Nairobi, January 30, 2024 – GreenFaith, a global interfaith environmental organization, Tuesday officially launched its Africa office, calling on faith communities across the continent to vehemently denounce fossil fuel extraction. The launch, held at the All African Council of Churches (AACC) premises in Nairobi, emphasized the human rights violations, cultural interference, and environmental impacts associated with the fossil fuels industry.
During the launch, speakers emphasized the need to strengthen the link between spirituality and ecology, with the Hindu council of Kenya’s Sujarta Kotamraju highlighting the role of faith in driving climate justice. Indigenous representative Elijah Toirai stressed the importance of aligning human activities with nature, emphasizing the loss of identity for indigenous communities due to climate change.
Meryne Warah, GreenFaith Global Director for Advocacy, highlighted the destructive impact of the fossil fuels industry in Africa.
We have enough renewable natural capital that can be harnessed to provide energy in Africa while living harmoniously with biodiversity….
Said Ms. Warah
She stressed that faith communities are well-positioned to oppose decisions allowing foreign companies to harm Africa’s environment.
Rev. Dr Gibson Lesmore, Director of Programs at the AACC, called for unity in speaking truth to power regarding climate change. He criticized the use of ambiguous language like “phase-down” instead of “phase-out” and urged a focus on African and indigenous communities’ solutions to environmental challenges.
GreenFaith Executive Director Rev. Fletcher Harper declared Africa to be on the frontline of the climate crisis, denouncing the exploitation of the continent’s resources by global corporations. The organization demands an immediate halt to new fossil fuel projects and advocates for loss and damage funds for those affected by climate change.
Others who attended the launch were representatives from indigenous communities, women, and youth from various African regions, including Ghana, Nigeria, Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
GreenFaith-Africa, which is present in 12 countries, unites diverse faiths for climate justice and actively campaigns against new fossil fuel projects, including the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). The organization advocates for universal access to clean energy and green jobs to uplift communities towards a sustainable future.
Reporting by JAMES MUTUA
