Muslim Council of Britain welcomes COP26: The time for action is now

STATEMENT

The Muslim Council of Britain welcomes the start of the UN Climate Change Conference, COP26, taking place in Glasgow from Sunday, 31st October to 12th November. World leaders, campaigners, activists and industry representatives are set to gather to discuss commitments from previous accords and a vision for 2050. As such, the conference represents a critical opportunity in global efforts to avert climate catastrophe. 

COP26 will also be coinciding with the beginning of Interfaith Week 2021, traditionally a time for faith groups to come together and celebrate the diversity of belief and culture in the UK.  This year, different faith communities will be reaffirming their commitment to preserving our shared home – coming together to promote environmental sustainability and climate action at a grassroots level across the UK.   

MCB Secretary-General Zara Mohammed said: 

“Environmental sustainability, reducing wastefulness and showing kindness to living beings are integral concepts in Islam. 

“Muslim communities in the UK are becoming increasingly engaged in climate action; be it projects aimed at promoting environmental sustainability within Mosque communities, reducing waste and promoting greater awareness of climate justice in collaboration with partners from different faith and community groups. 

“COP26 is an opportunity for world leaders to turn words into  meaningful action. This opportunity must be used to make the strides necessary to avert the climate catastrophe we are facing. The time for action is now; we owe it to our future generations.”  

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. For any media enquiries, please contact: [email protected]  
2. The MCB has issued a joint statement alongside national Muslim groups in the UK and Ireland calling for climate action at COP26 – see here.
3. The MCB is a signatory to The Climate Climate Coalition’s open letter to PM Boris Johnson  ahead of COP26 – see here.
4. The Muslim Council of Britain is the UK’s largest Muslim umbrella body with over 500 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and professional networks.