COP28 MEETS IN DUBAI
For the 28th time, representatives from 200 countries will gather to discuss ways to meet the goal of limiting global temperatures from rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius. This goal was set at the Paris Agreement in 2015. Since that time, despite attempts to lower greenhouse gas emissions, we are well on track to temperature rises of 2.4 to 2.7 degrees C. by 2100. Thus, this present Climate Summit is very important to stem emissions and deal with the damage and losses from the changed climate we are already experiencing.
This COP28 meets in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12. Meeting in one of the world top ten oil producing countries and having its presiding official as a part of the state-owned oil company has led to speculation about the effort to push the world toward clean energy and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels like coal, gas and oil. Sultan Al Jabel, presiding official, denies that the conference will favor lessening restrictions on fossil fuels.
The stated goals of COP28 are to speed-up the reduction efforts of GHG emissions, move more money to area where there has been damage and loss, to protect the human rights and provide environmental justice in mitigation and adaption efforts, and to strengthen resolve to meet goals already set (short and long term) and implement them as quickly as possible.
The Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, has announced that there will be 21 Episcopal delegates to COP28. These delegates will add their voices to other faith groups represented at the Climate Summit. Our own Bishop Cathleen Bascom was one of the 21 selected. Bishop Marc Andrus will lead the delegation. Most will attend virtually. If you go to the Episcopal source listed below, you will find out more about the delegation and can follow along and register to hear a report from delegated on Dec. 15.
The Episcopal church has already implemented several initiatives (links in the source article will inform you about these initiatives). The highlights of these initiatives are the Creation Care Pledge (for everyone), the carbon tracker (for all), the rainforest restoration project, and local Good News Gardens (working to end hunger and improve environmental justice). We have also endorsed the Anglican Forest Initiative. Our own Diocese of Kansas has an active Creation Care Task Force and, here at Trinity we have TEST (Trinity Environmental Stewardship Team.
Earth Steward Action: Pray for COP28 and follow the conference.
Sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-67143989
