COP28 must be more than a glitzy talking shop

30/11/2023

Today saw the start of COP28 - the 28th annual Conference of the Parties - writes Rt Revd Graham Usher, lead Bishop for the environment.
Bishop Graham Usher

World leaders and their negotiation teams are meeting in Dubai to focus on delivering action on the climate crisis.

This year's COP needs to deliver on its commitment to reducing the use of fossil fuels, as well as making progress with the Loss and Damage fund. The latter needs clarity about where the money will come from and assurances that it will be distributed fairly to those countries in greatest need. In particular, many churches around the Anglican Communion want to see resilience building being prioritised for climate vulnerable communities and a transition to green development pathways that is just and ambitious.

It is not just the Anglican Communion that is prioritising these areas. The UK’s Environment All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) is also calling for the loss and damage fund to get up and running as soon as possible, for a consensus on phasing out fossil fuels to be reached, and for us to pay attention to how the Earth’s resources are being used.

The full article can be read in this week's Church Times