With the UK holding the Presidency, last year’s United Nations (UN) climate conference COP26, in Glasgow, saw a major effort from British and Irish churches and Christian organisation’s to influence the outcomes of the event. As well as attending the conference itself, over 2,200 churches and church groups throughout Britain and Ireland participated in the Climate Sunday Initiative, holding Climate Sunday services, committing to practical action and speaking up for climate justice in the run-up to the conference.
While progress was made at COP26, overall campaigners were disappointed and said that more was needed to keep the planet within the 1.5 degrees of warming to avoid the worst effects of climate change. Please see our round-up of responses to COP26.
The UN says COP27 aims to build on the outcomes of COP26 to ‘deliver action on an array of issues critical to tackling the climate emergency – from urgently reducing greenhouse gas emissions, building resilience and adapting to the inevitable impacts of climate change, to delivering on the commitments to finance climate action in developing countries. Faced with a growing energy crisis, record greenhouse gas concentrations, and increasing extreme weather events, COP27 seeks renewed solidarity between countries, to deliver on the landmark Paris Agreement.’
Here we will publish statements and initiatives from the churches and Christian environmental organisations in the run-up to, and during the conference:
Global day of Action – 12 November 2022
A global day of action is being called for 12 November 2022 by environmental coalitions, including the UK-based Climate Justice Coalition. ‘Mass mobilisations’ are planned in cities across Britain and Ireland.
Ring out for climate!
Churches are asked to ring their bells on Saturday 5 November 2022 at 5pm for 15-30 minutes as a warning about the climate crisis on the eve of COP27. The campaign has the support of Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, and Graham Usher, the Church of England’s lead Bishop for the environment. Find out more on the Green Christian website.
COP27: finding solutions to the climate crisis in nature
Explore the risks and opportunities of looking for climate solutions in nature with A Rocha UK’s CEO, Andy Atkins, and guests at this webinar on 15 November 2022, 7-8PM. Plus A Rocha UK’s analysis of the conference so far. Register via Eventbrite.
Take action on the climate crisis
CAFOD is asking you to email the UK Prime Minister to ‘stop the COP-out at COP27’. CAFOD says that although progress was made at last year’s COP26, it wasn’t enough – too many cans were kicked down the road.
You can email the PM via the CAFOD website.
Walk2COP27
A virtual journey from Scotland (COP26) to Egypt (COP27) , represented by hybrid or virtual events in each of the countries on the way. Those encouraging supporters to take part include Eco-Congregation Scotland.
Find out how to take part on the Walk2COP27 website.
