Young people join together for first interfaith climate lobby of Parliament

A group of young people representing different religions have joined together as the first interfaith lobby of Parliament calling for action to be taken on the changing climate. Nearly 30 youth representatives from CAFOD, Christian Aid, World Jewish Relief, Islamic Relief, and MADE in Europe travelled to Parliament as part of the #FaithOnClimate lobby on Wednesday 25 March and questioned MPs from various parties about what action they are taking to tackle climate change.

The politicians encouraged the young people to continue to put pressure on political leaders, with Rushanara Ali, MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, describing climate change as "the issue of our century."

Maria Elena Arana from CAFOD said: "We're delighted that so many young people from different religious backgrounds came together to raise such an important issue with their political representatives just weeks before the general election. "The people we're working with overseas tell us that the changing climate is impacting upon their communities, livelihoods, and homes. Our young people recognise that we must stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers around the world by calling for all countries to agree to cut carbon emissions and by ensuring that everyone has access to clean and sustainable energy."

CAFOD supporter Amber Hill, who turns 18 on election day, said: "I'm really looking forward to the election. It's a pivotal election, not just for me - turning 18 on the day - but for the whole UK. It could have a really dramatic impact on my future. Climate change is one of the issues that matters most to me. I find it amazing that we haven't done as much as we should have. I think it's important to get as many people out of poverty as possible as a result of focusing on climate change.

"My message to young people who have the opportunity to vote for the first time is to make sure you're registered, otherwise you can't vote! And then definitely make sure you vote for who you want to - no one else will find out who you vote for."

CAFOD's 'One Climate, One World' campaign is calling on party leaders to secure an ambitious global deal to cut polluting fossil fuels and to move towards sustainable energy for everyone. The agency is arguing that climate change, which scientists believe with 95 per cent certainty is being driven by human activity, is the biggest threat to tackling poverty worldwide - and is already affecting communities both overseas and in the UK.