WASHINGTON – Consider the impact of climate change policies on the poor and vulnerable, said bishop chairmen who lead committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) that address climate policy. The two bishops were joined by the president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services (CRS). In advance of the gathering next week of world leaders in Azerbaijan for the United Nations’ annual meeting on climate, COP29, Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, and Sean Callahan released a statement calling on delegates and policymakers attending the conference to remember the poor and vulnerable in their deliberations.

“The impact of climate change policies on the poor and vulnerable must be placed foremost in the minds and hearts of the leaders and influencers gathering at next week’s conference. Pope Francis has underscored the care for our earth in his encyclical Laudato Si’, and also emphasized care for the poor and outcast. As leaders gather next week for COP 29, it is our prayer that this be a priority at the center of deliberations on climate change. 

“This year’s COP29 focuses on a new finance goal. As the effects of climate change become more devastating, the needs of poor people and countries must shape this goal. Sadly, loans to address climate policy have accounted for too much of climate finance. This needs to be avoided moving forward. Because of God’s blessings, the United States bears a special responsibility to shape these discussions to serve the entire human family. Along with greater financial ambition, parties should seek standards of accountability and transparency to prioritize the most vulnerable, while also affording the greatest impact. 

“The poor and vulnerable suffer the brunt of intensifying disasters, which is why adopting effective adaptation investment strategies is a matter of justice. While resources and proven technologies to withstand many natural and man-made disasters already exist, sadly these are often a privilege for the wealthy. 

“Adaptation benefits developed and developing nations alike. Adaptation saves lives and protects ecosystems. In many instances, the costs of avoided disaster relief surpass the costs of building resilience. May COP29 contribute to the health and healing of our common future.” 

Archbishop Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia is chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Bishop Zaidan of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, is chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on International Justice and Peace. As president and CEO of CRS, Mr. Callahan leads the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic Church in the United States.