Madeleine Wörner from Germany emphasises the importance of transitioning to green, ecological systems but highlights that this must be done in a just way, putting the people first and ensuring that nobody is left behind.
By Francesca Merlo – Belém, Brazil
Justice is a word that comes up often when we talk about the fight against climate change. AT COP30 in Belém, Catholic organisations, known as National Catholic Climate and Environmental actors, or NCCEAs, are meeting to address themes and issues at the heart of the Catholic mission to fight climate change. They all gathered in meeting room 14 of COP’s Blue Zone to meet with the Holy See Delegation. Spokespeople for some of the organisations speak briefly and passionately about some of the hottest topics.
Madeleine Wörner from MISEREOR speaks about Just Transition. That, too, is justice. At COP30, amidst the hum of negotiations and the steady rhythm of discussions, the moral and practical urgency of a “just transition” also becomes screamingly obvious and at this COP, the Church is calling for the safeguard of creation while ensuring that no one is left behind.
The meeting of the NCCEAs with the Holy See Delegation
Werner’s work focuses on climate protection – on phasing out fossil fuels, ensuring just transitions, and supporting nations’ commitments to climate goals. “It is so important that we preserve this planet that is still livable,” she said. “That we care for this creation.”
Just Transition
Just Transition is a process of moving from a fossil fuel–based economy to one that is sustainable, fair, and inclusive. “It needs to be just,” Wörner explains in an interview with Vatican News shortly after the meeting. “Not on the back of the most vulnerable, not on the back of the poor.”
The term “just transition” finds its roots in the workers’ movement of the last century, where it was first used to defend the rights of those whose livelihoods were threatened by industrial change. Today, at the climate talks, it carries an evolved meaning, referring not only to workers who lose jobs as fossil fuel industries close, but also to communities suffering the consequences of extraction, both from fossil fuels and, increasingly, from the minerals required for renewable energy.
At the United Nations climate conferences, countries are working through a “Just Transition Work Programme” to guide global cooperation. “The idea,” Wörner explains, “is to steer and navigate this transformation so that it is equitable and orderly, and that everyone can benefit from it.”
Listen to an excerpt from the interview with Madeleine Wörner
Though the work programme was launched two years ago at COP28 in Dubai, much remains to be agreed upon. Civil society organisations are now calling for a permanent global mechanism that would connect grassroots realities with policy decisions. Wörner stresses that this link is vital, as the work done in negotiation halls can often feel “disconnected” from the struggles of those facing climate impacts every day.
Activists for just transition in Belém for COP30
Specific responsibility of wealthy nations
But while European and wealthier nations have often taken the lead in climate negotiations, Wörner highlights that much of the world’s need – and courage – is found in the Global South. “The EU has a specific responsibility,” she said. “They need to go first, provide finance, and engage in partnerships. But just transition is not only about energy. It’s about the economy as a whole.”
She pointed to countries like Kenya and Colombia, which are stepping forward with leadership despite their vulnerabilities. “It’s so important that rich nations stand at their side and support them,” she said. “They are taking risks because they know the climate crisis is happening now – and responding is a duty.”
This sense of duty reflects the Church’s social teaching and with Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for our common home. Wörner recalled how, during the meeting with the Holy See delegation, she emphasised Colombia’s forthcoming “Fossil Fuel Phaseout Conference”, which she describes as a sign of hope and determination in the global effort for justice and sustainability.
“What is needed,” she adds, “are safeguards and criteria to protect the most vulnerable – to ensure that human rights, workers’ rights, and gender equality are embedded in this transition.”
The meeting with the Holy See really demonstrated a spirit of collaboration. The NCCEAs left with the plan to form working groups on the issues raised, including Just Transition. “It’s a huge step forward,” Werner said with a smile. “I’ve signed up for both groups: on fossil fuels and on just transition – and I’m curious to see how it will evolve. But it’s great that we’ll be in the room – part of the process, part of the hope.”
The NCCEAs after their meeting with the Holy See Delegation
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