Leaders from the Catholic Church in the Philippines on Tuesday, Dec. 12, are urging global leaders to make a "strong" decision to phase out fossil fuels and prioritize the well-being of people at the COP 28 climate talks in Dubai.

“Thousands of us came to COP28 with the hope that it will deliver the climate action we all so desperately seek. But the latest Global Stocktake is crushing that hope,” Bishop Gerry Alminaza, Chair of the National Laudato Si’ Program said.

“Now is their chance to make the courageous decision to pursue the global common good above their national interests. Our time is running out!” he added.

It said that the call comes after a new draft text for the Global Stocktake (GST) was released, which significantly weakens the language on the urgency of transitioning to clean energy and phasing out fossil fuels.

The GST is a vital part of the climate conference, as it sees “taking stock of climate action and gaps to keep global temperature rise from going beyond the Paris Agreement goal of 1.5°C or the less ambitious two °C.”

However, the new text was met with widespread disappointment from civil society groups and several countries, including the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), which vowed not to sign what they call a “death warrant.”

This call for decisive action also resonates with Pope Francis’ recent Apostolic Exhortation, where he expressed hope that COP28 would be a turning point to a substantial acceleration of the energy transition.

“This conference can represent a change of direction, showing that everything done since 1992 was, in fact, serious and worth the effort, or else it will be a great disappointment and jeopardize whatever good has been achieved thus far,” he said.

On the other hand, Fr. Edwin Gariguez, a Goldman Prize awardee and lead convenor of the Protect Verde Island Passage (Protect VIP) network in the Philippines, shared his personal experience living on the frontlines of fossil fuel expansion.

He stressed that world leaders must consider the best interests of people and nature when making final decisions.

Moreover, Gariguez pointed out that “the earlier phase out fossil fuels, the earlier our communities will be free from their deadly impacts, and our waters and seas can recuperate from pollution.”

“A phaseout of all fossil fuels will help ensure that generations to come can have a fighting chance and ensure the survival and sustainability of all Creation,” he added.

For the background, COP28 is the 28th annual United Nations (UN) climate meeting where governments discuss limiting and preparing for future climate change.

The summit is held in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), from Nov. 30 until Dec. 12.