The COP28 United Nations Climate Conference takes place in in the United Arab Emirates, from 30 November to 12 December 2023. As Christians, we are commended, even commanded, to care for God’s creation. Indeed, it is one of what we call The Five Marks Of Mission. “To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.”
This is the 28th meeting of the ‘Conference of Parties’ (hence COP28) on climate change. There will be discussions, presentations and negotiations across a wide range of topics involving people from governments, businesses, communities and faith-based organisations. Climate change affects many areas of our lives, such as health, trade, energy, transport, buildings, food, education, young people, land, and nature, and these themes will be discussed throughout the fortnight.
A new guide explaining how Christians can get involved in COP28 has been published by the Church of England. The online guide includes information on what will happen at COP28, how the Church of England is getting involved and what you can do from home to support. Read the Short Guide to COP28 here.
You can pray
Pray for every country to be willing to make concessions to see the kind of change we need to see to tackle climate change. Pray that those who are on the margins and at the forefront of the changing climate are able to tell their stories, that these stories are heard, and that they move people to action.
Pray for Archbishop Julio and the rest of his Anglican colleagues. Pray that he gets the opportunities to speak and share stories from those who know what it means to live with the devastating impacts of climate change.
CAFOD have prepared some specific prayers which you could use in church on the Sundays during COP28 https://cafod.org.uk/pray/prayer-resources/cop28-prayer
Green Christian will be holding a time of prayer every morning at 8am on Zoom during COP28. Find out how to join in here: https://greenchristian.org.uk/prayer-for-cop28-2/
Prayer for the COP28 climate summit
God of blessings,
the universe sings of your glory.
Deepen our gratitude for all you have made
and awaken in us a renewed commitment
to care for the earth and each other.Inspire world leaders at COP28,
with openness to listen to those most affected by climate change
and with courage to act urgently and wisely,
so that our common home may be healed and restored
and all people, and generations to come, may delight in it.
Amen.
You can write to your MP
The UK delegation will have a stronger platform to negotiate from if they know that people back in the UK want to see radical change and bold decision making. You could echo the things which the Anglican Communion is calling for:
- Phasing out fossil fuels.
- No new fossil fuel extraction or exploration projects.
- Funds to help countries adapt to the changing climate and commitment to the Loss and Damage fund.
There is a specific template for emailing your MP about the Loss and Damage fund here: https://makepolluterspay.co.uk/email-your-mpFind out who your MP is here: https://www.theyworkforyou.com/
You can raise awareness
Climate change and big international conferences like this can be hard for any of us to get our heads round. Talking with your friends, colleagues and neighbours to raise awareness about climate change is really important.
Try to find a way to talk about this big issue in a way that makes it relatable for the person you are speaking to. For example, if they love beach holidays you could explain about how sea level rise will impact our coasts or if they care about their food, maybe discuss how food production and supply chains are being disrupted by unreliable and more extreme weather.
You could
- Use your social media presence to share items about COP28, explain why you care about them or share prayers.
- Provide a short explanation of what COP28 is at a church service or write an item for your parish magazine.
- Include the climate negotiations in your church’s intercessions.
- Find out more about how to talk to friends, family, neighbours and colleagues about the climate emergency here: https://climateoutreach.org/britain-talks-climate/summary/
revPACman 