The COP29 United Nations Climate Conference takes place in from 11 to 22 November 2024 at Baku Stadium Azerbaijan. 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 29th meeting of the ‘Conference of Parties’ (hence COP29) 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.

You can download the agendas, documents and discussion items for COP29 from the United Nations Climate Change website here https://unfccc.int/cop29#sessions

A new guide explaining how Christians can get involved in COP29 has been published by the Church of England. The online guide includes information on what will happen at COP29, how the Church of England is getting involved and what you can do from home to support.  Read the short guide to COP29 here COP29 Guide

COP29WHAT CAN YOU DO?

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 Archbishop Julio Murray – Panama; Archbishop Marinez Bassotto – Brazil; Martha Jarvis – England; and the rest of the Anglican contingent. Pray that they get the opportunities to speak and share stories from those who know what it means to live with the devastating impacts of climate change.

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:

  • Pray for a just transition to phase out fossil fuels and phase in renewable energy
  • Pray for peacebuilding and reconciliation work to protect the planet
  • Pray for the protection of indigenous land and the ways of living of indigenous people
  • Pray for full funding of action to reduce damage and inequality

CAFOD have prepared some specific prayers which you could use in church on the Sundays during COP29 https://cafod.org.uk/news/campaigning-news/what-is-cop29

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/pray-with-us-for-cop29/

Prayer for the COP29 Climate Summit

Creator God, Giver of life,
You sustain the earth and direct the nations.
In this time of climate crisis,
grant us clarity to hear the groaning of creation
and the cries of the poor;
Challenge us to change our lifestyles;
Guide our leaders to take courageous action;
Enable your church to be a beacon of hope;
And foster with us a renewed vision of your purpose for your world;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
by and for whom all things were made.
Amen.


You Can Write To Your MP

There is a specific template for emailing your MP about the Loss and Damage fund https://makepolluterspay.co.uk/email-your-mp

Find 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 Also

  • Use your social media presence to share items about COP29, explain why you care about them or share prayers.
  • Provide a short explanation of what COP29 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/

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