Vienna, 4 June 2020: On the eve of World Environment Day, leading experts conducted a webinar, ‘Faith for Earth: Climate Change and Environmental Justice”. The webinar was organized by the International Dialogue Center (KAICIID) and the Coalition for Faith-Based Organizations and focused on the role of faith-based organizations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and addressing challenges posed by climate change. Over 300 people joined the live webinar and the recording is available to view online.
The panel included renowned economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs; Jorge Rios, Chief of the UNODC Global Programme for Combating Wildlife and Forest Crime; Dr. Harald Egerer, Head of the UN Environment Programme Vienna Office; Professor Roberto Manuel Carlés, President of the Society of Social Defense; and Kiran Bali, Global Chairperson at United Religious Initiative. The event was moderated by Dr. Michael Platzer, Co-Chair of the Coalition of Faith-Based Organizations.
Jorge Rios recognised the role of faith-based organizations in promoting environmental justice, achieving sustainable development and addressing climate change. In his presentation, he stressed that support to criminal justice systems must be mainstreamed into the plans and programmes of Member States for efforts to protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change to succeed. Dr. Platzer recognised Mr. Rios as an early adopter, working to combat wildlife crime long before the international community started to recognize it as such.
Harald Egerer explained that faith-based organizations represent the fourth largest economic power, own 8% of habitable lands and 5% of commercial forests and are involved in 50% of schools worldwide; thus, their contributions to environmental protection and climate change education are vital.
In his intervention, Professor Jeffrey Sachs highlighted the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, which advises the Catholic Church and the Pope on the detailed science that underpins many of today’s global challenges. He suggested that similar foundations be established to advise other faith leaders.
The creation of the Laudato Si’ Foundation was officially announced by Professor Roberto Manuel Carlés. The Foundation is established by the Vatican to develop research and intervention projects for human sustainable development, environmental protection and climate change mitigation.
Kiran Bali called on faith communities to effect change at the policy level to address the targets outlined in the UN’s Agenda 2030.
The speakers agreed that joint efforts and solid partnerships between all players are needed to address current global environmental challenges.
UNODC implements a comprehensive Global Programme for Combating Wildlife and Forest Crime, working with actors along the criminal justice chain to effectively investigate, prosecute and adjudicate such crimes. UNODC supports countries to strengthen legislation and build capacity; prevent and mitigate corruption; strengthen regional and international cooperation; and conduct assessments to understand context, patterns and trends. UNODC facilitates dialogue to deepen the understanding of the links between climate change, biodiversity loss, crime and security and to encourage action to address these interlinked challenges.