Uniting for a Greener Future: WMC Tackles Climate Change and Climate Migration.

I travelled to the 2024 World Methodist Conference with General Secretary Rev. Tara Tautari, President-Elect Te Aroha Roundtree, Past General Secretary Rev. David Bush, Acting Chair of the Climate Justice Working Group Rev. Mark Webster, Te Taha Māori representative Marama Hotere, Past Vahefonua Synod Superintendent Rev. Tevita Finau, his wife Valeti Finau, and ‘AtaOngo Tonga Aotearoa head Lavoni Manukia. Here is Felonitesi’s article on ‘climate change’ and climate-induced migration.

 

The global gathering of Methodists and Wesleyan family members convened from August 13 - 18, 2024, with special focus on some world issues we can address as a church. Among them were climate change, climate justice and migration forced by climate.

 

The Conference emphasis on climate change was timely and necessary. The scientific consensus is clear: human activities are significantly contributing to global warming, devastating ecosystems, and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Rising sea levels, intensifying natural disasters, and unpredictable weather patterns threaten the very foundation of our planet.

 

This critical issue demands collective action, and our churches must continue to take a proactive stance. Our 10-year focus on climate justice is a wonderful initiative and we must, as a hahi, endure to endeavour. The future of the world, let alone Aotearoa looks desolate.

 

Methodists have a long history of social justice advocacy, and climate action aligns perfectly with our values. John Wesley's emphasis on caring for the poor and marginalised translates directly to addressing climate change, which inexplicably affects the world's most vulnerable communities and peoples.

 

Conference delegates from diverse regions shared heart-wrenching stories of climate-related struggles:

 

The Conference session on climate change was presented by Rev. Dr Professor Upolu Luma Vaai, the Principal at Pacific Theological College in Suva, Fiji, He and others shared stories and accounts of small Pacific Island nations facing existential threats from rising sea levels.

 

As a theology and ethics expert conducting in-depth investigations into rising sea water levels in Tuvalu, Kiribati and Niue, he urged the World Methodist family to support the push for change by many of the world’s developed countries.

 

The small islands are feeling the hardship first, but larger countries such as New Zealand, will not be immune to the man-made climate change troubles. In many parts of the world we are already witnessing heatwaves, increasing floods and catastrophic weather.

 

African communities are also continuing to suffer from drought and famine, while Indigenous peoples in some places are fighting to preserve ancestral lands and resources.

 

These testimonies underscored the imperative for global cooperation. Churches can play a vital role in:

 

1. Raising Awareness: Educating congregations about climate change's scientific and moral implications.

2. Advocating Policy Change: Supporting legislation and initiatives promoting renewable energy, sustainable practices, and climate resilience.

3. Community Engagement: Encouraging eco-friendly habits, sustainable living, and environmental stewardship.

4. Interfaith Collaboration: Building alliances with other faith traditions to amplify the call for climate action.

 

Dr Vaai outlined the core principles of Pacific eco-relationality and their implications for climate change policies in the Pacific region, including New Zealand, advocating for a “holistic gaze” that overcomes anthropocentric understandings of climate change and climate justice policy.

 

He encouraged advocating policy conversions that are in line with United Nations preferments on climate justice and change.

 

Delegates at the World Methodist Conference issued a powerful statement, urging churches to:

 

Ø Reduce carbon footprints through energy-efficient practices and renewable energy adoption.

Ø Support climate-resilient development projects and sustainable agriculture initiatives.

Ø Advocate for climate justice and human rights, particularly for marginalised communities.

 

As people of faith, we recognise the intrinsic value of creation and our responsibility as stewards. Climate change is not solely an environmental issue but a moral and spiritual imperative.

 

Climate Migration

Climate-induced migration is becoming a pressing global issue and Conference delegates shared stories on climate migration - the forced relocation of individuals or communities due to climate change. Rising temperatures, intensifying natural disasters, and deteriorating environmental conditions are displacing millions of people, threatening livelihoods, cultures, and lives.

 

This is because:

Ø Rising sea-levels and coastal erosion force residents to flee low-lying areas.

Ø Droughts and desertification drive agricultural communities to seek new lands.

Ø Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and wildfires, destroy homes and infrastructure.

Ø Water scarcity and food insecurity exacerbate social and economic instability.

 

Alarming Statistics:

Ø 143 million people projected to be displaced by 2050 (World Bank)

Ø 24 million people displaced annually due to climate-related disasters (UNHCR)

Ø 80 percent of displaced persons are women and children (UNFPA)

 

Our hahi can make a difference by:

 Ø Integrating climate-focused worship services, Bible studies, and educational programmes

Ø Establishing "green teams" to promote sustainable practices within our congregations

Ø Supporting climate-related missions and partnerships

 

The 2024 World Methodist Conference served as a clarion call to action. As we return to our local churches, let us unite in this critical mission. Together, we can:

 

Ø Inspire individual and collective transformation

Ø Advocate for climate justice and policy change

Ø Embody the values of compassion, justice, and stewardship

 

The future of our planet depends on our collective response. Let us join hands, hearts, and minds to address the climate crisis and create a more just, sustainable world for all.

 

A Call to Action:

 Ø Share this article with your congregation and community.

Ø Discuss climate change and climate justice in your small groups and Bible studies.

Ø Encourage your church leaders to adopt sustainable practices and advocate for climate policy.

Ø Support organisations working on climate-related initiatives.

 

Together, we can make a difference.

 

Further material can be obtained from:

World Methodist Council. (2024). Stance on Climate Change and Climate Justice.

United Nations. (2024). Climate Change and Sustainable Development.

IPCC. (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis.