Members of the Australian Religious Response Climate Change (ARRCC) met in Coronation Park on Tuesday to discuss their beliefs on the future of renewable energy in the region.

The meeting is a part of a nationwide multi-faith Week of Action, running between 14 - 24 September and calls upon people of all faiths to advocate for federal investments in clean energy.

The Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane, Jeremy Greaves has called for a stop to government investment in fossil fuel industries.

“We must stop giving around $11 billion of public money annually to the coal and gas industries. They have enough of their own.”

State and federal governments spent an enormous $14.5 billion on subsidies to fossil fuel producers and major users last financial year.

The federal government election will be taking place this time next year, and ARRCC hope their advocacy will result in decision-makers transitioning away from fossil fuels.

“We are in a climate crisis in Australia and globally people are dying, losing their homes and livelihoods because of floods, fires and droughts,” says Rabbi Jonathan Keren-Black OAM.

The turbulent climate debate has been front and centre after the offshore wind zone was declared between Wombarra and Kiama in June of this year.

Religious figures around the world are taking a public stance on the climate crisis, most notably Pope Francis’ declaration of Vatican City’s plans to run entirely on renewable energy. 

The Dalai Lama recently declared he would back an environmental party if he were to vote in an election.

“There is nothing sacred or holy about this. Taking care of our planet is like taking care of our houses.”