Archbishop Nolan has called for world leaders to take responsibility for the damage caused by climate change especially affecting the smallest and most vulnerable countries.

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Archbishop Nolan of Glasgow is the President of Justice and Peace Scotland. He has called world leaders to action:

At COP26 in Glasgow, one of the biggest disappointments was the failure to agree a fund for Loss and Damages. Countries which are most vulnerable to climate change and yet the least responsible, need financial support from industrialised countries who were, and continue to be, responsible for gas emissions. A Dialogue was set-up to continue the conversation. At COP27 in Egypt no conclusion was brought to this dialogue. Now is the moment for world leaders to take responsibility for the damage caused by climate change especially affecting the smallest and most vulnerable countries. COP28 in the United Arab Emirates should not be mere talk but take decisive action to create a robust fund to aid those struggling with climate change that threatens their very existence. May those taking part in the Conference be strategists capable of considering the common good and the future of their children, more than the short-term interests of certain countries or businesses. In this way, may they demonstrate the nobility of politics and not its shame. (Laudate Deum 60) I pray that the hearts and consciences of all participants will be sensitive and open to the cries of the poor and weak and I entrust them to the intercession of St Andrew, our patron saint, on whose feast day COP28 will begin in Dubai.

Archbishop William Nolan
President of Justice and Peace
Bishops’ Conference of Scotland