Islamic leaders call for end to fossil fuel use

Islamic leaders have released a declaration calling on developed nations and oil producing countries to end fossil fuel use by 2050.

The Islamic Climate Declaration says that the fight against climate change is a religious duty for the worlds 1.6 billion Muslims and calls for world leaders to agree a strong global climate deal due to be signed in Paris in December to limit global warming below 2°C.

The Declaration was drafted at an international symposium in Istanbul (pictured), and calls for "all people, leaders and businesses ...to commit to 100 per cent renewable energy".

The document focuses on wealthy nations and oil-producing states and calls on them to lead the way in moving away from fossil use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The Declaration is supported by government officials from Morocco and Turkey, religious leaders including the Grand Muftis of Uganda and Lebanon, the president of Indonesia's major body of religious scholars, as well as environmental groups.

According to the authors of the Declaration, it will be available in mosques and madrassas around the world and is designed to encourage political leaders in Muslim countries to be more involved in international attempts to reach a global climate deal at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in the French capital from 30 November to 11 December.