“The Green Church”: a conference in Benin during the days of COP29
Parallel to COP29, an environmental conference brought together the Catholic Church of Benin in Lokossa Nov. 10-12, 2024
The “hot” days of COP29
These are hot days for the Earth. More than for the temperatures, for the climate of the debates. For in Azerbaijan, COP29, a conference to discuss climate change issues and the possibility of a sustainable energy transition, is underway.
In particular, from Africa comes a commitment and a request. Leaders attending the World Leaders Climate Action Summit in Baku thus say they are willing to continue to take measures to reduce carbon emissions, but they are also asking for funding.
As Africa Magazine reports, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo pointed out that the African continent cannot meet its climate goals alone, so he calls on “global partners to honor their commitments by ensuring for sustainable development in Africa without unsustainable debt” affordable concessional financing“.
Local operations, such as the initiatives implemented by Ghana since 2017 to restore 721,000 hectares of land or the planting of 50 million trees, are not enough. Aid is needed, with investments of $10-15 billion.
In the words of Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, there needs to be “collectively addressing the current challenges with the necessary spirit of cooperation and solidarity.” And it must be first and foremost, however, “a political will.”
The Lokossa Conference in Benin
In these same days, from November 10 to 12, a conference on the same theme was held in Lokossa, Benin. The support of the Bishops’ Conference and as part of the Green Church Program should be noted.
“It was an important moment for me: the start of COP29 and the meeting on the preservation of our common home (the earth) and our common heritage (the environment),” writes our envoy Wolou Fr. Aristide from Benin.
“What a joy to participate in this event,” continues the young member of the Focolare Movement and coordinator of the Laudato Si’ Benin Chapter!
“For me, it was a great opportunity to bring our voice.” A way to “manifest our commitment to creation.” With a link to Laudato Si’ and “to the values of our movement.”
In the wake of what is being said in Baku, Wolou Fr. Aristide reiterates “the urgency of the climate situation, which requires young people to redouble their efforts to raise awareness and embody change.”
In conclusion, it is definitely a tough challenge.
Therefore, “participation in the Lokossa conference testifies to one of our desires. To promote an integral ecology that puts people and nature at the center of our priorities. Together, we carry the message of a newfound unity among peoples and work for a more just and sustainable world.”
Source
- Wolou P. Aristide, Africa Magazine