Loss and Damage: The Moral Case for Action

Sign the statement and show your support for the moral case for action on Loss and Damage. 

In June 2023, an online dialogue was held with faith leaders and experts from around the world on the issue of Loss and Damage.  

Loss and Damage refers to the impacts of climate change that are already being experienced around the world, especially by people in the Global South. At the last major global climate talks, COP27 in Egypt, a major breakthrough was reached to establish a fund for communities suffering from Loss and Damage. At COP28 in Dubai later in 2023, the final details of this fund will be agreed. 

This dialogue included contributions from senior representatives from the Vatican, church leaders from climate vulnerable countries and Catholic NGO experts, and participants reflected in particular on the moral case for action on Loss & Damage. Drawing on church teaching, sacred scriptures and ancient wisdom, participants applied an ethical lens to this vital issue. 

At the meeting, it was agreed that we should not only reflect, but we are also called to act. 

Therefore, a group of Catholic NGOs came together to create a statement, for leaders of all faiths across the world to show their support for action on Loss and Damage. 

This statement will be delivered to world leaders at COP28 in Dubai. 

As people of faith, we see and feel the suffering of people across the world due to climate change. We are called to challenge this, to show solidarity, and help build a just world where everyone can thrive.  

Please sign your name today to show your support for this vital cause and join the chorus of voices calling for climate justice at COP28. 

Further reading:

The Statement has already been signed by:
  • Sr Susan Sanders, President, Sister of Mercy of the Americas 
  • Fr Leonard Chiti, Superior of Jesuits, Southern Africa 
  • Bishop Brian McGee, President of SCIAF, Bishop of Argyll and the Isles 
  • Bishop John Arnold, Bishop of Salford and Environment lead for Catholic Bishops Conf of England and Wales 
  • Bishop Stephen Wright, Chair of CAFOD, Bishop of Hexam and Newcastle 
  • Sr Maria Leonor Montiel, General Secretary, Maryknoll Sisters 
  • Rev Lance P. Nadeau, Superior General, Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers 
  • Bishop Giorgio Bertin, President of Caritas Djibouti & Somalia 
  • Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi, President of Caritas Oceania 
  • Bishop Marc Handley Andrus, Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of California 
  • Mgr Pierre Cibambo Ntakobajira, President of Caritas Africa 
  • Manuel Bretón Romero, President of Caritas Spain  
  • Fr Abel Anriambololotina, President of Caritas Madagascar
  • Sr. Maamalifar M. Poreku, Co-Executive Secretary, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Comission
  • Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, S.V.D, President of Caritas Internationalis
  • Jose Aguto, Executive Director, Catholic Climate Covenant
  • Isaiah Toroitich.,Head of Global Advocacy, Lutheran World Federation
  • Msgr. Michael Landau, President of Caritas Europa