AACC Delegation Attend "Beyond Material Loss" Event, Call for Recognition of Non-Economic Climate Impacts
The All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) delegation, alongside other faith-based organizations and stakeholders, has raised a pressing concern about the often overlooked non-economic impacts of climate change.
Participants present called for recognition of these impacts on the continent during the 'Beyond Material Loss' event that held at the Faith Pavilion of COP29 Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday 13th November, 2024.
The event was organized by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), in partnership with AACC and the World Council of Churches (WCC). Discussions amplified Faith actor's call for intergenerational justice and faith-based climate advocacy to ensure that future generations inherit a world where tangible and intangible losses are valued and addressed.
During the discussions, the delegation also pointed out that ecological damage goes beyond material losses, impacting the deeply held cultural and spiritual values of Indigenous communities. the
They stressed that, the destruction of ecosystems does not merely affect physical landscapes, but also threatens the fabric of local cultural heritage, disrupting traditional spiritual practices and undermining intangible aspects of community life. They noted that these losses are not tangible, but yet, deeply felt. They called for justice for human rights and recognition of these non-material impacts.
Another significant point raised was the danger faced by land and environmental defenders, who are frequently harassed or even killed while protecting vital ecosystems. This violence towards environmental defenders represents a gross intergenerational injustice. Without a firm commitment to safeguarding the environment today, future generations will inherit an unsustainable world.
In reference to Laudato Si's principles of solidarity, justice and ecological care, the delegation called on faith communities to unite to address the non-economic damages caused by climate change. They called for increased funding and resources to address losses and damages that go beyond measurable metrics; communities deserve compensation for such intangible impacts.
They urged the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to emphasize non-tangible losses more in their reports and advocate for compensatory frameworks for impacted communities.
In Photo - [ AACC president Rt. Rev. Lydia Chituku Neshangwe, DOP Rev. Dr. Lesmore, and Climate and Economic Justice Program Executive Dr. Tinashe Gumbo at COP29 Side event ]
