Humanist Climate Action COP27 Declaration

A year after the UK hosted COP26, we write to urge a redoubling of efforts to tackle the climate crisis, particularly in light of global geopolitical events and tensions.

The 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, aka COP27, takes place against the backdrop of record food and energy prices and insecurity, as well as a year of significant climate impacts around the world including flooding, fires, and drought.

We welcome the focus of centring climate justice and voices from those countries that have contributed least to the climate crisis but will often be affected most.

Urgent action must be taken on the following:

• Enabling a just transition to 100% renewable energy through a fair and equitable phase out of fossil fuels, including ending public financing of coal, oil, and gas projects in the UK and overseas
• Facilitation and promotion of low-carbon lifestyles
• Faster progress towards net zero
• Recognition that richer countries are responsible for most past use of fossil fuels, and are also more able to pay for the transition to net zero

The science is clear – we must try to keep global temperature rise below 1.5C or the consequences will be catastrophic for human beings and for all life on earth. This means that Nationally Determined Contributions must be again strengthened to achieve the aims of the Paris Agreement.

Climate and nature breakdown will affect peoples of all beliefs and will not respect national boundaries. It is therefore essential that we call for determined action from governments and as humanists we remain committed to supporting the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement, and the work of the scientific, engineering, and activist communities around the world.