The call to action coincides with a meeting of the United Nation's General Assembly in New York on Tuesday where sustainable development around the world will be discussed.
Head of public policy at Cafod, Graham Gordon told Premier: "There are still significant challenges.
"I think one of the areas that isn't yet taken seriously is the fact we need to do development differently and really stop using coal, oil, gas and other fossil fuels..."
Representatives from 193 member nations are due to discuss the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals which include taking "urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts".
The 17-point strategy, which was enacted in 2015, also includes plans to eradicate poverty, hunger and gender inequality, as well as the provision of sustainable water management and sustainable energy for everyone.
Mr Gordon went on to say: "It is an ambitious target and, in many ways, it's setting a new way of looking at development over the next 15 years.
"Now, we're two years in with 13 years yet to go, and some progress has been made."
NASA reported on Monday that August 2017 was the second warmest August since modern record keeping began 137 years ago, stoking fears over global warming.
Expressing some confidence the UN action plan could help tackle climate change, Mr Gordon added: "It's right to be optimistic because I think in the last few years we've seen a slowdown in the increase in temperature.
"So, it is possible to avert the worst effects but it's by no means inevitable. We need to step up our action."