Day 4 of COP. I am tired. It’s been a long week of ups and downs. I’ll keep this brief.
Today was the 2nd to last day of COP28 (probably). In our morning meeting, Lowell led us through and active devotional about loving our enemies. We spent time as a group humanizing our supposed enemies such as OPEC and Sultan Al-Jabar who is the president of this year’s COP. This has been hard for us this week. However, we also reflected on the word of Jesus and the spirit of Jesus’ words through those like Gandhi, MLK jr, Dallas Willard, and C.S. Lewis. If we want to really change the world and right the wrong as Jesus did and does, then we must do the same if we want to create real change. The kind of change that heals hearts, restores souls, and gifts peace.
Today was a long day. We attended a wonderful panel at which our leader, Dr. Brian Webb and other religious leaders spoke including Vanessa Nakate who is a renowned Christian climate activist from Kenya. I also spent time helping to write the official CCOP newsletter so go check that out on ccop’s website sometime soon for day 11 of COP28. I met cool people today from Zimbabwe and Washington D.C. And I got free beer at the Singapore pavilion.
In the midst of everything, the official COP negotiations were happening behind the scenes. The latest version of the global stock take text includes no mention of phase out or phase down a fossil feels as well as very little on the topic in general. There is also no emphasis and the downplay of science. As the Samoan Environmental Minister said today, "if we do not have strong mitigation outcomes at this cup then this will be the copper 1.5°C would've died. We will not sign or death certificates.” Bold words. They are what we need.
Looking forward to the last day of cop, my program, the vulnerable countries of the world and many of the worlds climate activists call for bold action. At the same level of action which we need is prayer. Prayer for the world’s delegates to have love and wisdom stirred up within them and to shun greed in the interest for the world/humanity we have been told to love and to keep.
We are in the season of advent right now and so I want reflect on the passage from Isaiah with you all since it holds such power and hope for me.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
Isn’t that beautiful? It is hope. It is what I have.
Goodnight, that’s all for now.