To Safeguard Creation, Catholic Development Agencies in Africa Urge “more robust policies” Prioritizing Climate Justice

The fact that “Africa is engrossed in histories of exploitation, inequality, and notably, environmental harm, is a reality,” officials of the continental Catholic entities further say.

They lament that “despite its natural beauty and promise, Africa is severely affected by the catastrophic effects of climate change, including severe droughts, ongoing flooding, rising food insecurity, and mass displacement.”

They look back at previous appeals. “Pope Francis reminded us that ‘a true ecological debt’ exists, particularly between the global North and South, connected to commercial imbalances with effects on the environment and the disproportionate use of natural resources by certain countries over long periods of time.”

“This ecological debt is a reality for Africa, which has contributed the least to the climate crisis but is suffering its worst consequences,” the officials say in the statement that LSM manager, Ashley Kitisya, CA representative, Nyarai Mutongwizo, and JPDC-SECAM Director, Fr. Uchechukwu Obodoechina, signed.

In addressing the climate crisis in Africa, the officials underline the need for advanced food sovereignty and regenerative agriculture, among other measures.

“Africa’s struggle against climate change is inseparable from the fight for food sovereignty; the right of all peoples to define their own agricultural systems and access safe, nourishing food produced through resilient, locally adapted methods”, they say.

They urge “governments and partners to invest in food systems that empower local communities, protect indigenous knowledge, and foster dignity from seed to table.”

“We call for restorative models in agriculture that prioritize people’s well-being and ensure conditions for sustainable life on the planet,” they say.

The officials of the three Catholic development agencies in Africa also “advocate for regenerative agriculture that rebuilds soil health, enhances water retention, and sequesters carbon, while supporting biodiversity and improving livelihoods.”

Affirming their partnership with other faith groups, including civil society organizations in championing integral ecology, the officials say, “We uphold the inseparable bond between caring for humanity and protecting our planet.”

The officials explain that their vision for integral ecology aligns with  that in Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter on care for our common home, Laudato Si’, which they say  demands that “we address the interconnected roots of ecological, social, and economic upheaval.”

In the statement, the officials also call for a just transition that will involve phasing out Fossil Fuels. “We affirm the imperative of a just transition, a responsible, ambitious phase-out of fossil fuels, led by Africa’s moral resolve,” they say.

“The shift from carbon-intensive energy must be both swift and equitable. Investments in clean, renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal, can unlock Africa’s natural wealth for the benefit of all,” they say.

The officials further say that the transition “must include robust planning, training, and social support, honouring the Gospel call to uphold the innate dignity of workers and communities.”

They applaud Africa’s visionary initiatives, including the African Union’s Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy, and Mission 300, which they say aims to provide sustainable electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.

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The visionary initiatives, they say, “are hopeful, embodying the continent’s potential to lead the world in renewable energy and climate resilience.”

Alongside “the visionary initiatives”, the officials underline the need to bridge the climate finance gap, which they say should involve transforming the economic system in Africa.

“Africa’s climate response still lacks sufficient funding, and only a small portion of the promised global funds is reaching the most vulnerable communities,” they say.

For them, climate finance should be transparent and accessible to the most vulnerable communities, and should not be “based on financialization of nature nor should it increase debt in Africa.”

“We demand that developed countries set up loss and damage funds to make up for the ecological harm that has already been done to African people and ecosystems,” they say.

On this, the officials pledge to mobilize communities throughout Africa in ecological conversion, prophetic witness, and action as shepherds entrusted with souls and creation.

To ensure that no one, especially the most vulnerable, is left behind, officials of the three continental Catholic entities “urge governments, civil society, and the private sector to step up their cooperation in achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement.”

“In this critical moment of environmental challenge, our common conviction: without climate justice there is no peace; without ecological conversion there is no future; without listening to the people there are no real solutions,” officials of LSM), CA, and SECAM say.

They add, “Let this summit serve as a landmark turning point that propels Africa toward climate justice, leadership in renewable energy, and sustainable long-term development. It is our solemn obligation to safeguard both humanity and the planet, ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving legacy.”