Climate COP30 begins in earnest today, 10 November and runs to 21 November in Belim in Brazil, in the heart of the Amazon. An Anglican delegation is attending led by Archbishop Marinez of Brazil.
Jo Chamberlain, the Church of England's National Environmental Policy Officer attended a previous climate COP in Glasgow in 2021. She writes:
"As Christians, our faith tells us that creation is precious to God, yet it’s being damaged by human choices. We are called to love and protect God’s creation - a beautiful yet broken world made through and for Jesus. There’s also an issue of justice. Those least responsible for the climate crisis are suffering the most from its effects. As God’s image-bearers, we are called to act with compassion towards our global sisters and brothers. To follow Jesus today means caring for both people and the planet God made."
Climate COP30 is set in the Amazon which is home to over 60 isolated indigenous ethnic groups. It is hoped that their voices will be heard, and that COP30 can deliver on the finances promised so that all suffering the effects of loss and damage can make the transition to renewable energy, to help them adapt to the changing climate.
As a church we are called to support COP30 with prayer. You can find resources to help you do this at https://www.cop-prayer.uk/. You could also engage with campaigns such as the Anglican Communion’s Lungs of the Earth campaign.
Why not also register your church to be an Eco Church or progress your award by paying particular attention to Global engagement over the time of the COP30 meeting. Find out more about Eco Church on this webpage.
