Posts Categorized: Current Affairs

Interfaith Gathering in the Spirit of Talanoa Dialogue

an interfaith moment of prayer concludes after religious leaders and representatives of ecumenical organizations gather for a Talanoa dialogue at the eve of COP27 in Egypt. by Sue Rheem, Coordinator, Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations Earlier this week, on Sunday, November 6th,  about 100 climate justice advocates from various faith groups came together to reflect on solutions from a holistic perspective at the beautiful El sama Eyeen Coptic Church, not far from the convention center where COP27 was taking place.  It… Read more »

COP27 Begins With Hope for Concrete Outcomes

by Sue Rheem, Coordinator, Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations COP27 is the largest UN Climate Summit yet.   According to the New York Times, over 44,000 people have registered.  The world has descended on this resort town in the desert, to hopefully do more than just talk about climate change, but by the time it ends… Read more »

Disagreement on Loss and Damage Delayed Start of COP27 Agenda

Opening of COP27 The Cop27 UN climate summit was off to a delayed start after delegates late into the wee hours Sunday morning over what should be discussed at the conference. The major disagreement surrounded the question of loss and damage, which refers to the devastating consequences of climate breakdown suffered by the poorest and most vulnerable countries, and how… Read more »

COP27: The struggle for climate justice

By Cornelia Füllkrug-Weitzel, ACT Alliance Goodwill Ambassador for Climate Justice PC(USA) through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is an active member of the Action by Churches Together (ACT) Alliance. Members of the ACT Alliance, a global network of churches and agencies who work with vulnerable communities in humanitarian response, development and advocacy work, will be at COP,… Read more »

PC(USA) Delegation to Attend COP27

COP27 brings together states parties, as well as thousands of experts, journalists, and representatives from businesses and nongovernmental groups, to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. To be held in November 2022, it is an important opportunity for the international community to meet and discuss ambitious, rights-based climate action. And the PC(USA) will… Read more »

Returning To Where Everything Started

Chainlink fence with prayer ribbons As people of faith concerned about the climate crisis, there are two origin stories that may guide and concern us as we ponder how we ought to live in the world today. One is the Genesis story, which establishes our faith in the God of Creation, and our particular role in nature. Another, is the… Read more »

Being Salmon, Being Human

Book Cover A COP26 Virtual Performance The virtual Green Zone at COP26 is offering the opportunity to see the acclaimed storytelling and yoik (musical tradition of the indigenous people of Norway) performance “Being Salmon, Being Human” is inspired by Dr. Martin Lee Mueller’s award-winning book by the same name. The performance takes us on a journey through… Read more »

COP26: Consumer Impacts and Climate Change

Plastic Fast Facts Graphic As consumers it’s important that we see the connection between our choices and their impact on the environment. Consumers are responsible for 60-70% of all direct and indirect emissions. While It is important to keep in mind that this impact varies, depending on income level (research suggests there is at least a 10-fold difference in… Read more »

Cop26: Gender Justice Critical for Climate Action

Worship Leaders Procession Tuesday’s  COP26 theme turns the attention toward gender. Topics today will address not only the ways in which women, girls and marginalized people are disproportionately impacted by climate change, but also the importance of their leadership and participation in driving solutions. By working collaboratively, governments, civil society, and businesses can advance gender equality in climate… Read more »