WASHINGTON, DC: EcoSikh represented Sikh community at a major prayer gathering of various faith leaders held, on Monday, outside the US State Department to amplify the issue of climate emergency ahead of the World summit on Climate change. The rally was held as a follow up to “Faith and Science” conference hosted by Pope Francis where faith leaders jointly issued an appeal to the world leaders for setting ambitious targets to address the issue of climate change.
Jesse Young, Senior Advisor to John Kerry, received the copy of the statement from the faith leaders. John Kerry was appointed by President Biden as the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate (SPEC) at U.S. Department of State.
The UN Climate Change summit COP26 which is scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Scotland from October 31 to November 12 is the last ray of hope as the earth faces an unprecedented ecological crisis.
Speaking at this event, Dr Rajwant Singh, President of EcoSikh said “It is upon us all to take action against this present crisis, it is our responsibility to make sure that our politicians take required action for the best of humanity.” Singh, who is one of the four American Signatories to the appeal, added further “religions of the world are yet to realize the potential impact they can have, today’s gathering is an important occasion in this direction.”
Over two dozen clergy and faith leaders representing diverse faith traditions and 40 organizations gathered outside the State Department prayed and exhorted the United States government and world leaders to take meaningful action to avert the Climate disaster. As President Biden and world leaders prepare to travel to Glasgow, Scotland for the Conference of Parties. They took turn to read key points from, Faith and Science: An Appeal for COP26, a recently-released multifaith climate action Appeal released by Pope Francis and other faith leaders in the Vatican.
Jesse Young said, "Faiths have a real voice to bring to this process. We need you to lift up us to do the right thing. Hold us accountable when we fall short. We need your voices, we need your communities. We need your work to preserve our national natural heritage and God's creation."
The UN Climate Change Conference which is scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Scotland from October 31 to November 12 is the last ray of hope as the earth faces an unprecedented ecological crisis.
“As people of faith and conscience, we understand that the climate crisis is a spiritual crisis and that our faiths call us to prioritize the health and well-being of those who are most vulnerable, ” said Rev. Susan Hendershot, President of Interfaith Power & Light. “Climate disasters and pollution are bringing death and destruction to communities in the U.S. and globally. It is our sacred calling to act. The U.S. has a moral responsibility to accelerate ambition and care for the most vulnerable people at COP26.”
Rev. Susan Hendershot (President of Interfaith Power & Light), Rabbi Daniel (Swartz Executive Director, Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life), Chloe Noel (Faith Economy Ecology Project Coordinator Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns), Dahlia Rockowitz (Washington Director, Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action) Sandy Ovalle (Director of Campaigns and Mobilizing, Sojourners) and many other important personalities were present at the event.
For over a decade, EcoSikh has been working on environmental issues in Punjab, India, and North America. It has represented Sikh community on various national and international platforms on climate change and sustainable development. It has been invited by the White House, United Nations and is working with the World Economic Forum.