Reflections

Updates from Whirlow

People and Planet - reflecting on COP26

Leaders, authorities, experts, campaigners and advocates have this week descended upon Glasgow for the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). As host nations, with a government talking about a need for global action, this reflection invites us to meditate on our impact on the planet.

A core message from God to humanity in Christianity is the call to care for creation.

Theology and churchpersonship sometimes focus on the heavenly or otherworldly - this can mean paying too little attention to loving the things God has given us now. We exploit resources from creation, including the natural environment; accept the way the richest people and countries grow exponentially richer; heedlessly consume more and more.

Jesus taught us to pray that God’s kingdom would come now on earth as it is in heaven (the sixth Chapter of Matthew’s Gospel). This is both spiritual and physical - and we are part of the fulfilment of the prayer, invited into the renewal and restoration of the earth in partnership with the Divine.

The consequences of climate change are worst for the poorest - in the UK and across the world. Again, if we want to turn to Jesus for moral guidance, we know something is wrong with this picture. We are invited to love our neighbour (the 22nd Chapter of Matthew’s gospel). It turns out that treating out planet well goes hand in hand with showing practical love to those who need it most!

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Spend some time reflecting on your life and choices. Celebrate those decisions and actions that demonstrate love for planet and people. Consider if there is anything you can choose to turn your back on, moving forwards.

Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness in the fact of challenges of this scale are inevitable. Recent surveys of young people have shown that climate anxiety is common. We hope that people who are motivated directly or indirectly by Jesus’ command to love one another can be a catalyst for change that secures a future for such young people and generations to come.

Here are some ideas for taking action - you may have others to share in the comments.

  • Hold our politicians and leaders to account. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spoken with passion about the climate crisis, so we can apply pressure to ensure that the promises and commitments made during COP26 are not empty ones.

  • Pray for or meditate on the planet and solutions that effectively tackle the climate emergency. There is a song below that you could use as a backdrop for your reflections.

  • Examine yourself gently but critically. What steps can you take or keep taking to make a difference? How can you act with assurance but avoid jarring self-righteousness?

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