Unveiling Pope Francis’s Climate Legacy: How Nigeria’s Interfaith Movement is Leading the Charge for Environmental Change – Latest News on Climate Action and Renewable Energy

The climate crisis affects us all, especially those already vulnerable. Growing up in Nigeria, I’ve seen firsthand how people cope with these challenges. Many communities are struggling to survive against worsening droughts, floods, and a lack of clean water.

This situation is not just about science; it’s deeply moral and spiritual. We face a call to embrace what I call "Ecoharmony," a lifestyle that respects all forms of creation. Pope Francis, in his encyclical Laudato Si, emphasizes that everything on Earth is interconnected. The degradation we see today comes from both greed and a disconnect from nature.

Saint Pope John Paul II warned us about the illusion that nature is merely for human consumption. In reality, we are stewards of this planet, responsible for caring for it and each other. This isn’t just a religious belief; it influences our daily lives and governance.

At the Kukah Centre, we focus on bridging different faith communities in Nigeria to promote dialogue and action around climate issues. Engaging an informed and active citizenry is crucial. Similar initiatives exist across other faith groups. For example, the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society supports climate refugees, while church leaders in Cross River State are working with local communities to protect sacred forests from logging.

The Catholic Church also plays a significant role in global climate action. With its extensive network, it can mobilize efforts quickly, from installing solar panels in parishes to promoting environmental education in schools. The recent Faith Pavilion at COP29 in Baku showcased the Church’s increasing leadership in this area, highlighting initiatives like divesting from fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy.

Earlier this year, I participated in an Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit with leaders from various religious backgrounds in Nigeria. Despite our differences, we agreed on a vital point: all faiths teach us that we are part of a sacred web and have a responsibility to care for creation. From the Islamic principle of stewardship, or khalifa, to indigenous traditions that honor nature, we found shared wisdom.

The summit pushed for faith leaders to be actively involved in shaping climate policy, ensuring their voices are heard as essential partners rather than sidelined opinions. This integration is crucial for creating policies that are effective and widely accepted.

As we enter this Jubilee Year, proclaimed by Pope Francis, we have a unique opportunity for renewal and action. This time, marked as a period of restoration and commitment to our planet, encourages all faiths to work together on climate issues. This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” urges us to take bold steps to help those most affected by climate deterioration.

This Jubilee Year holds high expectations for religious leaders, challenging them to go beyond words and commit to meaningful actions. It’s time for real change—a moment for interfaith climate leadership to rise.

Our faith compels us to amplify the voices of those often silenced, including nature itself. Let our places of worship be hubs for ecological action, fostering a green movement that can impact Nigeria and the world.

The climate crisis may be our greatest moral test, but I believe faith can also provide the strongest solutions. The Jubilee Year of 2025 calls us to engage in this sacred responsibility with urgency and hope.

Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo (PhD), Director, The Kukah Centre: Faith, Leadership and Public Policy

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