Climate Advocates Urge Pope to End Oil and Gas Development in DRC
Climate activists are urging a halt to oil and gas exploration in the Democratic Republic of Congo and seeking the Pope’s support during his visit to the country.
They are opposing activities in Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest park, as well as government plans to auction oil blocks in sensitive areas.
The activists believe that oil exploration poses serious risks to the environment, wildlife, and local communities. Pope Francis, who is known for advocating for environmental justice and calling for a transition to renewable energy, is on a four-day visit to the country.
Bonaventure Bondo, a climate activist in Kinshasa, (DRC), expressed concern over the government’s promotion of fossil fuel exploration in the country.
This approach will result in significant harm to the environment, wildlife, communities, and climate. Protected areas, including Virunga National Park and the Congo Basin, are under threat from oil and gas exploration.
The urgency to shift to renewable energy and address global heating is crucial, making the need to halt these fossil fuel projects and prioritize renewable energy imperative. Bondo appeals to Pope Francis to engage with the government on this crucial matter.
And Ashley Kitisya, a Fossil Fuel Free Campaigner with the Laudato Si Movement, references Pope Francis’ message in Laudato Si, calling for policies to drastically reduce the emission of pollutants and transition to renewable energy sources.
The continued exploration of oil and gas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will result in further climate catastrophes that will have a disproportionate impact on the poor.
Kitisya advocates for ending actions that prioritize profits for a few individuals, and instead supports a transition to clean, renewable energy that prioritizes the needs of local communities and economies.
