While the UK backed ambitious plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Germany earlier this month, the Christian group said the recent publication of the government's long-awaited Clean Growth Strategy revealed that UK policies will not cut emissions fast enough.
Paul Parker, Recording Clerk for Quakers in Britain said: "Whilst communities at home and overseas are already facing the impacts of climate change, the UK risks falling well short of its obligations to cut emissions."
"We all share a real concern on the state of our oceans and the relationship this has to our efforts with #ClimateChange" - @FijiAG on the #OceanPathway Partnership launched at #COP23 https://t.co/j6121rWFBx
— COP23 (@COP23) November 22, 2017
The climate deal requires international cooperation to keep global warming to well below 2°C above preindustrial levels by the end of the century, and to pursue efforts to limit this further to 1.5°C.
Quakers in Britain said the inclusion of the 1.5°C target reflected the growing recognition that 2°C still poses the threat of extensive sea level rises, crop failures and extended heat waves around the world.
Parker said in a statement that people of faith should be concerned if the UK undermines its global commitment to the Paris climate deal.
He added: "As people of faith, we call on the government to redress this injustice.
"The government is right to seek leadership in UN climate negotiations.
"But this must be founded on real action at home.
"This is about integrity."
