COP29: Bridging faith and science in tackling climate change

COP29 is expected to succeed in implementing the decisions that have been left on paper from previous conferences, said Muhammad Al-Duwaini, Deputy of Gran Imam Ahmad Al-Tayeb of Egypt’s prestigious Al-Azhar Mosque and University.

He made the remarks at the Global Summit of Religious Leaders in Baku, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“The 27th COP event was held in Egypt and the 28th in the United Arab Emirates. At COP29, the implementation of decisions made at previous events that remained on paper should be achieved. To eliminate the effects of climate change, it is important to strengthen scientific activities, to adopt laws about it,” he added.

Addressing the event, Miguel Angel Moratinos, High Representative of the UN Alliance of Civilisations, said that religious leaders can make a significant contribution to the fight against climate change.

“Climate change is one of the most urgent among many global challenges. The government of Azerbaijan, which is hosting COP29, is well aware that countries will not be able to tackle this challenge alone. Therefore, the summit of religious leaders is organised at the best possible time,” Moratinos said.

According to him, religious leaders have a unique human-centred approach to the climate problem. He emphasised that the “human aspect” unfortunately often goes unnoticed in global discussions.

Then the speech came from Cardinal Claudio Guggerotti, Prefect of the Holy See's Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, who said that the COP29 event is designed to protect the Earth.

Speaking on the importance of the event, he said that religious leaders, representatives of various organisations, religions are coming together and discussing important issues and this is commendable.

“Right now the world is facing tremendous calamities. Our religious beliefs are a great strength. We don't believe in relativity, in individuality. Our actions must be designed to build the future,” the Cardinal added.

Let's recall that the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan on November 11-22. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary session in Dubai on December 11, 2023.

COP29 is a pivotal opportunity to accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis. During two weeks, Baku will welcome around 70,000 to 80,000 international guests, including leaders from governments, business and civil society to advance concrete solutions to the record-high global temperatures, and extreme weather events affecting people around the globe.

A key focus of COP29 will be on finance, as trillions of dollars are required for countries to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect lives and livelihoods from the worsening impacts of climate change.

The conference will also be a key moment for countries to present their updated national climate action plans under the Paris agreement, which are due by early 2025. If done right, these plans will limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and double as investment plans advancing the Sustainable Development Goals

By Khagan Isayev