More than 80 Christian organisations have called on the European Union to take stronger action against climate change ahead of a major United Nations summit in Turkey next month. 

The appeal, signed by 81 organisations including Caritas Europa, Pax Christi International and the European Christian Environmental Network, urges EU leaders to phase out fossil fuels and provide greater support for communities most affected by climate change. 

In a letter addressed to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and other senior officials, the charities warned that extreme weather across Europe was becoming increasingly severe. 

They said: "This summer, Europe has experienced the climate crisis more ferociously than ever before, a foretaste of what our sisters and brothers in the global south have endured for years." 

The organisations are calling for a legally binding EU plan to phase out coal by 2030, gas by 2035 and oil by 2040, alongside an end to fossil fuel subsidies and permits for new exploration. 

They also want measures to ensure that the transition to cleaner energy does not disadvantage poorer communities or indigenous peoples. 

The appeal comes ahead of the COP31 climate summit, which is scheduled to begin in Antalya, Turkey, on 9 November. 

The charities welcomed the EU's commitment to a binding climate target for 2040 but said further action was needed. 

They said: "It is time to move beyond words to action and ensure that climate finance translates into genuine support for those who need it most." 

The organisations also raised concerns about the impact of climate change on global food supplies, warning that climate-related disasters threaten the nutrition of almost half the world's population. 

They said food systems currently receive less than 3% of international climate finance, despite the growing risks to food security. 

The appeal highlights the effects of heatwaves and wildfires in Europe, alongside devastating floods and landslides in Nepal, as examples of the human cost of climate change. 

The charities urged European leaders not to weaken their environmental commitments in response to other global challenges. 

They said: "The decisions you take at COP31 will reflect the authenticity of your commitment to today's most vulnerable communities, young people, and future generations." 

The annual UN climate conferences bring together world leaders, scientists, businesses and campaigners to discuss international action on global warming. 

The latest appeal follows a similar call made in July by 170 Christian aid organisations, urging European leaders to strengthen their response to the climate crisis.