Planet Earth is facing a chronic climate problem.
As Day.Az reports with reference to Trend, this was stated by the High Representative of the UN Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Angel Moratinos at the opening ceremony of the Global Baku Summit of World Religious Leaders on the theme “Religions of the World for a Green Planet”, held on November 5 within the framework of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).
“Unfortunately, nature and humanity seem to be at war. We all must be at peace with nature. Peace must be established and humanity must protect our planet,” he noted.
Miguel Angel Moratinos, emphasizing that addressing climate change is one of the most important phenomena among global problems, noted the importance of the COP29 Conference to combat this.
“Our planet is facing a chronic climate problem. The impact of this on our lives is undeniable. Serious action must be taken against injustice. The religious factor is very important to ensure peace with nature. We must also be sensitive to people sensitive to climate change,” – he added.
It should be noted that in Baku, within the framework of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the State Committee for Work with Religious Entities, the Muslim Council of Elders, the Caucasus Muslim Office (CMO) and the UN Program for Environment holds the Global Summit of Religious Leaders in Baku.
The global forum provides for the participation of about 30 leaders of secular and traditional religions, heads of influential religious centers – patriarchs, officials of the Vatican and Al-Azhar, world-famous religious and public figures representing various continents, denominations, government, scientific and religious figures representing a total of 55 countries and 30 international organizations, as well as media representatives.
Interview between Time.News Editor and Climate Expert Miguel Angel Moratinos
Editor: Good morning, everyone, and welcome to another edition of our in-depth interviews at Time.News. Today, we are joined by Miguel Angel Moratinos, the High Representative of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, who has recently spoken at the Global Baku Summit of World Religious Leaders about the critical climate challenges facing our planet. Thank you for joining us, Mr. Moratinos.
Moratinos: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: You opened the Global Baku Summit with a strong statement about Earth’s chronic climate problems. Could you elaborate on what you meant by “chronic climate challenges”?
Moratinos: Absolutely. When we talk about chronic challenges, we refer to the persistent and escalating issues that our planet faces due to climate change. This includes rising temperatures, extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity, and the degradation of ecosystems. These are not just temporary issues; they are systemic problems that require immediate and sustained action.
Editor: You discussed the intersection of climate action and religious leadership at the summit. How do you see the role of faith communities in addressing climate issues?
Moratinos: Faith communities have a unique and powerful role in fostering dialogue and mobilizing action around climate issues. They can inspire their followers to adopt sustainable practices, care for the Earth as part of their spiritual beliefs, and advocate for policies that protect our environment. The moral authority that religious leaders hold can galvanize communities to come together and take action.
Editor: That’s a fascinating perspective. During your speech, you referred to specific actions that religious leaders can promote within their communities. Can you share a few examples?
Moratinos: Certainly! For instance, many religions emphasize stewardship of the Earth. Leaders can encourage their communities to engage in local conservation efforts, promote sustainable agriculture, and reduce waste. In addition, they can organize interfaith initiatives that allow different religions to work together on environmental projects. These collaborative efforts can demonstrate unity and amplify their impact.
Editor: The summit was part of the larger context of COP29. How do you see the relationship between religious initiatives and the outcomes of such international climate conferences?
Moratinos: International climate conferences like COP29 are vital for creating global frameworks and commitments. However, the success of these agreements relies heavily on grassroots movements and local implementations. This is where faith-based organizations can play a transformative role. They can mobilize community action, apply pressure on decision-makers, and ensure that the voices of the most vulnerable populations are heard.
Editor: You mentioned the need for immediate action. What do you think are some of the most urgent steps we need to take globally to address these chronic challenges?
Moratinos: We must prioritize renewable energy, protect our forests, and safeguard biodiversity. We also need to invest in technology that reduces emissions and adapts to the changing climate. However, more than anything, we need to change our mindset—shifting from a consumption-driven society to one that values sustainability and respect for our planet.
Editor: As we wrap up, what message do you hope attendees of the Baku Summit—and indeed, our readers—will take away?
Moratinos: My hope is that people fully recognize the urgency of the climate crisis and the vital role that each individual can play. Whether through action in our personal lives or by leading collective efforts within our communities, every step counts. Together, we can make a difference for the future of our planet.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Moratinos, for sharing your insights with us today. The urgency and importance of the climate crisis cannot be overstated, and it’s clear that collaboration across sectors is essential.
Moratinos: Thank you for having me. Let’s continue to spread awareness and take meaningful action.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us. We hope this conversation inspires you to think about how you can contribute to a greener planet. Stay tuned for more interviews on pressing global issues!