|PIC1|The UN Secretary General has called on people of faith to lead the way in sustainable living and protecting the planet.

Speaking at a major climate change conference in Windsor Castle on Tuesday, Ban Ki-Moon said the potential impact of the world’s major faiths on mitigating dangerous climate change was “enormous”.

Addressing climate change was, he continued, an inter-generational and moral issue that could lay the foundation for peace and security for generations to come.

“That is why the voices, deeds and the teachings of the world’s faith groups are so vitally important.”

Mr Ban was addressing hundreds of representatives of the world’s major faiths at the conference, hosted by the Alliance of Religion and Conservations. The gathering comes just weeks before world leaders are due to discuss climate change at a major UN summit in Copenhagen in December.

He said governments needed to agree a climate deal that was “comprehensive, equitable and ambitious” and which committed countries to a long-term goal that would limit the increase in global temperature to “safe levels consistent with science”. Scientists have recommended that wealthy nations cut greenhouse emissions by between 25 to 40 per cent by 2020.

“I have called on the industrialised countries to take the first steps,” said Mr Ban. “Equity and historical responsibility require no less. But all countries must do more. Every country must be part of the solution.

“Political leaders must understand that the public expects action - now. Faith communities can help communicate this message.”

He acknowledged the huge reach of faith groups, who reach millions of young people around the world with their youth organisations, publish more weekly magazines and newspapers than the entire secular press in the EU, and who make up the third largest category of investors in the world.

“You can establish green religious buildings. Invest ethically in sustainable products. Purchase only environmentally-friendly goods.

“You can set an example for the lifestyles of billions of people.

“Your actions can encourage political leaders to act more boldly in protecting people and the planet … You can - and do - inspire people to change.”

He ended his address with a call to people of faith to pray for a “fair, balanced and effective way forward”.

During the three-day conference, also attended by the Duke of Edinburgh, faith groups launched seven-year strategies to curb dangerous climate change.

The Church of England strategy sets out its aim to reduce its carbon emissions by 42 per cent by 2020 and by 80 per cent by 2050. It also encourages tree planting and ‘eco-twinning’ between UK and developing world parishes that are already encountering the effects of climate change.

The plan was launched in collaboration with the WWF. Oliver Smith, deputy director of programmes at WWF UK and a trustee of the Arthur Rank Centre, praised the Church of England for leading the way on climate change.

"At a time when the negotiations in Copenhagen are at the front of our minds, it's heartening to see that a major institution such as the Church of England is taking a lead in a way that our government and the other nations could learn from,” he said.

"The faiths have taken a moral stance, committing themselves to action whatever the outcome in Copenhagen.

“WWF-UK is proud to have been a sponsor and contributor to this plan and we look forward to working with the Church of England over the coming years as the plans are implemented."