Conference of the Parties (Cop) 28 in Pope Francis’ Ecological Inclusivity Framework

Abstract

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is an essential body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that aims to radically cut emissions, expedite the shift to renewable energy, and, as much as possible, avoid fossil fuels to limit global warming to 1.5 °C and below. The study intends to unravel how international politics posed a major challenge in its history for 28 years. Using Pope Francis’ integral ecology framework, the research identifies ways to address this issue that can raise awareness to mitigate the problem of implementing its goals due to such power dynamics. As qualitative research using documentary analysis, this employs a triangulation method that involves primary sources on the proceedings of the conference, writings of Pope Francis on the environment, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals agenda. The scope of the study is within the ambit of how the haggles of international politics, resulting in slowing the realization of COP’s goals, have been challenged by Pope Francis’ integral ecology paradigm. In COP28, rich nations committed to cooperating and even led the implementation. However, their lifestyle and lack of politics will obstruct and slow down the process. Pope Francis noticed this gap and urged world leaders to go beyond their national interests and work for our common home. Pope Francis advocated for social justice, where the poor are prioritized in the impact of climate change. His words are targeting world leaders to influence their decision- making. If given the chance, his integral ecology framework may serve as a guiding wisdom to put into reality the COP aspirations to save Mother Earth.