The Temple of Understanding works with a set of colleagues who are participating face-to-face at the upcoming UNFCCC COP27 in Egypt. This conference is expected to be huge, about 35,000 people, and the civil society inputs will mostly be held on the sidelines, in a separate venue. People of faith will be vibrantly present, and it’s important that we provide support and participate from afar. With zoom and other electronic means we can raise up the call for action to address climate change and promote climate justice. This dire need cannot be relegated to those able to attend in person; our collective voice is much larger than that.
Introduction
The UN offers a great introduction for those who would like some context for this event. The UN’s effectiveness is determined by the collective action of the member states.
“At COP26, countries agreed to deliver stronger commitments this year, including updated national plans with more ambitious targets. However, only 23 out of 193 countries have submitted their plans to the UN so far.”
The most recent UNFCCC report is entitled: Countries’ climate promises still not enough to avoid catastrophic global warming: UN Report.
To receive Earth Negotiations Bulletin’s daily reports and photos from COP 27, subscribe to their newsletter at https://bit.ly/enbupdate.
Faith Presence at COP27
Our colleagues at UNEP host an online portal for the faith presence at COP27 – make sure to select the different tabs to show the events for different weeks. There are press briefings, hybrid events, and much more.
The Episcopal Church will have a substantial presence and a kick-off event on November 1.
Brahma Kumaris have again organized a set of events – their press briefings will include virtual access, others are designed for on-site participation.
At the beginning of COP27, Lutheran World Federation, as part of the Interfaith Liaison Committee to the UNFCCC, invites persons interested in climate justice and interfaith dialogue to an informal interfaith gathering in the spirit of Talanoa dialogue. Nov 6, 11 am ET.
The Interfaith Liaison Committee asks for prayers and meditation in support throughout the COP27.
A coalition of groups is offering an event “to support, challenge and inspire discussions during COP 27 at Sharm El Sheikh, a weekend event will be held at Mount Sinai that will be heart-stirring, transformative and a moment of inspiration for religious communities and for humanity.
And lastly, let’s remember the recent edition of Faith for Earth: A Call for Action, jointly republished by UNEP and the Parliament of World’s Religions, available for viewing online.