Dear COP26 Negotiator,

Thank you for your leadership as you represent your country at COP26 during this critical moment for Earth’s history. Your work at this meeting to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change is greatly appreciated by the people you represent and all citizens of the world.

You are receiving this communication on behalf of 24 Hours for the Climate, a global vigil hosted by a group of 30+ participating Catholic organisations. The twenty-four-hour vigil for Catholics and people of faith to pray and advocate for the success of COP26 took place 5-6 November 2021, and it convened more than 1,993 people from around the world. During our global event, we collected “climate stories” from 22 countries from around the world. We hope that through these stories, you are able “to hear the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor” (as Pope Francis often says), and listen to the realities of the many people who are already feeling the impacts of the climate crisis. In solidarity with those who shared their stories with us, we feel called to advocate for the protection of God’s creation, marginalised communities, and future generations.

24 Hours for the Climate then is asking you and all COP26 negotiators to work tirelessly and decisively to:

1. stop all fossil fuel extraction by 2040,

2. protect and restore ecosystems, and

3. provide financial support to developing countries to ensure they can adapt and respond to climate change.

These actions are urgently needed and critical for the future of our planet. As Pope Francis said in his letter to COP26 negotiators, “Now is the time to act, urgently, courageously and responsibly. Not least, to prepare a future in which our human family will be in a position to care for itself and for the natural environment.” We thank you again for your hard work and dedication at COP26.

On Page 3 of this letter, we have included some of the “climate stories” we received, in order to bring the voices of those most affected by climate change to your decision-making. We are all counting on your leadership to protect our common home.