Has it really been a whole year since the last one?
In a little over three weeks, delegates will gather in the United Arab Emirates for COP 28, the 2023 United Nations Climate Change conference. The president of COP 28, Sultan Al Jaber, has said that the four pillars of this conference will be: “fast-tracking the [energy] transition; fixing climate finance; focusing on people, lives and livelihoods; and underpinning everything with full inclusivity”. If we recognise that not every COP conference can cover every issue relating to the climate crisis, it is hard not to agree that this conference will focus on some of the most important issues facing the world today.
As Christians we feel we have a special understanding of the wonders of our beautiful planet and why we need to protect it. This is echoed in many of the most loved psalms.
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
for he founded it on the seas
and established it on the waters. (Psalm 24: 1-2)
In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. (Psalm 102: 25)
But we are not alone. A veneration for the world, and a deep understanding of the importance of our role as its stewards, runs through many of the major world religions.
Muslims believe that we are all guardians and stewards of the world, and will be held accountable by God for our actions. The Islamic Declaration on Climate Change has led to changes in environmental policy in Muslim countries.
Sikhism encourages people to respect and live in harmony with the environment, including animals and plants. The Sikh Holy Scripture states, "Air is the Guru, water is the father and Earth is the great mother. Day and night are like two nurses who look after us".
Buddhists believe in the interconnectedness of all things, and the Buddha taught that there would be problems if we do not care for the environment.
According to Hindu philosophy, “all life has rights” and the environment is an inseparable part of our existence. Damaging the environment is considered a major problem.
I am always encouraged when I see leaders of different faith sharing a common platform and speaking with one voice. There can be few greater reasons to do so than caring for the future of our planet and all that live here. Faith groups will be an important voice at COP 28. Let us pray that those voices will be heard; loud, clear and united.
Spirit of Life,
Father of all life,
Heart of the universe,
Eternal Creator!
We stand in awe of the glory
Reflected in earth’s beauty, diversity and integrity.
Forgive us our collective wrong-doing,
This generation’s plunder of our children’s inheritance.
We pray especially for humanity’s repentance
Of the destruction of earth’s climate.
At the coming UN climate talks
We pray that you heal the self-defeating desire of nations
To grasp advantage for themselves
When we share the one sky, one future.
We thank you for the grace and love shown through
All those acting to protect the climate,
The activists, the innovators, the policy-makers and investors.
May their numbers continue to grow
And may they be ultimately successful in averting catastrophe.
May your will be done. Amen.
(An extract from a multi-faith prayer for COP 28 by Thea Ormerod.)
Philip Clarke
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