Faith leaders at the Africa Climate Summit have called for Immediate Action and increased climate finance for Africa.

The faith leaders called for prompt action and greater financial assistance for Africa, highlighting inadequate support from developed nations.

They emphasised that the African Climate Summit offers developed nations, which bear significant responsibility for the climate crisis, a chance to go beyond mere words and fulfill their overdue financial commitments.

They advocated for funds to provide compensation to Loss and Damage victims, noting that the continent expects to experience the most severe negative impacts of human-induced climate change due to its comparatively limited ability to adapt.

The religious leaders also urged for the activation and financial backing by wealthy nations of the loss and damage fund, which would provide grant funding to assist Global South countries.

Additionally, they emphasised the importance of addressing "Youth and Green Jobs" to accommodate the increasing youth population.

“We call upon African leaders to adopt a plan of action with robust policy and regulatory measures necessary for African countries to implement and support the growth of inclusive green economies that can provide jobs for the youth”.

Other demands included backing for research and innovation to promote a more environmentally friendly economic diversification and growth, as well as strategies to facilitate the development of financial solutions, among other initiatives.

The fourth request pertained to climate adaptation, urging the African Climate Week to establish concrete implementation plans aimed at enhancing adaptation efforts and resilience against the impacts of the climate crisis as a central outcome.

The faith leaders also tackled the topics of Fossil Fuel Phase-out and the Promotion of Renewable Energy Access, along with Agriculture, Food Security, and Sovereignty.

“As guardians of spiritual wisdom and moral guidance, we are disheartened by how actions to tackle climate change fall short of the required urgent ambition. The values of stewardship, empathy, justice, equity and solidarity as enshrined in our faith traditions must guide every decision and action that is taken at the Africa Climate Summit and Week,” the statement read in part.

Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome from the Islamic Religious Council stressed the vital role of the youth in driving action across various sectors, particularly in agriculture.

He underscored the importance of faith leaders' voices in climate change dialogues, serving as moral compasses for the global community in efforts to restore the well-being of Mother Earth.

“I have never seen someone buy a car but use it in ways that are not stated in the user manual. I have never seen anyone add porridge, black tea or soda to a fuel tank. Religion is an asset in reclaiming our environment. God created what’s good for us, and we need to follow the user’s manual. Our hope lies in going back to the user’s manual. We need to guide politicians. It is never about the cart leading the horse,” he said.

The clergyman urged African leaders to prioritize the continent's interests during the summit. Bishop Chediel Elinaza Sendoro from Tanzania advocated for the restoration of faith's role in safeguarding societal well-being and urged the youth to remain steadfast in their efforts to combat the climate crisis.

Bishop Hassan Kukah from Nigeria encouraged the youth to determine the kind of influence they seek at decision-making tables and stressed the importance of personal responsibility in advancing climate action.

“As we apportion God and governments blame and responsibility for the climate crisis, we must also remember to look inwards and decisively deal with corruption, locally, even as we deal with it internationally,” he said.

The cleric added that the climate conversation had to start locally. “The young people are far more equipped. They can borrow our voices as we seek to use their energy,” he said.

Sujarta Kotamraju from the Hindu Religious Council emphasized that all sacred scriptures mandate the safeguarding of the environment. “Before plastic, we survived. Now it messes animals in parks, water falls, oceans and all creations therein,” she said, expressing her happiness that the meeting participants chose to request water in glassware from the hotel instead of using plastic bottles.

Ms. Kotamraju encouraged young people to utilize their vitality and strength to call for climate justice from their leaders, while advocating for the well-being of their communities. “If you take care of the environment it will take care of you,” she said.

Charles Chilufya, a religious leader from Zambia, called upon Africans to prioritize climate action driven by local initiatives. “Growing climate finance is important, but must not be the only focus. Lives are at risk. We need to have more respect for human and other creations’ dignity, as well as compassion to boost action,” he said.

Jessica Mwali, a youth from Zambia, appealed to the religious leaders to advocate for Africa's unique status in addressing climate change issues, rejecting the concept of the continent borrowing funds to tackle these challenges. “The money should come to Africa in the form of grants, not loans,” she said.