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Divesting from fossil fuels: open letter from religious leaders in full Divesting from fossil fuels: open letter from religious leaders in full
(2 months later)
To those in public office or aspiring to it:To those in public office or aspiring to it:
As leaders in a range of faith traditions, we draw attention to the wake-up call which the degradation of the Great Barrier Reef provides.As leaders in a range of faith traditions, we draw attention to the wake-up call which the degradation of the Great Barrier Reef provides.
The reef is a wonder of the natural world and, to people of faith, a sign of the spiritual dimension of life. It also supports many jobs and economic benefits.The reef is a wonder of the natural world and, to people of faith, a sign of the spiritual dimension of life. It also supports many jobs and economic benefits.
It is therefore with great sadness that we witness the irretrievable loss of parts of the reef, principally due to global warming.It is therefore with great sadness that we witness the irretrievable loss of parts of the reef, principally due to global warming.
Related: We have a stark choice: protect the global commons or give in to special interests
Yet, within weeks of our government signing the Paris agreement, it had approved enormous new coalmines in the Galilee basin, linked to a giant coal export terminal on the reef’s doorstep. Such decisions are seriously irresponsible. They reflect an overly close relationship between our political representatives and fossil fuel industries.Yet, within weeks of our government signing the Paris agreement, it had approved enormous new coalmines in the Galilee basin, linked to a giant coal export terminal on the reef’s doorstep. Such decisions are seriously irresponsible. They reflect an overly close relationship between our political representatives and fossil fuel industries.
So far, the election debates have failed to assign due priority to global warming. While Labor’s policies are more ambitious in some areas, Labor remains supportive of subsidies to fossil fuel companies. Neither of the major parties currently plan to wind back coal and gas mining.So far, the election debates have failed to assign due priority to global warming. While Labor’s policies are more ambitious in some areas, Labor remains supportive of subsidies to fossil fuel companies. Neither of the major parties currently plan to wind back coal and gas mining.
We urge all those holding public office to hold in proper focus our responsibilities as signatories to the Paris agreement. There can be no more postponement of the transition to a low carbon economy. Now is the time to act.We urge all those holding public office to hold in proper focus our responsibilities as signatories to the Paris agreement. There can be no more postponement of the transition to a low carbon economy. Now is the time to act.
Signatories:Signatories:
Rt Rev Prof Stephen Pickard, executive director, Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Charles Sturt University (Anglican)Rt Rev Prof Stephen Pickard, executive director, Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Charles Sturt University (Anglican)
Kim Hollow, secretary, Federation of Australian Buddhist CouncilsKim Hollow, secretary, Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils
Prof Nihal Agar, chairman, Hindu Council of AustraliaProf Nihal Agar, chairman, Hindu Council of Australia
Bishop George Browning, retired bishop of the Anglican diocese of Canberra-GoulburnBishop George Browning, retired bishop of the Anglican diocese of Canberra-Goulburn
Related: The Great Barrier Reef: a catastrophe laid bare
Julian Robertson, presiding clerk, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) AustraliaJulian Robertson, presiding clerk, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Australia
Sheikh Riad Galil OAM, West Heidelberg mosqueSheikh Riad Galil OAM, West Heidelberg mosque
Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins, chair, Council of Masorti Rabbis of AustraliaRabbi Jeffrey Kamins, chair, Council of Masorti Rabbis of Australia
Rabbi Jonathan Keren-Black, environmental adviser, Council of Progressive RabbisRabbi Jonathan Keren-Black, environmental adviser, Council of Progressive Rabbis
Rabbi Shoshana Kaminsky, former chairperson, the Rabbinic Council of Progressive RabbisRabbi Shoshana Kaminsky, former chairperson, the Rabbinic Council of Progressive Rabbis
Prof Neil Ormerod, professor of theology, Australian Catholic UniversityProf Neil Ormerod, professor of theology, Australian Catholic University
Fr Tom McDonough, deputy president, Catholic Religious AustraliaFr Tom McDonough, deputy president, Catholic Religious Australia
Fr Claude Mostowik, Justice Network Coordinator, Catholic Religious AustraliaFr Claude Mostowik, Justice Network Coordinator, Catholic Religious Australia
Jacqui Remond, director, Catholic Earthcare AustraliaJacqui Remond, director, Catholic Earthcare Australia