Update #21

People of faith are not waiting for politicians to act on climate change: On the one hand, COP26, the annual meeting of parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, wrapped up in Glasgow on Nov. 13. While some additional progress was made, most observers – including us – feel the conference did not rise to the urgency of the moment. What was missing was decisive action and a global commitment to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions at a pace needed to avoid ecological catastrophe. Missing, too, was a strong commitment to assist developing countries, which are least responsible for climate change and yet most vulnerable to its impacts. Read more

 

Launch of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform: On November 14, the Laudato Si’ Action Platform was offcially launched by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, and their site is now open for enrollment. This much anticipated global project will help Catholic communities create environmental action plans and track their progress to help move our world in the direction of the Laudato Si’ goals. Read more

 

Catholics reflect on COP26 successes, disappointments: Catholics from all over the world were disappointed with the agreement reached, which they considered insufficient. But at the same time they are hopeful about a society committed to the battle against the climate crisis. Read more

 

UNEP: COP26 ends with agreement but falls short on climate action: Whilst the Glasgow Climate Pact agreed at the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) on Saturday firms up the global commitment to accelerate action on climate this decade, it left many wondering if this deal is enough to limit global warming to 1.5°C over pre-industrial levels. Read more

 

Art, Ecology, and Spirituality, with Nicole Dixon: The subjects of my current body of work are presented in a moment along a journey where something hidden is revealed. Someone is guided at a crossroads in a forest; someone is standing on the shoulders of those who have come before; someone has all they need to survive the impossible; someone finds their heart is as light as a feather; someone is moved by an unseen hand; someone reaches the end of their journey through the proverbial desert; someone finds healing in vulnerability. All are visual touchstones for keeping me whole on my own path. Read more

 

GEO for Cities – Towards Green and Just Cities: “In the aftermath of COP26, we remain off track from the path to a sustainable future. The scale of the challenge means no single actor can fix this alone. To tackle climate change, nature loss, and pollution in cities, co-creation of greener and more equitable cities is an imperative for city leaders, urban planners, local communities, national institutions, scientists, the private sector and civil society,” said Joyce Msuya, Deputy Executive Director of UNEP. Read more

 

Looking Back to Look Forward – COP26 and beyond: is a video discusion between the Religious Diversity Centre of Aotearoa – New Zealand and Interfaith Scotland, and Ron Oram of the Religious Diversity Centre of Aotearoa – New Zealand, who attened COP26. Read, and view the video

 

Quakers in Britain statement on COP26 outcomes: As COP26 concluded, Quakers in Britain made this statement. “COP26 has delivered tiny steps forward when giant leaps are needed. “This is particularly unjust for people in the Global South who are feeling the first and worst impacts of the climate crisis, despite being least responsible for causing it.” Read more

 

Interfaith Call for Ecocide Law II: This webinar invites you to be a part of Faith for Ecocide Law, an international, interreligious coalition for Ecocide as an international crime within the International Criminal Court. The webinar is in two parts: (1) introduction to ecocide law and perspectives from faith traditions, (2) reflect together on what you can do in your own context. Read more

 

Glasgow Baha’i’s Eco-Pledge: In light of the UN Climate Change Conference COP26 taking place in this city in November 2021, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Glasgow would like to offer this eco-pledge as a tool for individuals and communities to reflect on and enable practical action towards sustainable use of the world’s material resources. The compilation of environmental actions presented here aims to support the goals of COP26 as well as good ecological objectives generally. Read more

 

Make COP Count in Glasgow : The analysis is still pouring in after the closing of COP26. The consensus seems to be that some progress was made – but much, much more needs to be done. In the coming days and weeks, watch out for more expert analysis on the talks. Here is a round-up from participants in Make COP Count in Glasgow. Read more

 

Here’s what Greta said: