This week, FCNL’s Daren Caughron reflected on his experience attending COP29, the latest of a series of major international climate conferences held annually since 1995.
This year’s conference focused on mobilizing greater financial support for developing nations coping with climate impacts. It was held in Azerbaijan, Nov. 11-24.
As Daren wrote, many communities in developing countries are “grappling with rising seas, catastrophic storms, and failing crops caused by a crisis they contributed little to.”
Representing FCNL, Daren joined the Interfaith Power & Light delegation. They called on negotiators from wealthier nations like the United States to do more to address these inequities and commit to robust climate finance goals.
The conference set a new, more ambitious target of $300 billion annually through 2035, raising the previous $100 billion goal that was met in 2022.
“The agreement is a step forward, but it underscores how much more remains to be done,” Daren wrote. He added that for many developing countries, the new goal still falls short of addressing the full scale of their needs.
Yet, as Daren reminded us, “delivering climate justice is a marathon, not a sprint.” Our faith communities have a key role to play in the work ahead.
“Faith communities have historically been at the forefront of justice movements — from civil rights to poverty alleviation,” he wrote. “Addressing climate change is no different. By raising our voices, we reflect the values of stewardship and compassion central to our beliefs.”
While COP29 is over, our work for climate justice in Congress continues. As the 119th Congress approaches, we remain committed to urging lawmakers to protect and expand investments in international climate assistance in the federal budget.
Elsewhere
Applying Pressure to End War in Sudan
FCNL has endorsed new legislation introduced by Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (MD), to block U.S. weapons sales to the United Arab Emirates until it stops arming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF is a paramilitary group that has carried out atrocities and ethnic cleansing in the war in Sudan. This war has forced millions of people from their homes and millions more into extreme hunger as both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces have committed war crimes. FCNL is calling on the United States to apply pressure to all parties involved to end the fighting and bring about an equitable peace.
Actions You Can Take on Gaza
The situation in the Middle East remains extremely grim. This week, we saw a tenuous ceasefire between Hezbollah and Isreal, but it has already been violated multiple times by both sides. In Gaza, Amnesty International released a report concluding that Israel is committing genocide there.
We have two upcoming events to learn about what you can do now. Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 11, for So You’ve Written a Minute on Gaza, What Now?. On Tuesday, Dec. 17, Friends Place in Washington will host Shifting the Narrative to Restore UNWRA Aid.
Work with FCNL!
If you are a young adult looking to develop your professional lobbying skills and serve the cause of peace and justice, apply to be a program assistant at FCNL! Applications are due Jan. 2, 2025.
An Invitation After Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is officially over, but it is not too late for you to extend love with your gift to FCNL.
The 2024 elections have generated fear and anxiety among many in our community. We are worried about what the return of a Trump presidency will mean to our work for peace, justice, equity, and a sustainable environment.
I hope it gives you comfort to know that whatever 2025 brings, we will face it together. Our community is the foundation of our strength. We are glad you are with us. If you are able, please give today.
