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Brussels (Agenzia Fides) – After 12 months of campaigning for "climate justice," Catholic Church leaders, advocates, development agencies, and support groups of Caritas Internationalis and CIDSE (International Cooperation for Development and Solidarity) from 25 countries will take part in the Summit on environmental security to be held in Copenhagen, December 7-18, 2009. The representatives will come from Mexico, Zambia, South Africa, North America, Pacific Islands, Mozambique, Kenya, and Europe to support a new climate change agreement that protects the poorest. "Any delay is unacceptable - Caritas Internationalis and CIDSE declared in a statement sent to Fides - we want them to act with justice in Copenhagen." For the two Catholic networks, the agreement must be based on certain key criteria, including: "Developed countries must commit to pay at least 131 billion additional Euros in 2020 to help developing countries adapt to climate change ; a global commitment to keep global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius; developed countries must aim to reduce emissions by 40% by 2020; and the results of Copenhagen should be legally binding.” Among the events in Copenhagen on December 14, Caritas Internationalis and World Council of Churches will hold a side event to "make the voice of religion in the negotiations on climate change heard." (AP) (Agenzia Fides 3/12/2009)
