January 2020 Prayer Points
As the new year … and new decade … begin, we look back at recent developments, including the UN climate talks, and look forward to developments in 2020.
December 2019 Prayer Points
As Advent begins, and with it the new Christian year, we pray for new progress in the UN climate negotiations … and for a renewed and increased commitment to climate action from people, businesses and countries around the world.
November 2019 Prayer Points
This month we are praying for the worldwide A Rocha family and for all involved in reorganising the next UN climate conference, following the very late withdrawal of Chile as host. We pray, too, for those affected by floods in Japan and for all trying to work out how to create effective and just strategies for adaptation. And, while we lament how long it has taken to begin emissions reductions on the scale that’s needed, we give thanks for those whose calls for rapid action have helped to shift the global conversation … and for those communities that are beginning to implement rapid plans to reach net zero.
October 2019 Prayer Points
A stunning 7 million people joined the global climate strikes … the UN met to take forward progress on climate responses … new reports show increased impacts of global heating, underlining the urgent need for climate action. There’s much to pray for …
September 2019 Prayer Points
As the Season of Creation begins, we give thanks for the beauty of God’s earth – and pray that more and more people will appreciate the blessings God has given us in the diversity of creation. We pray for protection for the people and rich biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest, for better use of land, and for the many events taking place in September. We lament the melting of glaciers and give thanks for resources that help us change to new habits in a way that is thoughtful and joyful. Join in!
August 2019 Prayer Points
The heat extremes continue – and what’s happening in the Arctic is cause for especial concern. There are opportunities for prayer and action, too – the Season of Creation is coming up; a major new report calls for massive tree planting; and it’s a crucial time for climate policies and plans in the UK and US. As we prepare for a busy September, it’s a good time to reflect and pray …
July 2019 Prayer Points
How hot did you say? Extreme heat is underlining the need for climate action. There’s positive progress for which to give thanks – like the commitments to net zero targets, new developments in technology, investor action and increased use of renewables. But there are also roadblocks being set along the way … it’s an important time to pray!
June 2019 Prayer Points
The past month has seen worrying reports about unprecedented declines in nature, greater-than-expected melting of polar ice, and decreased investment in renewables. It’s also seen more churches and other groups divest from fossil fuels, several countries considering or committing to ambitious net zero targets, and a turn away from coal in New York State. Much to lament … give thanks for … pray for …
May 2019 Prayer Points
Once again we lament a cyclone in Mozambique – and the suffering caused to people in many places by climate impacts. Animals, too, are suffering, as seen in the collapse of an emperor penguin colony. But we continue to pray and we take hope, in this Eastertide, from signs of change in the UK, the financial sector, and a burgeoning Swedish movement to reduce flying.
April 2019 Prayer Points
We lament the destruction caused by Cyclone Idai and pollution in Mongolia … but find Easter hope in youth activism, technological innovations, and initiatives to press countries to strengthen their Paris pledges.