Global surface temperatures have already warmed 1.09 degrees above pre-industrial levels and the world is not on target to reach the Paris Agreement
The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) took place in Glasgow, 31st October – 12th November 2021. COP 26 brought world leaders together to boost action towards achieving goals agreed upon in the 2015 Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement goal is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.
The Paris Agreement was signed by many nations including New Zealand and Australia. Global surface temperatures have already warmed 1.09 degrees above pre-industrial levels and the world is not on target to reach the Paris Agreement. Leaders are therefore being asked to urgently work together and bring to COP 26 ambitious targets to both reduce greenhouse gas emissions before 2030 by accelerating the phase out of fossil fuels, and reach global net zero emissions by mid-century. Greater collaboration between governments, business and the wider society is also required to ensure these necessary goals for life are met. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres stated the latest climate change report released in August 2021 ahead of COP 26, issues a “code red for humanity”. The United Nations climate change reports are the most widely accepted collection of scientific evidence for the global community.
Columban missionaries worldwide have been gearing up for COP26. In Great Britain, where COP 26 is taking place, Columbans have been promoting campaigns in schools and parishes throughout the year to raise awareness and encourage Catholics to lift their voices. Ellen Teague who runs the Columban Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation media desk in Great Britain states: “Columbans feel a successful COP 26 will be a success for the poor.” Several Columbans are planning to be in Glasgow to support the climate meeting and we look forward to their updates.
Columban missionaries in Great Britain are also members of the National Justice and Peace Network (NJPN) and contributed to the Network’s 2021 Conference in preparation for COP26. Fr Joshtrom Isaac Kureethadam, from the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, said in a message to the conference, “you can count on the support of our Dicastery as we work together under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as families, parishes, communities and institutions to heal and protect Mother Earth.”
There are many benefits to be gained from engaging in strong transition to sustainable ways of living that are within the boundaries of nature’s resources. Scientists find in the latest climate report, that stabilizing a safer climate to improve lives worldwide and protect creation is still possible. There are many benefits to be gained from engaging in strong transition to sustainable ways of living that are within the boundaries of nature’s resources.
Columban Lay Missionary John Din in the Philippines stated in a Columban ‘Jubilee for the Earth’ Podcast 2: “It’s not enough to protect human life, we need to protect the whole system; because human rights are not possible in a world that is not liveable.” John appeals to values guided by faith. He says: “I think the right question is, who do we want to be? Who do we want to be now, will tell us the things we need to do.”
Sr Caroline Vaitkunas RSM, Peace, Ecology and Justice Team member, Columban Mission Centre, Essendon.
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