themes
environment and
climate change
united nations
climate change conference
The Copenhagen Summit will seek to replace the Kyoto Protocol when it runs out in 2012. It is being described by many as the "last chance for the planet". In the face of mounting evidence that we are heading for runaway climate change and massive losses in biodiversity, the need for an international treaty that would bind governments to drastic and immediate cuts in carbon emissions is increasingly urgent, but requires courageous and far-sighted political leadership.
Many climate campaigners are therefore stepping up their efforts to convince governments around the world that bold decisions must be made in Copenhagen if catastrophic climate change is to be averted. Churches and Christian environment organisations are adding their voices in increasing numbers.
Our resources for Creation Time 2009, Creation in Crisis - a time for prayer and action focuses substantially on the crucial issues facing world leaders at Copenhagen. There are also materials for organising a Climate Change Day of Prayer on 4th October or another suitable day.
Churches, Christian agencies and campaign groups
Here are some responses from these groups relating to the climate talks and the Copenhagen summit:
1 May 2009
Catholic Climate Covenant campaign
The Catholic Climate Covenant campaign, launched this week, offers a spiritual approach that requires individuals to go through a process of reflection and assessment before changing their lives.
Catholic Church in England and Wales 
23 April 2009
UK budget: climate short-changed
Christian Aid says the government's first ever UK carbon budget shows a disappointing lack of ambition and leadership and a missed opportunity to tackle climate change.
Christian Aid
Christian Aid: Countdown to Copenhagen
Countdown to Copenhagen page on the Christian Aid website
Christian Aid has also joined forces with a group of development agencies across the world, with a dedicated website:
Countdown to Copenhagen
Climate Change Day of Prayer
Resources are also available for organising a local Climate Change Day of Prayer on 4 October, or another convenient nearby date. This initiative encourages everyone to take time out of their busy lives to reflect on the issues and pray for the negotiators and decision makers at this critical time in our history.
Previous summits
The last major United Nations Climate Change Conference took place in Bali in December 2007, after which world leaders met for further climate talks in December 2008 in Poznan, Poland, in Bonn during March/April and June 2009, as part of the Bali 'Road Map'. Further sessions were held 28 September - 9 October in Bangkok, leading up to the crucial 15th Climate Conference in December 2009 in Copenhagen.
