Monday 21 November 2016

Interfaith communities fast at COP22 to raise climate awareness

Multiple religions fasted together at COP22 in Marrakech to raise awareness for those most at risk from climate change.

The event, which was organised by the 'Fast for the Climate' group, included the two largest faith charities in the UK, Islamic Relief UK and Christian Aid, alongside many others.

As the latest UN climate conference came to a close, people of all faiths and those of no religion came together in an act of solidarity for the 500,000 people that climate change is believed could kill every year by 2030.

Joe Ware, Christian Aid spokesman said: “Fasting is a symbolic and spiritual act taken by people of faith for centuries. We use it as a small act of solidarity with people for whom climate change is taking their food, their homes and their livelihoods.

“At a time when it feels like we live in a divided and fragile world, fighting the existential threat of climate change has the potential to bring us together."

The COP22 climate talks in Marrakech follow the COP21 Paris Agreements.