The UN biodiversity conference (COP16) has started in Colombia. It runs until 1 November and soon after that, the UN climate change conference (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan, from 30 November to 12 December.
The Church of England has released a guide explaining what the conferences are about and unpacking the need for action on biodiversity and climate change. Church of England representatives are attending to promote a message of peace, hope and justice rooted in their faith.
Treasuring God’s creation and working to sustain and renew the life of the earth is part of our mission as Christians and is also a great witness to the community around us.
The new guide also includes some practical ways you can get involved from home, and one of these takes place on Friday – an inter-faith worship and reflection weekend (25 to 27 October) in preparation for COP29. There are many ways to get involved, so do check out the guide linked here.
Environment leaders in our diocese understand the importance of connecting local efforts with the global picture. Environmental Engagement Officer, the Revd Dr Cate Williams, reminds us that while churches often engage with environmental issues on a local level, such as community initiatives and small-scale actions, there are moments when it’s crucial to look at the bigger picture. This is one of those times:
“As churches we often live out our commitment to God’s earth locally, as we do what we can in the communities where we live, work and worship. However there are times when engagement with what is happening in local, national and international politics is critical, as we bring our voice to the conversations that are taking place. It is important that we both make our views known, and pray for the decision makers, that they will use the power and influence that they have for good, making commitments with the courage and decisiveness needed for the environmental situations in which we find ourselves.”
Dr Dan Button, Director of Gateway Theology School and facilitator of courses like Creation, Climate and Christianity, echoes this sentiment, urging Christians to take a broader view. He said, “The Church often views creation from a vertical perspective, thinking about heaven after we die. But we need to look horizontally – from creation to new creation.”
Dan also advises us to not stress about the things we can’t do. He likens the climate crisis response to a triangle – government, corporations, and individuals are all interconnected, and while each has a role to play, no one can solve the crisis alone.
“Don’t put pressure completely on yourself to do everything, just do the things that you can do. For example, if you have relatives overseas, I wouldn’t recommend not flying, because it’s not a feasible solution for your life.
“I would start by taking smaller steps in the areas you feel strongest about. Learn about the theology of creation to better understand our role as God’s image-bearers and stewards, so we have a clearer understanding on how we would like to move forward.
“Get involved in an organisation, so you know you’re part of something bigger. There are lots to choose from – international, UK based, Christian and secular. My daughter Abby is currently doing international work with A Rocha in India for example (and is blogging about her experience).
“Sign up for newsletters like those from Green Christian, the John Ray Initiative, or climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe, to keep informed and inspired. Katharine is a Christian climate scientist, she offers a thoughtful balance in her newsletter, sharing good news, not-so-good news, and one actionable step you can take each week. So, even if saving the planet seems overwhelming, you’ll have a small, manageable action to focus on.”
Caring for the whole of creation is core to the work of the Church as a whole – and to the gospel. It is one of the spotlights in our diocesan Life Together vision, as well as being named as one of the Anglican Five marks of mission.
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