Preparing for COP26

Monday September 27 2021

Christian Aid Scotland suggest some ways in which you can engage with the COP26 climate change conference, in Glasgow from October 31

Next month world leaders will gather in Glasgow for what’s being described as a pivotal moment for the planet.  And there’s only one thing on the COP26 agenda: the climate crisis.

The climate crisis is a storm we all face, but we are not all in the same boat.  People living in poorer, more fragile contexts are least able to cope with the storm (a storm that they’ve done the least to create) and we need to make sure they are supported, and their voices amplified, as we journey towards climate justice for all.  

So what can you do in the month before COP26?  Here are 4 ideas:

• Use your voice to call for climate justice by getting creative and making a paper prayer boat. Display in your window or your church, and add to the thousands of voices from around the world demanding climate action from decision-makers. Find out how in our #risetothemoment activity pack: christianaid.org.uk/resources/get-involved/rise-moment-activity-pack
• Support the Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN) relay to COP as it arrives in Scotland (mid-October) and makes its way across the country via Dunbar and Edinburgh to Glasgow. Pray, walk or wave to show your support. See the entire route and find out more:  https://www.yccn.uk/
• You can watch a film with your family, friends or wider community. Thank You For The Rain is a powerful documentary about a farmer in Kenya who sees the climate is changing and worries for his family and his ability to grow food.  He wants to do everything in his power to make sure political decision-makers understand what is happening, “the story that I have should be an alarm to everybody”.  Find out how to download the film:  org.uk/news/thank-you-rain
• We’re inviting young people to write a letter to the world. Climate change will impact their future.  Why not make this a Sunday School activity?  There is a resource pack here: org.uk/resources/get-involved/letters-world

In the words of Kisilu, the Kenyan farmer, everyone can be a climate fighter.  We believe that too.  Every moment matters and every prayer and action counts in the fight for climate justice.  If you want more information on the suggestions above please email  edinburgh@christian-aid.org

Look out for coverage of COP26 in November's Life and Work and a special downloadable supplement, available from this website from October 15.