Youth, faith key to environmental protection

"The world needs more of your prophetic witness to denounce the intergenerational injustice underway and demonstrate that change is possible," he said.

Turkson added special attention should be given to protecting the rights of indigenous communities, who usually are the peoples inhabiting the most biodiverse regions of the planet.

"Although they represent only 5 percent of the world's population, they look after about 22 percent of the earth's landmass. Living in areas such as the Amazon and the Arctic, they help protect approximately 80 percent of the planet's biodiversity," he said.

Turkson said the protection of natural habitats and indigenous peoples stands a meaningful chance of being enshrined at the upcoming China summit on biodiversity, but vocal support is needed from all sectors of society.

He said the church is committed to playing its part in raising awareness and advocating for action, while accompanying local communities with their struggles on the ground.

Both Msuya and Turkson expressed their worries that the limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius increase in warming set out in the Paris Climate Agreement is fast approaching.

"We're seeing devastating floods, prolonged droughts, rapid melting in the Arctic, and scientists tell us one million species are at risk of extinction. These are all critical warning signs of an urgent and undeniable truth — our planet is sick," Msuya said.

Turkson added the planet is quickly approaching a breaking point, and the threshold must not be trespassed.

He said an increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius is the last chance to save all those countries, and many millions of vulnerable people who live in coastal regions.

"We cannot allow this injustice to occur. Those who contributed the least to this crisis should not be the ones paying the highest price. We should not dishonor our creator by throwing away the precious gift of creation we received," he said.

He noted any true transformation will be possible only with a true ecological conversion — a true change of heart as individuals and communities.