News
The 2050Today Initiative is a Geneva-based climate action forum where institutions of International Geneva come together to tackle climate change by measurably reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Pillay shared the history of the WCC of reflecting on sustainability in relation to poverty since the early 1970s—long before the concept gained currency in international politics and business. At the WCC 5th Assembly in Nairobi in 1975, the WCC called for a “Just, Participatory and Sustainable Society” and helped to catapult the notion of sustainability into the global sphere.
Pillay also discussed resources the WCC has prepared for member churches to continue to nurture a care-for-creation ethos.
Related to the WCC’s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint to net zero by 2030, Pillay offered an update on the Green Village real estate project – the first Geneva property development with the "One Planet Living” label.
“Our faith compels us to act to reduce our carbon footprint and to realise the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius,” said Pillay. “Through the Green Village and other initiatives, the WCC regards sustainability as urgently needed in the current climate crisis.”
Athena Peralta, director of the WCC's Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development, also took part of the meeting.
