A bold stand for the planet: 62 faith institutions unite to divest from fossil fuels.
In a powerful display of climate leadership, 62 faith-based organizations have taken a monumental step towards a fossil-free future. On November 18, 2025, these institutions, including Catholic dioceses, religious orders, and banks, announced their decision to divest from fossil fuel companies. This move sends a clear message to negotiators at the UN climate summit in Brazil, emphasizing the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels due to their detrimental impacts on climate, biodiversity, and human rights.
The list of divesting institutions is diverse, spanning across continents. Notably, a Catholic diocese in Canada has made history by becoming the first in the country to divest from fossil fuels. This decision carries significant weight, especially considering Canada's role, alongside the US, Australia, and Norway, in driving fossil fuel expansion since the Paris Agreement. These four nations have collectively increased fossil fuel production by nearly 40% since 2015, while the rest of the world has seen a combined 2% decrease.
In Italy, where extreme weather events like heatwaves, wildfires, and floods have become increasingly common, the calls for divestment from Catholic bishops and the Community of the Diaconate are particularly poignant. Their actions demonstrate a strong commitment within the Italian Catholic Church to phase out fossil fuels.
The Catholic Church's leadership extends beyond Italy. The Jesuit Central European Province, covering Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Lithuania, and Latvia, has announced full divestment from fossil fuel companies. Additionally, Pax-Bank für Kirche und Caritas and Steyler Bank, both based in Germany, have followed suit.
Pope Leo XIV, in his address at the 'Raising Hope' Conference in Italy, reiterated the need for bold and coordinated climate action. He urged institutions and individuals to take responsibility and shape a just future. His words resonated with Church leaders across the Global South, who have been advocating for an end to fossil fuels and transformative action rooted in dignity, solidarity, and justice.
The global impact of these faith-based divestments is significant. More than 1,700 institutions, managing over $40 trillion in assets, have committed to some form of fossil fuel divestment. Faith groups have been at the forefront of this movement, with over 600 faith institutions worldwide divesting their investments. Religious institutions collectively manage $3 trillion in investments globally, and they are not only divesting from fossil fuels but also calling on governments and banks to do the same and increase investment in clean energy.
The leadership shown by faith groups at COP30 in Brazil is a stark contrast to the actions of major oil and gas companies. Recently, a Paris court ruled that TotalEnergies, a French oil giant, had misled consumers by claiming to be a leader in the energy transition while continuing to produce more fossil fuels. Total's involvement in the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline project, which would exacerbate the climate crisis and harm vulnerable communities and ecosystems, has drawn criticism. Additionally, the company's decision to restart the controversial Mozambique LNG project, despite an ongoing investigation into a massacre at the Mozambique gas plant, has raised further concerns.
A recent report by Urgewald reveals that the fossil fuel industry is planning a 33% short-term expansion compared to 2021, the year the International Energy Agency (IEA) stated that no new oil and gas fields were necessary to meet demand in a 1.5°C world. The report highlights ExxonMobil, Chevron, CNPC, and Petrobras' plans to drill for oil and gas in a sensitive area of the Amazon River, recently permitted by the Brazilian government.
But here's where it gets controversial: As global governments' Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) continue to fall short, people of faith are taking matters into their own hands through People's Determined Contributions (PDCs). The leadership of faith groups is a powerful force, adding to the growing calls to bring an end to the fossil fuel era.
What are your thoughts on this movement? Do you think faith institutions have a crucial role to play in shaping a sustainable future? Share your opinions in the comments below!
