We, the undersigned global Jewish organizations, leaders, and communities, unite to call upon the world’s governments, gathered at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, to make urgent, ambitious, and just progress in addressing the existential climate and nature crisis.

1. Our imperative

The crisis of climate change and biodiversity loss is not only a scientific and political challenge but a profound moral and spiritual one. Our ancient tradition offers an essential rationale for immediate and decisive action:

• Guarding God’s World (Shmirat HaTeva): Humanity was placed in the Garden of Eden “to serve it and to guard it” (Genesis 2:15). This charge establishes us as caretakers (shomrim), not owners, of the Earth. The destruction of biodiversity and the degradation of the climate violate the principle of Bal Tashchit—the prohibition against needless destruction and waste. Yishuv Ha’Olam, the imperative to protect the rich tapestry that provides for the needs for all life on Earth, is a sacred duty.
• Heal our Fractured World (Tikkun Olam): Our tradition calls us to engage in Tikkun Olam, the repair and improvement of our fractured world. Today, this work demands a comprehensive societal shift to uphold justice, equity, and sustainability. The climate crisis disproportionately harms the poorest and most vulnerable, making climate action an urgent matter of social and global justice. We must act to ensure that all people can thrive and access the resources necessary for a dignified life, now and in future.
• “Choose Life” (Uvacharta BaChayim): The Torah commands us to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19). The climate and nature crisis is an existential threat to human civilization and God’s creation, jeopardizing the very possibility of human survival. We recall the covenant God made with Noah, promising to never again destroy all life on Earth, and recognize that we now hold the power—and therefore the moral responsibility—to prevent a self-inflicted catastrophe. Choosing life today means rapidly phasing out fossil fuels, reducing single-use plastic production, protecting critical ecosystems, recognizing environmental health as a fundamental human right and securing a safe, thriving planet for all.

2. Our call

The accelerating climate and nature crisis is a universal concern that transcends borders, faith, and creed. Its impacts are already a driver of international instability, displacement, resource conflicts, and humanitarian disaster. Failure to act now imperils the security and well-being of every nation and community today and for generations to come.

We call on all Parties at COP30 to deliver meaningful commitments that will:

• Set rapid, science-based targets to limit global warming to well below 2°C, continuing to strive for 1.5°C
• Protect and restore the world’s natural ecosystems, which are the foundation of life and resilience
  
• Guarantee adequate finance and support to vulnerable countries and communities who bear the brunt of climate impacts
  
• Strengthen mechanisms for international cooperation that ensure climate justice for everyone, and intergenerational equity

The choices made at COP30 will shape the destiny of humanity. We implore negotiators to put aside short-term interests and act for our collective future. 

In particular, COP30 must be a pivotal moment for translating commitments into concrete, financed action. 

We call for the finalization of an ambitious and equitable new collective quantified goal on Climate Finance (NCQG) that significantly exceeds previous pledges. This goal must secure the necessary resources—in the form of grants, not debt-inducing loans—for developing nations to effectively pursue both ambitious mitigation (emissions reduction) and urgent adaptation and Loss and Damage responses. A just financial commitment at COP30 is indispensable for rebuilding international trust, accelerating the global energy transition, and ensuring a resilient future for all.

3. Our commitment

We, the undersigned organizations, commit ourselves to this global cause, inspired by our Jewish heritage and united by a shared purpose.

Brought together by Global Jewry, our coalition includes: Adamah (USA), Aytzim (USA), Dayenu (USA), EcoJudaism (UK), Eco-Ocean (Israel), Jewish Climate Network (Australia), Jewish Climate Trust (North America and Israel), Jewish Earth Alliance (USA), Jewish Eco Seminars (Israel), Chaim v’Sviva – Life and Environment (Israel), Repair the Sea – Tikkun HaYam (USA) and Teva Ivri (Israel).