Islamic leaders from 20 countries launched a Climate Change Declaration yesterday in Istanbul, Turkey.

They are calling on wealthy nations to rapidly phase-out fossil fuels and switch to 100% renewable energy.

They believe leaders and businesses should commit to using only green energy in order to tackle climate change, reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development.

The Declaration states: “Excessive pollution from fossil fuels threatens to destroy the gifts bestowed on us by God, whom we know as Allah – gifts such as a functioning climate, healthy air to breathe, regular seasons and living oceans.

“But our attitude to these gifts has been short-sighted and we have abused them.”

It adds there should be increased support for vulnerable communities already suffering from climate impacts.

Governments are also being urged to deliver strong new international climate change agreements at the COP21 summit in Paris this December.

Amongst keynote speakers at the Symposium were three senior UN officials.

Rushanara Ali MP for Bethnal Green and Bow said: “Climate change will make it more difficult for people in developing countries to achieve a good standard of health, education and economic opportunity and this is something which will concern Muslims everywhere, including in Britain.”