Media CenterCRS commends COP26, pushes for more action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Nikki Gamer
Catholic Relief Services
[email protected]
(978) 884-0003
 

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, Nov. 17, 2021 – Bill O’Keefe, executive vice president for Mission, Mobilization and Advocacy at Catholic Relief Services (CRS), issued the following statement in response to the conclusion of COP26.  

“COP26 put a welcome spotlight on the myriad challenges facing humanity because of the warming planet and the need for diplomacy and cooperation to overcome such challenges. In our work in more than 100 countries, we've witnessed how catastrophic storms and more frequent and prolonged droughts decimate communities in low-income countries. In fact, those suffering the most from climate change are contributing to it the least. As such, we were pleased to see a renewed emphasis this year on climate adaptation in addition to the commitments made on emissions. And we applaud the Biden administration's new climate adaptation plan, as well as its contribution to several global funding streams that help low-income countries cope with the devastating consequences of the climate crisis.  

However, the overall results of COP26 were decidedly mixed. Going forward, the U.S. and other world leaders must deliver on prior commitments, including ensuring that at least 50% of climate finance goes toward adaptation. Countries must also continue looking for ways to increase their climate ambitions, especially regarding 2030 targets. People in the countries that are the most vulnerable to climate change don't have the time to wait. Instead, let’s heed the call of the Holy Father who said, ‘Every one of us can play a valuable role if we all of us join this journey today. Not tomorrow, today. Because the future is constructed today, and it is not constructed alone, but in community and in harmony.’”

 ###

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. The agency alleviates suffering and provides assistance to people in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.  For more information, visit www.crs.org or www.crsespanol.org and follow Catholic Relief Services on social media in English at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube; and in Spanish at: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Online Tools:
CRS Online Press Room: www.crs.org/press-room