Catholic agency says Africa can see ‘economic gains’ from bold climate action

A report earlier this month by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said “it is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, oceans and land.”

The Aug. 9 report comes ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), taking place in Glasgow Nov. 1-12, where Pope Francis is expected to attend.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the official development agency of the U.S. bishops,  is calling for “bold climate action” that it says comes with “great economic gain.”

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“The IPCC report validates what we’ve witnessed—that climate change has led to dramatic shifts in the weather with sometimes devastating consequences on people,” said Nikki Gamer, Media Relations Manager at Catholic Relief Services.

Africa and other developing parts of the world look at the efforts against climate change with mixed feelings, since the developing world suffers the worst effects of global warming, but also have the lightest carbon footprint.

Many African leaders fear any agreement on climate change will make it more difficult for them to grow their economy.

Gamer says that ather than engage in a blame game, “it’s time for unity.”

“We must all work together if we’re going to save the planet—and each other—from catastrophe,” she told Crux.

“With bold climate action comes great economic gain. For example, African countries can benefit from more concerted efforts and investments in land restoration and natural resource management,” she added.

Source: Crux