Karenna Gore Calls for Climate Action at the Parliament of the World’s Religions
On Thursday, August 17, CEE Founder and Executive Director Karenna Gore addressed the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Each summer, the Parliament brings together religious and spiritual leaders, practitioners and organizations committed to justice, peace and sustainability. Held in Chicago from August 14-18, this year’s Parliament convened thousands of attendees representing over 200 diverse belief systems from more than 80 nations. Organized around the theme “A Call to Conscience: Defending Freedom & Human Rights,” the event placed a powerful emphasis on climate action and the moral imperative to address the climate crisis.
Gore addressed the Climate Action Assembly II, a plenary session on the main stage. She spoke alongside prominent leaders, including Bishop Marc Andrus, Brother Benedict Ayodi of Franciscans International/Laudato Si Movement, Sir Partha Dasgupta, Frank Ramsey Emeritus Professor of Economics at the University of Cambridge, The Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley, journalist and broadcaster Robin Robinson, and Robby Romero, United Nations Ambassador of Youth for the Environment.
In her remarks, Ms. Gore called for a reimagining of our relationship with “time, place and being.” She urged the audience to “reconnect to the ecosystem you live in—the water, the soil, the plant, and the animals—and honor the Spirits of Nature in whatever way your tradition affords you.” She also highlighted the interconnectedness of environmental justice and human rights, noting that “caring about environmental justice is a form of self-care—and it is also climate action.”
Caring about environmental justice is a form of self-care—and it is also climate action.
She emphasized the urgency of the energy transition, stating, “If you or your faith community have money invested in the fossil fuel industry, move it now. Divest.” She also underscored the importance of thinking long-term, urging attendees to “make every big decision today with seven generations in the future in mind.”
Ms. Gore also joined the panel “Faith-based Divestment from Fossil Fuels,” moderated by environmentalist David Hales. The discussion highlighted the critical role of faith communities in divesting from fossil fuels and reinvesting in sustainable alternatives.
