Call to Action – COP –
In 1995 the first Conference of the Parties (COP 1) took place in Berlin, Germany. COPs have taken place almost every year since then. COP is a gathering of world leaders from UN Member States who gather to negotiate and agree on actions to address and mitigate climate change. It is also an important opportunity for individuals and groups from civil society, indigenous groups, scientists, academics, young people and the private sector to ensure a wider perspective and inclusion in responding to our climate crisis.
This year marks 30 years since that first Conference – COP 30 is being held in Belém, Brazil, from the 6th to the 21st November. COP30 is important, as it is the first conference to take place since the world officially passed the 1.5°C threshold of global heating above pre-industrial levels. This limit has long been reported as critical in preventing the worst impacts of climate change.
As more and more countries around the world experience the direct effects of the rapid climactic changes to our natural environment – such as rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events like severe flooding and drought, leading to increased food insecurity – COP30 represents an important opportunity for the world to take much stronger and more unified action. As contemporary global political, social and economic events increasingly distract us from our responsibility to care for our common home – as faith-based communities, we must continue to listen to the cry of our earth and ensure that its cries are heard by all 197 COP members and the rest of the world.
AMRI will be marching alongside other faith-based organisations on Saturday 15th November in Dublin to highlight our support for tangible and committed action at COP30. Please join us.
We will all gather in the Garden of Remembrance at 12.30 for an interfaith prayer before the march and there will be a photocall at 1pm for all the faith groups attending the march.
