KENYA: Take Bold Stand to Support Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty: Faith Leaders to Kenyan Government
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Following the ongoing season of creation which commenced Sunday, September 1, with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and will end on Friday, October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi the patron of environment, Faith leaders in Kenya have called upon the government to boldly support Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to safeguard the planet and drive a just transition to renewable energy.
“We specifically call on our government to take a bold and historic step by joining the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty proposal,” Faith leaders highlighted in their Friday, September 20, media briefing and explained, “This proposed treaty provides a roadmap for a global transition to renewables and the phasing out of harmful fossil fuel production which is accelerating the climate crisis, and it is rooted in the values of justice, fairness, and care for the earth that resonate with all our faiths.”
In the statement themed: ‘Faithful action for a just climate future: An interfaith call for Kenya to back a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty,’ representatives from various faith organizations pointed out that in the spirit of unity during the 2024 Season of Creation, there is need to care for the earth and all its inhabitants being a sacred responsibility entrusted to humanity by God.
“In this time of reflection and prayer, we call upon our faith as a source of strength and guidance, particularly in addressing the urgent climate crisis that threatens our common home and our children’s future,” they said appreciating that Kenya is a beautiful nation, that has been richly blessed with the wonders of creation, “fertile lands, abundant wildlife, and a resilient people.”
According to interfaith representatives, the call to act has never been more critical, as “We stand at a crossroads, facing environmental degradation, rising temperatures, and the increasing devastation caused by climate change.”
The impacts of climate change including droughts, floods, and food scarcity that threaten communities especially the most vulnerable are already being felt across the country.
The interfaith leaders noted that “Burning of fossil fuels is not only responsible for the majority of carbon emissions but also for the local pollution that endangers our health, agriculture, and water sources. It is our moral duty to act now, not just for ourselves but for future generations.”
As faith institutions take steps to divest from fossil fuels, reflecting a shared commitment to ecological stewardship, the leadership of the country especially the President has been urged to “champion this cause by joining the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and ensuring a just transition to renewable energy for all Kenyans.”
“We believe that, together, we can lead the way in responding to the climate crisis by harnessing the power of our faith, the strength of our unity, and the wisdom of our leadership,” representatives from
Catholic, Anglican, Muslim, and Hare Krishna expressed during the Friday press briefing and continued, “Let us pray for guidance, and may our leaders have the courage to act decisively and justly, embracing a future where all people and the planet can thrive in harmony.”
“As we offer our prayers during this Season of Creation, let us renew our commitment to protect God’s creation and to advocate for policies that reflect the values of love, justice, and sustainability,” they said and concluded, “We urge our government to formally support the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, setting Kenya on a path of true leadership in the fight against climate change.”
