This session is the Thematic Panel as scheduled in the WSF website, between 9.00-11.00, on the topics Climate Justice, Ecology, Just Transitions, Habitat, and Sustainable Development.  This will be organically organised by a number of organisations who are working /interested in this topic.  There will be many planning meetings called for all those are interested in this theme /TCS 7 to select speakrs and agree on the format.  This event will set the tone for the many self organised activities around this TCS7 and possibly a statement can be issued by this thematic panel, that could be read out at the Square of Statement on the last day, 19 February.   The co-organisers list will be added after the first meeting of TCS 7 on 23rd January. 

The following description explains this theme, as mentioned on the WSF website under this theme: 

The climate crisis which poses a threat to human existence has been the result of excess use of fossil fuels, extractive-based model, and unsustainable models of development. The climate crisis is and will be destructing the ecology, habitat, and civilization as many of the countries in global south are victims of multiple crises arising from the climate emergencies. Addressing this requires energy transformation, an adopted model of development that is more sustainable and is for people and the planet. Climate change is an issue of our generation that needs collective planning and approaches to address it. Thus, World Social Forum 2024 will provide organizers a platform where they could contribute to the vital discussions and collective action required to tackle these pressing issues and build a resilient and harmonious world for future generations.

World Social Forum 2024, Nepal

Statement on Climate Justice, Ecology, Just Transitions, Habitat and Sustainable Development

We, the thematic panel on Climate Justice, Ecology, Just Transitions, Habitat and Sustainable Development met on the 16^th of February in Kathmandu, at the World Social Forum 2024.

We Discerned

That we are in the midst of a climate catastrophe whose roots lie in an unsustainable economic model that seeks profit for a few through the exploitation of people and the earth. The excessive use of fossil fuel, extractive mining, for-profit models of agriculture other destructive practices has resulted in a rising and unchecked CO2 levels, degradation of soil, loss of bio-diversity, loss of usable water resources, loss of habitat for both human and animal life, increase in extreme weather incidents, rising sea levels and causing irreversible damage to the people and planet. .

 We recognize

That humans are not separated from Nature. All species have value by themselves, and not only for the use or profit of  humans. Right of Nature, must be implemented. The notion of anthropocentrism needs to be challenged.

That the impact of climate change is felt most by vulnerable communities on our planet, particularly women, children and those belonging to marginal communities. At the same time it also continues to threaten the whole eco system.

The continuing and worsening inequality caused by capitalism, in which a few own and control most of the resources and pocket the profit leaving a vast majority of the world impoverished, means that the  poor will face the worst ravages of climate change while the rich will sequester themselves away in their bunkers or in their yachts.

Competition over resources has led to conflict in local, regional and global levels causing resulting in increasing violence, militarization and war.

Global unjust debt of poorer countries has contributed to the climate crisis by demanding the opening up of the markets and resources of debt-ridden countries through structural adjustment requirements.

In the meantime, several millions are forced to leave their traditional homelands to migrate as climate refugees or due to the increasing violence and conflict over resources.

We further recognize that mechanisms to mitigate the impact of climate change or even address its root causes without addressing just transitions only serves to make vulnerable communities including workers even more vulnerable and therefore there is a need of just transitions.

We also recognize the climate change problem created by excessive fossil fuel, synthetic chemicals, and pesticides. There is a nexus between climate change, water and food. Therefore a holistic approach is needed to address climate change.

Since 2001, beginning of the WSF and earlier, we have been calling for a  change of  the current model of neo-liberal  economic globalisation and the so-called development model. Another world is possible but we  urge for another world now ! . We call all the individuals , communities and states with solidarity to come forward and be the voice of change.

Thus we call for

An economic model that has at its heart the care and concern for the most vulnerable and is directed towards meeting their needs first instead of the profit of a few.

A reinvigoration of indigenous and community-based knowledge and their participation for the revitalization of water and soil resources.

Just taxation that taxes the wealthy (according to the Picketty calls) and the abolishing of global tax avoidance mechanisms.

An implementation of a ‘polluters pay’ policy as an interim mechanism while attempting to avoid the financialization of pollution.

A collective action on preventing climate justice through awareness and capacity building for all.

The cancellation of debt.

The rights of nature to be respected and implemented. Movements like Ecocide laws to be adopted and implemented by all countries.

We commit to

Global solidarity for climate justice and working with global organisations and movements that are working to alleviate and mitigate the crisis

Listening to and learning from the wisdom of those most effected by climate catastrophe including women and indigenous people

Organising and mass mobilisation for sustainable development and alternative economic models.

Act and engage all gender identities, indigenous peoples and minority to the decision making processes of climate resilience.

Continue to engage in our joint struggle for this nexus with a justice perspective in many possible platforms, including  within the umbrella of the WSF TCS7 (Theme 11).

Signatory organisations:

1.    World Council of Churches

2.            World Communion of Reformed Churches

3.            INHURED, Nepal

4.            India Peace Center

5.         Faith and Justice Network

6.   Pax Romana - IMCS Asia Pacific

7.         Alliance of Agriculture for Food

8. Calcutta Ondoan NGO, BASQUE Country, Spain.

9. Rede de Mulheres Ambientalistas da América Latina

10. Rede Brasileira de Educação Ambiental ( Brasil)

11. GEEMA - Grupo de Estudos em Educação e Meio Ambiente do Rio de Janeiro ( Brasil)

12. Tarun Bharat Sangh

13. Jal Biradari

14. People’s World Commission on Flood and Drought

(More signatures are collected on paper and will be updated here soon)