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As Scotland comes into the spotlight hosting COP 26 in November 2021, it becomes imperative that our churches take action on the Climate Emergency. One of the most powerful ways we can encourage change is in talking, listening and telling our stories. Eco-Congregation Scotland has produced Let's talk about the Climate Emergency - a pack of resources to help congregations begin a series of awareness raising conversations and encourage everyone to act.
Fran Selkirk writes highlighting COP 26 and praying for all involved. "121, have asked all Churches to draw attention to the summit of COP 26; which runs from 31/10 to 12/11 and during that time 25,000 people will be in attendance. Their task will be to reconnect people with the planet and find ways to meet the global imperative of net-zero greenhouse emissions. A huge task, but as was so energetically uttered by David Attenborough, there is no time to lose. We must reach agreement, now, to save the world from slipping over the edge.
In the face of this admonition, 3 countries have failed to submit their carbon cutting plans to the summit. The summit goals are;
The hope that the world can reduce coal use, and curb methane emissions. To phase out combustion engines and replace transportation with clean fuels. A big push to be made to reduce deforestation. A big stumbling block to the summit is the target of 1.5 * temperature thresholds, that they are to be acknowledged and worked towards. Agreed 5 yearly reviews of carbon cutting plans and their progress are to be made. The idea that adoption of climate policy is to be available to the entire world, especial important for the poorer nations.
It is sad to note that previous summits have been sponsored by fuel companies. A conflict of interests perhaps. BUT this time Glasgow the host venue have pledged to plant 18 million trees.
Let us pray for COP 26. Loving Lord, as we approach this summit in our own country, we would pray that those who attend have the best interests of our world at the heart of their debates. May those taking part treat each other with respect and with compassion. May they find ways to agreements that are fair for all and may we all learn to respect and care for your creation. In Jesus name we pray. Amen."
In the face of this admonition, 3 countries have failed to submit their carbon cutting plans to the summit. The summit goals are;
The hope that the world can reduce coal use, and curb methane emissions. To phase out combustion engines and replace transportation with clean fuels. A big push to be made to reduce deforestation. A big stumbling block to the summit is the target of 1.5 * temperature thresholds, that they are to be acknowledged and worked towards. Agreed 5 yearly reviews of carbon cutting plans and their progress are to be made. The idea that adoption of climate policy is to be available to the entire world, especial important for the poorer nations.
It is sad to note that previous summits have been sponsored by fuel companies. A conflict of interests perhaps. BUT this time Glasgow the host venue have pledged to plant 18 million trees.
Let us pray for COP 26. Loving Lord, as we approach this summit in our own country, we would pray that those who attend have the best interests of our world at the heart of their debates. May those taking part treat each other with respect and with compassion. May they find ways to agreements that are fair for all and may we all learn to respect and care for your creation. In Jesus name we pray. Amen."
Some Eco Tips we can all practice:-
Make a positive decision to avoid commercial greetings cards; use electronic ones or make your own.
Calculate your carbon footprint.
( See http://www.worldwildlife.org or footprint.wwf.org.uk or .https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx or other sites.)
Switch off lights, power supplies or modems when not in use.
Carry out an inventory of your clothes- can you recycle, upcycle?
Count up how much plastic you have used this week.
Make a positive decision to avoid commercial greetings cards; use electronic ones or make your own.
Calculate your carbon footprint.
( See http://www.worldwildlife.org or footprint.wwf.org.uk or .https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx or other sites.)
Switch off lights, power supplies or modems when not in use.
Carry out an inventory of your clothes- can you recycle, upcycle?
Count up how much plastic you have used this week.
We are looking towards COP26 in a short time. We are asked to support the endeavour to make it not just a talking shop, but a time of making plans and policies that will bring about change in our world. Please remember to pray for all who are involved. Our challenge for you today is to examine your life and pledge to make two changes in the coming weeks.
Consider -
1. Eat seasonal foods and to continue with more vigour to have two days a week which are meat or fish-free.
2. If appropriate pledge to donate at least part of your fuel payment from the government, to a charity that looks to help those who are in fuel poverty.
Consider -
1. Eat seasonal foods and to continue with more vigour to have two days a week which are meat or fish-free.
2. If appropriate pledge to donate at least part of your fuel payment from the government, to a charity that looks to help those who are in fuel poverty.