We are in the last stages of COP26 – the gathering of world wide people in Glasgow that aims to avert climate disaster by keeping the warming of the earth no more than 1.5% above the pre-industrial revolution level. Some analysts are cautiously optimistic about the results. Others are very sceptical and of course actions from the big emitters are essential.
Locally we have some good news. The City of Port Phillip last week passed some motions to assess what is already being done to redress climate change in this Local Government Area and to work out a 10 year action plan from 2022 on. I was part of two committees that advocated for this action, the Older Persons’ Advisory Committee and the Multifaith Committee. We have a very active EcoCentre in our city which even in lockdown over this year produced online programs on urban wild life, fungi and birds as well as the sea dragon. It engaged over 11,000 students and 176 schools in its programs and with many volunteers continues its work for Port Phillip Bay and surrounds. The Uniting Church has been urging more action from the Australian Government and advocating particularly for the Pacific Islands where we have partner churches.
Prayer from the President – Sharon Hollis
O God, bringer of justice and lover of creation,
We pray to you as COP26 continues
We pray that the voice of the earth and those most vulnerable
To the effects of climate change might be heard.
We pray for the groans of creation to be heeded,
For a willingness to hear the cries of those currently suffering from climate change
For the wisdom of indigenous people to guide us,
For leaders and negotiators to be bold in their commitment to change.
We pray for courage, for ambitious targets and for actions to back the pledges and promises.
Amen.
Coralie Ling
