OLD GROWTH FOREST VS. SPACE LAUNCH PAD
It is time again for the Conference of Parties to meet at a Climate Summit. This time around it will be in Egypt from November 6 to the 18th. World leaders have much to discuss given the enormous number of climate disasters to discuss from devastating floods, hurricanes, fires, droughts and the food insecurities and migration caused by wars and climate change.
Our Presiding Bishop has appointed 18 delegates to attend (most virtually, but some in person). These delegates will hold discussions, take part in groups and report back to the church about what they learned and what progress was made (May it be so!). The delegation has four priorities: To accelerate the efforts of all to meet continually rising emissions, to increase support for meeting and surpassing goals made in The Paris Accord to keep global warming under control. To protect human rights and environmental justice for all communities affected by climate change and to encourage full financial commitment needed to meet these goals as quickly and efficiently as possible. Interestingly, this is the 8th delegation formed by our Presiding Bishop to attend a COP Climate Summit. A full report of these delegates will be given Nov. 30th. (See sources for site.)
Besides a delegation to COP27, the Episcopal church has been doing good work in addressing climate change issues through asking each church member to take the Creation Care Pledge and sign up for, “ Sustain Island Home Carbon Tracker” and to work for green policies in all buildings, The church has also continued to support efforts to protect the Amazon Rainforest and plant trees all around the Anglican Communion. The church also continues to support the ongoing efforts for “Good News Gardens” that help communities fill gaps in food systems.
Earth Steward Actions: Make your Creation Care Pledge and sign up on the carbon tracker. Pray for COP 27.
Sources: https://www.sustainislandhome.org , https://www.episcopalchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/cop27-policy/priorities-the-episcopal-church.pdf (delegation priorities), https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/creation-httpscare/cop27/ (to follow the delegations efforts)
https://www.episcopalchurch,org/public-affairs/presiding-bishop-announces-episcopal-church-delegation-to-united-nations-cop27-conference/ ( includes references to our own Baptismal Vows to Creation Care work in House of Bishop’s statement at this past July’s Convention.