Concerns and anticipation are spreading worldwide due to the impacts of climate change, which has become a tangible reality threatening the lives of millions and all forms of life on Earth. This is further compounded by the record rise in temperatures and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, heavy rains, heatwaves, and droughts.
Human activities linked to industry, electricity production, agriculture, transportation, and deforestation have led to an unprecedented increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. This rise in carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other gases has intensified global warming and caused disruptions to both natural and human systems.
In light of these facts, the importance of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) as a leading global platform to address environmental challenges and climate issues is clear. The conference brings together representatives from around the world to discuss effective solutions aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting sustainability, and protecting ecosystems from increasing damage.
His Grace Anba Ermia, General Bishop and Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, and Assistant Secretary-General of the Egyptian Family House, arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday to participate in the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).
His Grace is participating as part of a prominent Egyptian religious delegation, including His Eminence Professor Dr. Osama Al-Azhari, Minister of Awqaf, His Eminence Dr. Nazir Ayad, Grand Mufti of Egypt, the Deputy of Al-Azhar, and Counselor Mohamed Abdel Salam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders. Additionally, high-level religious delegations from the Vatican, Russia, and Georgia are also participating to enhance international solidarity in addressing climate change.
In statements made on the sidelines of the opening session of the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate in Baku, His Grace Anba Ermia confirmed that climate change represents a global threat requiring joint efforts from all parties. He referred to global projections warning of widespread migration by 2050 due to the effects of climate change and emphasized the role of religious institutions in raising awareness and garnering support to confront these challenges.
He added, “We can build a green future based on environmental justice through collective efforts from governments, civil society, the private sector, and religious institutions to achieve a balance between humanity and nature.”
For his part, Minister of Awqaf Professor Dr. Osama Al-Azhari called on religious leaders to cooperate in protecting the environment, respecting nature, and honoring humanity. He stressed the importance of halting wars and conflicts that hinder environmental development efforts and expressed Egypt’s support for stopping the aggression against Palestine and Lebanon, urging all to work for justice and to lift oppression from affected peoples. He affirmed that Islamic values deeply respect nature and its preservation.
The Grand Mufti of Egypt emphasized that religions aim to establish values of peace and justice, calling for using religious diversity as a means of promoting peace rather than conflict. He added, “Religious diversity is a path to mutual understanding, not conflict; we must all cooperate and unite to lift oppression from oppressed peoples, especially the people of Palestine.”
The participation of the Egyptian delegation in COP29 highlights the importance of cooperation between religious institutions and the international community to achieve climate justice and create the conditions for global stability.
More than 100 heads of state and government, along with prominent figures, thousands of experts, journalists, climate activists, and representatives from companies and non-governmental organizations, are expected to participate in COP29, which will take place from November 11 to 22, 2024.
