Note: the following is an edited and abridged version of an article on the Diocese of Oxford website.
COP26 is the Conference of the Parties on climate change to be hosted in Glasgow from 31 Oct to 12 Nov.
As this helpful infographic explains, it is a crucial meeting for taking forward the pledges made in the 2015 Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. This Tearfund blog by Dr Ruth Valerio shows why it is important for Christians.
The main faith groups’ asks for COP26 are around climate finance justice. They are to:
- Prioritise a new and additional finance mechanism for climate-related loss and damage (money to help people who are already losing homes, loved ones and livelihoods as a direct result of climate impacts).
- Put an end to all use of public money to subsidise fossil fuels.
But how can we get involved?
Finding out more
Download the briefing from Make COP Count for more detail. Bishop Olivia also preached a sermon on climate finance at Reading Minster as the Young Christian Climate Network Relay passed through Reading in July.
Getting involved
Tell our politicians that is vitally important they make bold commitments on action in the UK and on fair climate finance.
- It is best to write directly to your MP – see this guide from JPI.
- A simple option is to sign The Time Is Now declaration and ask your church to sign it too.
- Individuals can also sign the recent Glasgow Multi-Faith Declaration for COP26.
- Young people and those older can sign the Take A Stand open letter to leaders.
- The COP26 Coalition are encouraging a worldwide Day of Action on Sat 6 November – find out more about the Oxford event.
- Join the People’s Summit being held virtually from 7 to 10 November.
Prayer is essential!
The former head of the UN talks wrote an open letter of thanks after the Paris COP, which started “For those who prayed …” recognising the role prayer played at those talks.
If you’d like to join in prayer:
- Tearfund will be sending daily prayer texts.
- Pray and Fast for the Climate will have a prayer guide of opportunities for prayer during the time.
- Climate Intercessors will be providing daily prayer points.
- You can pledge to pray with Christian Aid and their October prayer points are here.
Alongside advocacy and prayer, we can make real change happen where we are.
Each of us can make some simple changes to reduce our own environmental footprints. Count Us In – suggests many steps to protect what we love by highlighting actions we can do to combat change.
The carbon footprints of our homes can be reduced by adding insulation and reducing drafts, as well as more major changes. There may be limited funding available for environmental improvements to some homes, more info here.
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