UNANIMA International advocates for the protection of the environment with an emphasis on climate change and those severely affected by it.
Environment
Protection of the environment is inherent to the lives and wellbeing of all humans and living creatures. Unfortunately, our environment is suffering due to climate change, global warming, pollution, etc. Protecting our environment also protects life on earth. We are responsible for the environment we live in.
UNANIMA International Advocates for the protection of the environment, specifically through advocacy on Climate Change and individuals and Families most severely affected by it.
Climate change is now happening at a rate faster than ever before. While efforts such as the 2030 Agenda stand to reduce its acceleration the most recent reports published by the IPCC (2019) suggests we are currently on track to reach a temperature rise of at least 3 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures by 2100. Climate Change manifests itself in a diverse geographic, economic, social, and cultural context. While its consequences affect individuals and groups in a vast number of ways it is a widespread issue across the Global North and the Global South. In Article 3 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) the international community recognised that climate change is fundamentally an issue of everyone. The way in which we mitigate, adapt and respond to Climate Change not only affects our individual lives at present but ultimately determines the way in which future generations will live. Without confronting the issue Climate Change as an intergenerational one, data collection and climatic forecasts as well as our resilience and ability to mitigate and adapt to climate change will remain rudimentary and inadequate for the challenges that lie ahead.
As advocates for the Environment, UNANIMA International is committed to ensuring the environment, its ecosystems and all its inhabitants are respected, cared for and protected from vulnerabilities globally. UNANIMA International strongly advocates for the implementation of the Paris Agreement (2016), the 2030 Agenda (2015) and UNFCCC publications. As a member of the NGO Committee on Migration in New York, UNANIMA International is an active member of the Sub committee of Climate Induced Migration. In the past UNANIMA International has also been an active member of the Mining Working group.
The 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) took place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt from November 6th – 18th. Throughout the autumn months, UNANIMA International prepared for COP27 by collaborating on an official COP27 side event, writing a statement, and engaging in advocacy/events leading up to the Conference.
UNANIMA International was greatly involved in the COP27 proceedings. The delegation – consisting of Executive Director, Jean Quinn, and Executive Assistant/Assistant UN Representative, Lara Hicks – attended numerous events in the “Blue Zone,” the conference zone to which those accredited had exclusive access. UNANIMA International also visited many Pavilions, which were hubs for countries, organizations, and coalitions relevant to COP. You can find short clips of the team visiting Pavilions that represented some regions and countries that have UNANIMA International members here. UNANIMA International also attended a meeting with the Holy See and met dozens of young people, climate activists, environmental ministers, and NGO representatives while at COP.
UNANIMA International co-organized the side event titled “Catholic Perspectives at COP27 | Climate and Biodiversity Justice from A Faith Perspective: What’s Next?” with the Carmelite NGO, VIVAT International, the Society of Catholic Medical Missionaries – Medical Mission Sisters, and International Young Catholic Students International. The side event took place in person at COP27 from 11:30am to 1pm (Egyptian time) on November 17th and was livestreamed by the UNFCCC, you can view the recording of the event here.
The event consisted of a round table segment with speakers from each of the co-organizing NGOs, as well as representatives of Laudato ‘Si. On behalf of UNANIMA International, Lara Hicks delivered short remarks on the subject of women and girls, climate mobility, and homelessness related to climate change. As an outcome of the side event, a written climate justice statement incorporating the perspectives and concerns of the speakers and is currently being circulated for signature, you can view and sign it here.
