From 10 to 21 November, world leaders will gather in Belém, Brazil, for COP30, the 30th annual UN climate conference. As the date draws near, there are lots of opportunities to prayerfully consider our own commitment to creation and stand with communities on the front lines of environmental breakdown.
Erica Siddall, Net Zero Carbon Project Manager and Lead for Clergy Housing, said: “We are already making huge progress within our Diocese. We have committed to drastic emissions reductions in all aspects of diocesan activity, and we have the resources to back this up.
“But with each success, we owe it to ourselves to keep pursuing the next doable action, whether in our professional lives or at home. Climate change is directly affecting each of us already, and for most of us, this has happened much faster than any of us expected.”
Organisations are advocating for climate action in the lead up to COP30, supporting practical initiatives and equipping our worshipping communities to respond faithfully to the climate crisis.
The Anglican Communion is running a ‘Lungs of the Earth‘ campaign that focuses attention on the protection of forests, oceans and ice caps. It’s been developed with Anglican Christians across the world, including Anglican indigenous communities whose deep respect for the natural world can inspire us to live more sustainably.
They are encouraging us to respond through action and advocacy. COP30 will revisit countries’ commitments to reducing emissions and financing climate action. It’s up to us to reach out to our local government representatives and ask them how they are working to reduce carbon emissions and how laws are being implemented in our local context.
On a local level, a large portion of our worshipping communities are already taking practical steps to cut carbon emissions – switching to renewable energy, improving building efficiency, and supporting schemes like Eco Church.
Individual actions, like starting conversations about climate change, reducing plastic use, using public transport, or cutting energy use in our workplaces, are visible expressions of love for our neighbours and the planet.
On this topic, we needn’t feel embarrassed about sticking our necks out; we can be proud of engaging with this huge challenge in our personal lives.
Organisations like Christian Aid are urging believers to pray, campaign, and speak up for climate justice through their Restore campaign. Meanwhile, groups such as Green Christian are offering prayer resources and daily reflections during the conference.
Erica said: “There are so many signs of hope and we must keep our focus on these, no matter what happens in Belém. Although the world feels divided, this isn’t a foregone conclusion. Working together in solidarity is not out of the picture, and we must work towards this, whether in Belém or at home.”
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