The United Nations annual Climate Change conference (COP 28) is amazing, it brings people together from across the world to look at how we can keep global average temperature rise "well below" 2°c, and how humankind can move forward in a life giving and climate resilient way in harmony with all of creation.
Starting on 30 November government leaders, business people, faith-based organisations, communities and others will meet together in Dubai to listen to one another and to negotiate agreements that are acceptable to all – not an easy feat. Amongst those present, will be countries which are already suffering due to the effects of climate change, they hope their stories will be heard and that the loss and damage fund will be arranged in such a way that it can help them in their need. Additionally, there will be rich, oil producing nations at the table who like so many of us will want to protect what they see as theirs while at the same time giving their young people a liveable future.
A conference in Dubai may seem very distant - but climate change is an issue that effects us all - especially as Christians who worship a God of justice.
Church leaders from around the world will be there. The Pope , who has recently spoken out again about the need for climate justice, was due to attend but has had to pull out due to ill health.
The Anglican communion will be represented too in the form of a delegation led by Archbishop Julio Murray, from Panama. The Archbishop is keen to amplify the voices of those who are often not heard but who suffer the most.
A conference in Dubai may seem very distant - but climate change is an issue that effects us all - especially as Christians who worship a God of justice.
The Church of England has issued a guide to COP 28 and some ideas for how we can all be connected and involved with what is happening there. There are ideas for intercessions, meetings you can join to pray with like minded people, templates for writing to your MP and ideas for learning more and raising the profile of the issues.
It’s great that different Christian communities around the world are going to be part of COP 28. Please have a look at the C of E website and do some of the things they suggest - we really do all have a part to play in this - no one else is going to do it for us.
- Hilary Bond, Pioneer minister in Wareham and member of Christian climate action.
How Christians can be involved with Cop 28 from The National Church.