The eyes of the world are on Copenhagen this week as representatives of the world’s governments gather to negotiate a new climate treaty. The urgency of a comprehensive, fair and effective treaty to protect the living planet has never been greater.

The world's major faiths have already created their own 'climate treaty' which they presented to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the Windsor Celebration three weeks ago in the shape of long-term action plans on the environment.

On behalf of the nine major faiths - Baha'ism, Buddhism, Christianity, Daoism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shintoism and Sikhism - ARC invites the governments of the worlds to reflect on what the faiths are saying on the environment and invites them to join the faiths on the journey towards a more sustainable and just future.

Responding to the religions' commitment, Mr Ban said faith communities had a major role to play in mobilising people for change: "You can - and do - inspire people for change."

And UN Assistant Secretary-General Olav Kjorven said, joined together, the world's faiths could become the planet's largest civil society movement for change and "the decisive force that helps tip the scales in favour of a world of climate safety and justice for future generations".

Please see attached for more details of the faith commitments. And for further information, please call Victoria Finlay, ARC communications director, on 01225 758004, or Susie Weldon, ARC media team, on 01225 758004; 0797 0466 830.