are also stewards of biodiversity,” the groups said. “Their leadership is crucial to preserving life on our planet.”

The faith organizations further call on governments to ensure that all voices are represented in policy decisions. 

“We urge governments to ensure inclusive dialogue that facilitates the effective participation of all stakeholders. Only in this way can fair and sustainable solutions for the well-being of our common home be developed,” the statement read.

The ecumenical groups emphasized the necessity of limiting global warming to 1.5°C to prevent further harm to biodiversity. 

They call for a just transition to renewable energy and a decisive end to fossil fuel dependency, asserting, “Only through a transition to renewable and sustainable energy sources, combined with firm policies and global commitments to align financial flows with the Paris Agreement, can the world effectively allay climate change effects and protect biodiversity.”

The organizations called for a global economic overhaul, asserting that the current model contributes to environmental destruction. 

“A new social pact is imperative to address the root causes of the destruction we are witnessing,” the groups added.