‘We must now keep up the moral pressure so that pledges are urgently turned into measurable action’
Graham Usher, the Bishop of Norwich and the Church of England’s lead bishop for the environment, and Olivia Graham, the Bishop of Reading, have spoken at the conclusion of COP.
In a statement they said: “At COP we called for keeping global warming to below 1.5 degrees, ending fossil fuel subsidies, and securing finance for the world’s most vulnerable people who are already effected by climate breakdown.
“Progress was made in all these areas, plus cutting methane emissions and halting deforestation. We were particularly inspired to hear powerful testimonies from young people and representatives of indigenous peoples. “We pay tribute to the work of Alok Sharma MP, the COP26 President, and his team. “Negotiations always have some compromises and disappointments. These impact the world’s economically poorest the most. We must now keep up the moral pressure so that pledges are urgently turned into measurable action.
“The whole world needs to do more for climate justice. More quickly. More generously. More together. During its presidency year, the UK can be a key player. “And this includes all of us within the Church of England.
“At Glasgow, the world glimpsed the possibility of a hopeful future. Hurting God’s creation and contributing to the suffering of God’s poorest people is not the ‘love God and your neighbour’ that Jesus commands of us.
“COP showed us the unity of purpose people of faith can bring. This encouragement should reignite in all of us hope for our future.”
