The Ecumenical Network for Climate Justice (ÖNK) unites church institutions that advocate for climate justice and social justice. It promotes exchange, provides information, and supports campaigns to shape a sustainable and solidarity-based future.
The Ecumenical Network Climate Justice (ÖNK) is a comprehensive alliance of church institutions that has been committed to climate justice, environmental protection, and social justice since its founding in 2018.
The main mission of the ÖNK is to strengthen the church's commitment to climate justice in the church, politics, and society. The network is based on the Christian perspective of shared responsibility for creation and aims to shape a solidarity-based future for all. Central values include promoting a low-carbon development, climate and resource protection, as well as increasing resilience and adaptability to the impacts of climate change[2][3].
The ÖNK emphasizes the close connection between the climate crisis and issues of justice in spatial and temporal terms. It demands that the responsibility for climate change be borne according to the polluter pays principle and that industrialized countries must take concrete measures to reduce resource consumption and promote sustainable practices. Intergenerational justice and responsibility for the environment are at the forefront[3].
The ÖNK includes around 90 members from Protestant, Catholic, and free church institutions, ranging from regional churches and dioceses to congregations and grassroots initiatives. The coordinator positions and the network are funded by Protestant and Catholic sponsors and organizations. Collaboration with other local and international NGOs enhances the influence and impact of the network[2].
