November Eco-group Reflection

Cop 30

Three years ago I wrote my first Eco Comment and the subject was COP 27. Having recently moved to a monthly comment it’s therefore quite appropriate that after a few weeks without writing, this week’s Eco Comment should coincide with the Conference of the Parties (COP 30) which refers to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and this year it is being held in Brazil, a place often referred to as the ‘lungs of the world’. This naming refers to the fact that Brazil contains about 60% of the Amazon rainforest and it’s trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, a vital component of the Earth’s climate regulation. It is also seen (by some) as an area that is currently approaching a tipping point with regards deforestation and it’s use of fossil fuels. 

I was asked rather a simplistic question yesterday which made me register how unaware some people maybe are about our world and how it works. The question was; ‘Why is it (COP) being held so far away when it will cost everyone so much money to attend and be so destructive with regards air miles and carbon usage etc?’ In it’s naivety the question demonstrated how unwittingly selfish we might be regarded in the northern hemisphere. We forget that so many countries, many of whom have not contributed to the current climate situation, suffer due to our past excesses and are so far away that we can fail to register their current fragility with regards rising temperatures and rising sea levels. Whilst we are only one small country among many we celebrate our inventions, such as the use of steam and 200 years of rail travel to name one recent event. This invention was wonderful in so many ways yet was the beginning of what might be termed one of the main causes of damage to our environment.  

In our defense though we are one country that is trying to effect change on the future. There might be a powerful lobby against the causes of climate change by big moneyed corporations but in this ‘push me pull you’ world we as a country are still pushing in the right direction. Everyone is hopeful that this climate conference is going to push for a greener future for the world. Very important people with clear voices are travelling to Brazil to persuade the naysayers that we can’t avoid the conversation any longer. It’s time to act and work towards climate justice. 

I recently read an article on the Church of England website ‘How to engage with COP30’ by Jo Chamberlain, the National Environmental Policy Officer (www.churchofengland.org 30.10.25) In it she mentions how distance or lack of it can be a real factor when it comes to being ‘up close’ with the action. When the UK hosted the 2021 COP it was all very real. However Brazil is not on our doorstep so a visit from the Bishop of Amazonia, Archbishop Marinez who had flown from Brazil to raise awareness of the forthcoming COP brought the importance of the debate right to us in the UK. The Anglican Communion Office has a ‘Lungs of the Earth’ environmental campaign which is focused on ‘restoring and protecting three vital ecosystems: forest, oceans and frozen landscapes.’ They are sending a delegation to Brazil and you can follow their progress through the Anglican Communion social channels. Green Christian have prepared prayer resources and there will be a live stream from the Anglican Cathedral on Sunday 16th November.  

(Do read the article.) 

We, in Wakefield Cathedral have joined the journey to become net zero carbon and must take notice of what’s happening in the rest of the world. It’s doubtful that we can get to Brazil but if you feel passionately about climate change there is another piece of reading that I recommend and that can be found on the www.justtransitionwakefield.org.uk COP30 – Time to Act. October 30th 2025. If you want to show your support publicly there is a rally and march in Leeds on Saturday 15th. ‘The world is ours. This world is everyone’s!’  It’s time to act.