More than 700 people gathered in Fremantle today have sent a clear message to Canberra: act now for climate justice as Pacific churches and communities mobilise ahead of COP31.
Members of the Fijian National Conference of the Uniting Church in Australia unfurled a large 'Climate Justice Now' banner at the gathering, standing in solidarity with their brothers and sisters hosting the pre-COP31 conference in Fiji.
The group called on Australia to use its COP31 leadership to advance a fair and planned transition away from coal, oil and gas, strengthen climate finance and responses to loss and damage, and support international cooperation for a just transition with the eventual aim of ending dependency on fossil fuels.
Chairperson of the Uniting Church in Australia's Fijian National Conference, Rev Viniana Rokomasi Ravetali, said the scale of the Fremantle gathering showed the strength and urgency of the message.
"More than 700 of us have gathered here in Fremantle, and together we are sending a clear message: climate justice is needed now,' Rev Ravetali said.
"As we unfurl this banner, our hearts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters across the Pacific who are raising their voices for the future of our islands, our oceans and our communities.'
"Climate change is not a distant or abstract concern for Pacific peoples. Its impacts are being experienced in our communities now. We stand with our Pacific church leaders in calling on Australia and the world to act with greater urgency, justice and courage."
Pacific communities are already confronting rising seas, coastal erosion, threats to food and water security, damage to livelihoods and displacement. Climate-related loss can also threaten culture, spirituality, identity, ancestry, sovereignty and belonging.
The Conference backed calls to keep the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5C alive, recognise the critical relationship between ocean and climate, increase accessible climate finance and ensure responses to climate-related displacement are dignified, rights-based, culturally appropriate and community-led.
It also affirmed the leadership of Pacific women, young people and communities, and the importance of locally led responses including food and water security, disaster preparedness, women's safety, local-language climate education and protection of cultural knowledge.
"Pacific peoples are not simply experiencing the consequences of climate change. Our communities, churches, women and young people are leading solutions grounded in generations of knowledge, faith and relationship with the ocean and the land,' Rev Ravetali said.
"We call on Australia to listen to that leadership and ensure Pacific priorities help shape the decisions made at COP31."
The action reflects the Uniting Church's commitment to stand alongside Pacific neighbours, listen to Pacific churches and communities, and amplify their leadership.
"From Fremantle to Fiji, Tuvalu and across the Blue Pacific, we stand together in hope. Our message is simple: Climate Justice Now."
