The COP31 United Nations Climate Conference takes place from 9-20 November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye. COP31 brings together world leaders, scientists, non-governmental organizations, and civil society for this year’s annual United Nations climate talks, to discuss priority actions to tackle climate change.
COP31 will focus on the efforts needed to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C, the presentation of new national action plans (NDCs) and the progress on the finance pledges made at COP30
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 31st meeting of the ‘Conference of Parties’ (hence COP31) 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 COP31 from the United Nations Climate Change website here Programme Overview | COP31 Türkiye
The Anglican Communion is sending a delegation to COP31 to promote the ‘Lungs of the Earth’ initiative. They will deliver a clear and urgent message: “The world must protect and restore the lungs of the earth.” It will urge governments to keep their promises on climate finance, so that vulnerable nations can thrive; speed the just transition away from fossil-fuel dependency; support communities on the front line, “from Pacific islands to Arctic villages, and Amazon settlements to coastal fishing towns” and “listen to indigenous wisdom that has cared for creation over generations”.
WHAT 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.
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 wealthy nations to step up in delivering the vitally needed climate finance to support communities to adapt to a crisis they didn’t cause.
- Pray for churches and faith leaders, particularly in Latin America, to be bold in advocating for the people impacted by climate breakdown.
- Pray for the people of Belém as they prepare to host COP30. The scale of the conference is huge and the logistics around this COP have been particularly challenging.
A range of organisations have produced prayer resources for use ahead of and during the conference, as the world faces an ever-deepening climate crisis with the poorest suffering the worst effects.
Christian Aid has a selection of prayers for justice for those worst affected by climate change
Prayer for the COP31 climate summit
How can I pray for COP31? – Tearfund
Prayer for the COP31 Climate Summit (CAFOD)
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 COP31,
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 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 COP30, explain why you care about them or share prayers.
- Provide a short explanation of what COP30 is at a church service or write an item for your parish magazine.
- Include the climate negotiations in your church’s intercessions.
