What’s happening in Copenhagen in 2009?
The United Nations Climate Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009 is the most important leaders’ gathering since the Kyoto protocol was adopted in 1997.
Copenhagen will see a new international climate deal agreed that will come into force when the first phase of the Kyoto treaty expires in 2012. As such it will set the international framework to combat climate change into the next decade and beyond. It’s vital that an effective deal is done at Copenhagen, for the sake of the planet and for the millions in the poorest countries who are suffering from the effects of climate change right now.
There is a growing consensus among scientists that we have a global Climate Emergency in which we have ten years or less to stop and reverse the global growth in greenhouse gases before ‘runaway’ climate change becomes uncontrollable. That means the international talks being held in Copenhagen in 2009 could be our last chance to avert a global catastrophe of unimaginable proportions – perhaps the most important international meeting ever held.
What happens if global temperatures rise by more than two degrees?
Experts predict we’ll see:
acute water shortages for 1-3 billion people – that’s a fifth to threefifths of humanity
sea levels increasing by up to 95cm by 2100, which will submerge 18% of Bangladesh
40-60 million more people exposed to malaria in Africa
30 million more people going hungry as agricultural yields diminish across the globe
What is Christian Aid planning?
Christian Aid wants to create a mass movement that demands our leaders help deliver a fair and effective deal at Copenhagen. It will be joining forces with sister organisations in Europe to create a truly continental voice for change. That’s why in the coming months they will be taking the message to our prime minister, and members of the European parliament.
But without our help, none of this will be possible.
What can I do?
Start by taking the Copenhagen pledge.
This commits you to campaigning for a fair, effective deal in Copenhagen. It is a pledge to do all you can to reduce your carbon footprint and to spread the word about the Christian Aid campaign. Christian Aid will be sending the prime minister a list of all the pledges taken as a measure of the growing demand for climate justice.
For those who can access the internet you can sign up at :
http://www.christianaid.org.uk/ActNow/Countdown-to-Copenhagenclimate- change/Copenhagen-pledge.aspx
For those without internet access who would like to sign up there will be pledge cards available at St. Mary’s Church.
So please sign up now.
For those who would like to know more, St. Albans Diocese are organising an Energy & Climate Change Day Conference “The Future of the Planet: Wilderness or Promised Land?” on Saturday 14th November 2009. at. Fowden Hall, Rothamsted Research Centre, Harpenden. I will be going – if you would like to join me please let me know.
To find out more visit http://www.stalbans.anglican.org/ Mission/Environment/The-Future-of-the-Planet
Sheila Hoile
