COP30: Annual World Meeting on the Climate Crisis

STEWARDS OF OUR EARTH

All of God’s Creation

Social Justice Committee, Holy Cross Parish, Mt. Airy, December 7, 2025

At the United Nations’ 30th climate summit — COP30 (Council of Parties), held in Brazil from November 10-21 — world leaders from 190+ countries met to discuss action on the climate crisis. “These COPs are an important forum for world leaders to gather annually to advance action to address the global climate crisis, as they have committed to under international climate agreements…. 

And, while for the first time ever, the US government, historically a major player, did not send any representatives to Brazil, the United States still had a strong presence on the ground from subnational governments, businesses and civil society representatives… [including] US states, cities, Tribal nations, and educational institutions, showing the world that many people in the United States are still very committed to climate action.” (Union of Concerned Scientists, 11/30/25)  

“As the U.N. Climate Conference began its final week of meetings, the pope sent a video message to Christian representatives and activists from the global south who were holding a side event to the conference in Belem, Brazil…. 

True leadership means service, and support at a scale that will truly make a difference, said Pope Leo. Stronger climate actions will create stronger and fairer economic systems. Strong climate actions and policies — both are an investment in a more just and stable world.

Creation is crying out in floods, droughts, storms, and relentless heat. One in three people live in great vulnerability because of these climate changes, he added. To them, climate change is not a distant threat, and to ignore these people is to deny our shared humanity…. 

We are guardians of creation, not rivals for its spoils, the pope said. Despite the challenges, Pope Leo told the activists, you chose hope and action over despair, building a global community that works together. The efforts have made a difference, he said, but not enough. Hope and determination must be renewed, not only in words and aspirations, but also in concrete actions.” (Cindy Wooden - Catholic News Service, 11/18/25)

“The Brazilian Bishops’ Conference…and bishops’ conferences from Asia and Africa crafted a bold joint statement calling for a just transition, an end to fossil fuels, climate reparations, and the rejection of false solutions. Endorsed by hundreds of Catholic and faith-based groups—including the Laudato Si’ Movement—this document became the moral compass for collective witness.” (Reflections on COP30 in Belém, Laudato Si’ Movement, 11/25/25)

So, what was the outcome of COP30? According to Kumi Naidoo, President of Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, it fell short of its intended outcome. “We needed a clear, fair, funded plan to phase out fossil fuels. What we have instead feels like another exercise in creative avoidance — a dance around the truth while the world burns and floods around us.” (Newsletter Fossil Fuel Treaty, 11/24/25) 

Even though major oil-producing countries, in lockstep with over 1,600 industry lobbyists in attendance, blocked language calling for a fossil fuel phase out and an end to deforestation from the final COP30 text, they can’t stop the global momentum that’s building towards the end of the fossil fuel era.” (Liz McDowell, Stand.earth, 11/28/25) 

“History never moves in straight lines. Sometimes governments fail, but people — and courageous countries — keep pushing the world forward. While COP30 did not even mention fossil fuels, there is hope on the horizon. In April next year, Colombia and the Netherlands will host the First International Conference for the Phase-Out of Fossil Fuels.” (Newsletter Fossil Fuel Treaty, 11/24/25)

Comments on this column may be directed to the Social Justice Committee at socialjustice@holycrossphl.org. Click here for column archive.