Catholic Bishops of the Global South Call for International Treaty to Accelerate Just Energy Transition
Catholic bishops representing Africa, Asia, and Latin America have issued a joint appeal urging governments to adopt a binding international treaty aimed at ending the expansion of fossil fuels and accelerating a fair transition to renewable energy. The call was presented in a document titled Manifesto of the Churches of the Global South for our Common Home, released by continental episcopal bodies that represent Catholic communities across the developing world. Church leaders say the proposal reflects growing concern that climate change is already affecting vulnerable populations across these regions. The manifesto stresses that environmental degradation and economic inequality are closely connected challenges that require coordinated global action.
According to the bishops, communities across the Global South are already experiencing the serious consequences of rising temperatures, environmental degradation, and unstable climate patterns. The document states that climate change cannot be viewed only as an environmental problem but must also be understood as a moral and social crisis rooted in unsustainable models of production and consumption. The bishops argue that economic systems driven by excessive resource extraction and energy dependence have intensified inequality while threatening the dignity and security of vulnerable populations. They warn that these patterns of development are contributing to a wider crisis that affects peace, stability, and the wellbeing of entire societies.
The manifesto highlights scientific findings that identify the continued burning of coal, oil, and natural gas as a central driver of global warming. Church leaders point out that the expansion of fossil fuel production risks worsening climate impacts that are already being felt in many parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In their message, the bishops urge governments to move beyond voluntary commitments and instead adopt an international framework that would guide the gradual and equitable phase out of fossil fuels. Such an agreement, they say, should prioritize the protection of workers, communities, and countries that depend heavily on fossil fuel industries.
Grounded in the principles of Catholic social teaching, the bishops frame their appeal as a moral responsibility rooted in care for creation and solidarity with the poor. They emphasize that a just transition must ensure that economic reforms do not deepen existing inequalities but instead create opportunities for sustainable development and environmental protection. The bishops reaffirm the Church’s commitment to what Catholic teaching describes as the preferential option for the poor, encouraging policies that place vulnerable communities at the center of global climate strategies. According to the document, the transition to renewable energy must be designed in a way that respects human dignity and promotes social justice.
The proposed Fossil Fuel Treaty outlined in the manifesto would complement existing international climate agreements by directly addressing the production of fossil fuels rather than focusing only on emissions reductions. The document suggests that governments should end new exploration and expansion of coal, oil, and gas while gradually reducing existing production in a way that balances environmental responsibility with economic stability. Church leaders argue that such an approach would help prevent the most severe consequences of climate change while creating a pathway toward renewable energy systems that support long term sustainability.
The bishops also warn that continued reliance on fossil fuels carries geopolitical risks that extend beyond environmental damage. According to the manifesto, competition for energy resources has contributed to global tensions and conflicts in several regions. Church leaders point to strategic energy corridors and resource rich territories that have become focal points of political and military disputes. These dynamics, they argue, demonstrate how dependence on fossil fuels can intensify instability and place additional pressure on vulnerable economies that rely heavily on imported energy supplies.
Concerns about the global energy system have also been echoed by Catholic organizations working at the national level. In the Philippines, the Church’s social action network has warned that the global dependence on fossil fuels exposes many developing countries to economic shocks and geopolitical instability. Church leaders there note that reliance on imported coal, oil, and gas leaves nations vulnerable to fluctuations in international energy markets and conflicts affecting key transportation routes. They emphasize that transitioning to renewable energy could strengthen national resilience while reducing exposure to external disruptions.
Looking ahead to upcoming international climate negotiations, the bishops urge governments to incorporate clear fossil fuel phase out strategies into their national climate commitments. They call for stronger international cooperation to ensure that the transition toward renewable energy is implemented in a coordinated and equitable manner. The manifesto concludes with an appeal for global solidarity, inviting political leaders, civil society groups, and people of goodwill to work together in protecting the planet and supporting communities most affected by environmental change.
