environment
environment and
climate change
united nations
climate change conference
The Copenhagen Summit sought to replace the Kyoto Protocol when it runs out in 2012. It was 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 was perceived as increasingly urgent, but requiring courageous and far-sighted political leadership.
However the Summit was believed by many to have ended in failure.
See the Copenhagen Summit website 
for details of the accord.
Our resources for Creation Time 2009, Creation in Crisis - a time for prayer and action focuses substantially on the crucial issues that faced the world leaders at Copenhagen. There are also materials for organising a Climate Change Day of Prayer.
Churches, Christian agencies and campaign groups
Here are some responses from these groups relating to the climate talks and the Copenhagen summit:
22 December 2009
Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches condemn climate failure
"The failure by negotiators at the climate talks in Copenhagen to agree to cut carbon emissions by 40 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020, after two weeks of negotiations, represents an immense set-back for rich and poor countries alike," said the Revd John Marsh, moderator of the general assembly of the United Reformed Church.
The Methodist Church
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.
