COP29 - 22 November 2024
God of Grace - wisdom and hope

reflection 

Engaging with the issues associated with climate change often feels like stepping into the dark because it's difficult to make sense of things.  It would be very easy to stop bothering:  we have families to care for, work to do, and homes to keep, and it can seem like there’s no time left over to think about something that is so overwhelming. We need wisdom to know how to engage.

Proverbs 3 tells us we are blessed if we find wisdom and gain understanding, and perhaps we find them both by following the exhortation to trust  God with all our heart and lean on his understanding instead of our own.  When it comes to climate issues, surely there is no one better to trust than the creator himself: “By wisdom he laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place.”

The writer of Proverbs tells us that wisdom's ways are pleasant and all her paths are peace. The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom, a word that can also mean safety, prosperity, well-being, intactness or wholeness. Shalom signifies peace in our relationship to God, peace amongst neighbours and peace amongst nations.  It reminds us of the Garden of Eden, where man and woman were at peace with each other, and with God, and with creation. It reminds us that in Jesus Christ there is repair of all the damage that flows from Adam and Eve’s first sin. Through God’s grace, our good relationships with God, with each other, and with all of nature will be restored.

The theme of peace continues in Paul's letter to the Romans (our second reading), where he prays that the God of hope will fill them with all joy and peace as they trust in him, and that the outworking of this will be hope in their own lives, inspired by the Holy Spirit. 

In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty and ecological crisis, the Christian call to trust and hope becomes more crucial than ever. Climate change presents not just an environmental challenge but a profound moral imperative. Our trust in God and our Christian hope, help us operate in these times. The Bible reminds us that creation is a gift from God, and that he is sovereign over all creation. Our trust in him allows us to act with purpose and courage, knowing that our efforts contribute to a greater divine plan. In doing so we nurture hope for a sustainable future. This hope - being Christian - is not naïve; it acknowledges the reality of suffering and crisis but looks forward to redemption. But redemption is much deeper, wider and stronger than simply eternity with God after death. It embodies personal choices now, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, standing alongside marginalised communities disproportionately affected by environmental degradation, advocating for sustainable practices, supporting renewable energy and of course, most important of all, praying.

And so we have come full circle on our creation care journey during COP29. We started with hope on Day 1 as we considered creation being included in God’s redemption plan, and we end with hope today, acknowledging that true change will come when we work in partnership with God.

prayer

Lord, it’s easy to be cynical or shut off from the issues around me. But equally, I can find myself becoming overwhelmed in the face of the sheer amount of need.

Would you help my heart to stay soft, and my eyes to stay open, as I seek to discern my unique contribution to your kingdom coming on earth, as in heaven.

Amen

(From Lectio 365, 27 Oct 2023) 

at cop29

Today is the final day of COP 29.  Here are some key events and activities that are expected to take place:

• Closing Plenary Session: This session will include the adoption of the final COP 29 decisions and declarations. It's a moment for all parties to come together and agree on the outcomes of the negotiations.

• Summarising Statements: Key figures, including the COP 29 President and representatives from various countries, will provide summarizing statements reflecting on the conference's achievements and future steps.

• Press Conferences: Various press conferences will be held to communicate the outcomes of the conference to the media and the public.

• Side Events and Exhibitions: Although the main conference events will conclude, some side events and exhibitions may continue, providing opportunities for further discussions and networking.

The final day is crucial as it sets the stage for the implementation of the agreements and commitments made during the conference. It's a time for reflection, celebration of progress, and planning for the future.