We're praying and petitioning world leaders ahead of and during COP23
to keep their promises under the Paris Agreement, and everyone is invited to
make that happen.
But what is COP23 anyway?
Five things you need to know about COP23
1. What’s the “big thing” happening in Germany this November?
It’s the United Nations Climate Change Conference, and it’s happening in
Bonn, Germany from 6-17 November. It is also known by the catchy name COP23!
COP means Conference of the Parties, meaning the countries who are parties to
the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). With 197 Parties,
almost every country in the world is a member party! This year's conference is
called COP23 because it’s the 23rd of these annual conferences. Fiji holds the Presidency for COP23.
2. Why is COP23 SO important?
This is the crucial next step for our world to take urgent action on climate
solutions, before it's too late. We already won the commitment of almost every
country in the landmark 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. But now it is time to
hold our governments accountable to those commitments, and make sure we turn
the Paris Agreement into reality. We must make sure our leaders keep their
promises.
This year is critically important, especially since President Trump indicated
he wants to withdraw the US from the agreement. Now is the crucial time for
our world to band together, focus, and rise to meet our commitments to protect
people and planet.
3. Hang on, can you remind me what the Paris Agreement is again?
Sure. In December 2015, at COP21 in Paris, 197 countries reached a landmark
agreement on climate change. The core aim of the Paris Agreement is to
accelerate global solutions to climate change by keeping global temperature
rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius. (And if possible, pursue 1.5
degrees Celsius.)
The Paris Agreement entered into force last November. It’s super significant.
It unites 197 countries – for the first time – to tackle climate change in a
large-scale and ambitious way. Also, it has enhanced support to help
developing countries too. It really does chart a new course in the global
climate effort.
(If you want to take a deep dive into Paris as well as other UN Frameworks
and the whole big picture go here:
http://bigpicture.unfccc.int/. Be
warned, you will need a fair chunk of time to read through!)
4. Who will be at COP23 in Bonn and what will they talk about?
Government delegates from almost every country in the world will meet in
Bonn, as well as civil society organisations, scientists, businesses, faith
leaders and communities. Together, they will plan practical solutions to
transition to clean energy, reduce pollution, and implement the Paris Agreement.
We will also be there, as part of the Renew Our World campaign!
5. What is Renew Our World doing at COP23 and how can I take action?
The Renew Our World campaign
is a global movement of Christians joining together to push and pray for a
more just and sustainable planet for all. We know that a changing climate
severely impacts people living in poverty, and it’s part of our Christian
responsibility to protect the most vulnerable.
As world leaders gather in Bonn, we too will gather -- including the leaders
of the national Renew Our World campaigns from Australia, Europe, India, Peru,
UK, US, and Zambia.
Here are three ways to take action:
We will bring your voice to the UN climate conference and share live videos
and updates of what is happening on the ground -- stay connected and ready for
action!
Follow on Facebook,
Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
Please pray with us:
God of all creation,
Today we pray for a world where extreme poverty, inequality and
environmental exploitation are no more.
We pray for a world where people and our planet thrive.
God, we pray you would send us out as your global church to love our
neighbours and protect the most vulnerable people from climate change.
Help us be bold and courageous in speaking up for justice.
We pray for our leaders and government delegates as they meet in Bonn in
November, that they will take crucial next steps to fulfill the Paris
Agreement and take urgent action on climate change.
We pray for sustainable solutions, for a clear path to be forged, for
unity between the countries, and for all nations to keep their commitments
to deep and transformative change on this issue.
We pray for justice and renewal in all the earth.
In Jesus name,
Amen
This blog was inspired by and adapted from
this article by Caroline Illingworth, TEAR Australia.