This summer, the UK has seen the hottest weather we’ve ever known. This isn’t a freak event – it’s a taste of what’s to come, and it’s a fraction of the heat, drought and wildfires which are becoming the norm across parts of Africa, Australia and elsewhere. The climate crisis is here – and yet there is still no fund to help communities in the poorest parts of the world deal with the impacts of this crisis they did not cause.
Thursday 22 September is Loss and Damage Action Day – an international day to stand in solidarity with those living with the worst impacts of climate breakdown, and to call on rich countries and big polluters to pay compensation.
Church of England worshipping communities are invited to join other faith communities around the UK in prayer, reflection and action to mark the day. You are invited to join in five activities between now and 22 September – please read on for details.
Two key actions to take at any time:
- Hold a discussion with a screening of the five-minute film ‘The Global Story of Climate Change Loss and Damage – and Who Should Pay for It’ to help people understand what loss and damage is, and why it matters – this guide will help you plan a discussion event, online or in person.
- Write to your MP, asking for their backing for UK support for a loss and damage fund paid for by polluters – Make Polluters Pay will be providing a template to help with this once the new prime minister is announced.
On Loss and Damage Action Day, 22 September:
- Join Green Christian’s morning prayer event – register here: https://greenchristian.org.uk/loss-and-damage-day-prayer-session/
- Join Make Polluters Pay’s social media action – follow @MakePolluterPay and @FFTCnetwork for details.
- Hold a vigil for loss and damage. This is a powerful way to publicly show solidarity with those at the sharp end of climate breakdown. A guide to holding an interfaith vigil can be found on the Make COP Count website, along with more resources including a leaflet to hand out and placards to display.
Everyone is welcome to join in with any of these activities, whether on your own or as a worshipping community, or by joining together with other groups of any faith or none.
‘Loss and damage’ is still an unfamiliar term for lots of people. Here are some answers to common questions about what it means. You can also find some stories of loss and damage from people around the world on the Make COP Count website.
We hold in our prayers all those who are suffering its impacts, wherever they are in the world.
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