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As we reach the end of 2023 you may feel that it has been all doom and gloom with so many climate disasters and devastating wars. But there a was  A LOT of progress on climate action which often the news doesn’t focus on So here are twelve gifts for you ! ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS  MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME –   CARBON EMISSIONS ARE PEAKING Peaking global emissions : there is a 70 percent chance that emissions from energy will begin to  drop in 2024 ON THE SECOND DAY MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME : AN ELECTRIC CAR In 2023 18 percent of new car sales were Electric.  A total of 14% of all new cars sold were electric in 2022, up from around 9% in 2021 and less than 5% in 2020. ON THE THIRD DAY –  MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO  ME:   SOLAR ENERGY! Solar is now the cheapest form of energy , the prices have dropped 90 percenhttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-19/solar-energy-has-crossed-a-global-tipping-point-study-finds ON THE FOURTH DAY – MY TRUE LOVE GAVE ME WIND ENERGY Wind energy costs  also fell by 56 percent in the last decade ON THE FIFTH DAY – THE BEGINNING OF THE END FOR COALCoal use is predicted to have peaked and to  begin dropping next year ON THE SIXTH DAY – CLIMATE COURT CASES Successful climate litigation cases are growing ON THE SEVENTH DAY –  A LOSS AND DAMAGE FUND After years of campaigning it was a agreed that a Loss and damage fund would be set up to help countries most impacted by climate change ON THE EIGHTH DAY – A TRANSITION AWAY FROM FOSSIL FUELS COP28 also agreed to begin to transition away from fossil fuels – given how strong the oil lobby at COP28 was this is significant as will make investors consider potential future stranded assets ON THE NINTH DAY – DROP IN DEFORESTATION IN THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON Deforestation dropped by 22 percent as President Lula reversed President Bolsanaros’ policies ON THE TENTH DAY- A TREATY TO PROTECT THE HIGH SEAS A historic agreement was signed with the goal of protecting 30 percent of the oceans  by 2030 – The treaty addresses a blaring gap in ocean protection, as only about 1% of the high seas is currently protected. ON THE ELEVENTH DAY – BATTERY STORAGE The challenge of intermittent energy from renewables is solved by battery storage.  This is being solved by massive growth in battery storage – set to grow 15 fold by 2030.  The price has also plummeted ON THE TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME FOREST PROTECTION BY EU The European Union has passed regulations to stop import of products grown on land which has been deforested since 2020

The journey began as I came across a call for applications to become part of the Christian Climate Observers Program for the COP28 held in Dubai, UAE. Upon applying I chose to attend the first week, got approved then started preparing towards that life changing journey.  As a climate activist and a Creation Carer this was one of the most important conventions as it exposes one to many people working in the ‘climate change space’. This year’s COP was an important one because of the conversation around phasing out fossil fuels, therefore we all went there with a goal in mind, to deliberate around issues surrounding fossil fuels and the impact  it has on disadvantaged communities,  I say because I carried the badge of Houghton College which I am grateful for and also under the banner of Climate Yes, Renew our World, Green Anglicans, Anglican Communion Environmental Network and Christian Aid. Ours has been and remains a call towards a just transition on renewable energy and phasing out of fossil fuels.  Being in EXPO 2023 in Dubai expanded my horizon when it comes to the work, we do towards elimination (adaptation and mitigation to top the list) of climate anxiety and all it brings to the people we work with as a Christian community when it comes to natural disasters, some not so natural. As an Observer my task was to be visible in conversations that happened in different hubs, to contribute by sharing or caring (signing up petitions and or statements), by networking with likeminded people doing the same kind of ministry I am involved with but most importantly to also document whatever I felt was important for the people not attending physically. I was fortunate enough to share about South Africa and the work I am doing through Green Anglicans and Climate YES in the Faith Pavilion. The session was organised by Renew our World and the topic was the role of young people in adaptation. Observations: Highlights: Convictions and commitment: Outcomes: I am grateful to the CCOP team for choosing me as one of the Observers to be part of COP28, also to Climate YES for financing my flight tickets to and from South Africa to Dubai. Thank you to the Anglican Communion for their generosity on providing meals for the duration of my stay. To the UAE for hosting us, we felt safe throughout our stay, the assisting staff at EXPO 2023 went all out to make sure we find places we needed to find. To the Green Anglicans team of ACSA and Africa, ENKOSI!

Twenty one young people representing eight different organisations came together for a Climate Yes! (youth Ecumenical Summit) workshop held in the Berea district of Lesotho – a Teyateyaneng. The focus of the workshop was climate justice and sustainable solutions. We raised awareness of the impacts of climate change, climate smart agriculture and the importance of climate justice. We also looked at mitigation and adaptation. The workshop serves as an important platform for raising awareness to the youth about climate change and the transition to renewable energy. It also emphasized the importance of climate justice, especially in ensuring the inclusion of vulnerable communities in climate action planning and implementation, by promoting climate smart agricultural practices and the role of youth in the transition of renewable energy It is my hope that the workshop will inspire participants to take meaningful action in their respective areas to combat climate change and work towards a more sustainable future. We followed up with a cleaning campaign held on the 15th of Dec  2023  Reabetsoe Sidwell Ntoi

As COP28 draws to a close after hours of intense debate – an agreement has finally been reached to ‘transition away’ from fossil fuels. Not to phase down, or to phase out as was requested by the countries most impacted by climate change. “We have built a canoe with a weak and leaky hull” said a representative from the Marshall Island: “ Yet we have to put it into the water because we have no other option. “We need to phase out fossil fuels. Our job was clear, to keep 1.5C alive.. In the context of the real world, it is not enough. “As we sail this leaky canoe together, let’s agree to plug the leaks for the sake of all of us, especially the most vulnerable” The canoe is very weak and very leaky – but it is at least still afloat There were many concerns about the process this year as it was very dominated by the oil industry with 2400 delegates linked to fossil fuel companies (more than the delegates of ten of the countries most impacted by Climate Change). Unprecedented 2400 fuel lobbyists at COP28 The leader of COP28(head of the national Abu Dhabi  oil company)  said  that moving from fossil fuels will ‘return us to the caves” COP28 President says moving from fossil fuels will return us to caves and was planning to make side deals to increase oil sales. COP28 host planned to promote oil deals during climate talks My advent hope for Climate change does not come from the COP process but from the many thousands of souls who came to  COP28, people of faith, indigenous leaders, climate activists, leaders of vulnerable nations, fellow citizens who care about our  one common home Amidst the  frustration and anger – there  signs of hope – Health: The issues of health have been brought to the fore for the first time with a climate and health declaration.: https://www.afrik21.africa/en/cop28-climate-action-for-health-the-states-make-a-commitment-in-dubai/?fbclid=IwAR2Fjct8Hrz02TanstwAhnVQP43wN0SpAPdZZOcH8yPgHrsrYdDv7ipgtcM Loss and damage The fund is now set up – the challenge being that the promised funds are still very small – and will promises remain unfulfilled like with other climate funds? Will funds go into corrupt politicians pockets or reach the vulnerable? https://www.bmj.com/content/383/bmj.p2871?fbclid=IwAR3HKAfBMo2iv48doweJYQNb9mvZVFrhl_jFU18NWDt2xpWzh5GDOZ4vwZE The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty This gives great hope – as even oil countries like Colombia are now joining the frontline countries https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/02/colombia-joins-international-alliance-calling-for-treaty-to-end-use-of-fossil-fuels?fbclid=IwAR2KuaYR_OMeE1GYLqtEHOMG4B5M-4yRrrnM6Kx12BqC28NQmJnRRYMDM78 A Dutch led coalition was set up  to phase out fossil fuel subsidies https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/dutch-led-coalition-moves-phase-out-fossil-fuel-subsidies-cop28-2023-12-09/?fbclid=IwAR1V7CS2VrgO9MhEOapbDYQubujB-PwSAsxajEOsFdzfCwlO6Rlw5FUXhQk#:~:text=DUBAI%2C%20Dec%209%20(Reuters),clear%20strategy%20for%20eliminating%20them Outside of COP Young climate activists are suing fossil fuel companies – and beginning to win! Exponential growth in Electric vehicles and solar energy Renewable energy is now in the exponential curve and growth has been incredibly high in China with its massive population https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2023-05-30/china-nearing-inflection-point-for-solar-power-and-evs-ahead-of-2030-target Faith And we are people of faith –  confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not yet see. And faith was  very visible for the first time at COP28 – the  Faith Pavilion was  right in the blue zone with wonderful side events. Faith leaders were very visible. Our Anglican/Episcopal delegates were incredible! Give  thanks  for our wonderful Anglicans who were working their hearts out, speaking at events, speaking out to politicians, networking with other climate leaders – Faith Pavilion at COP28 Do watch some of the seminars with Anglicans speakers here: Side events with Anglican speakers at COP28 And in the words of Archbishop Hosam of Jerusalem: “ I think being here at COP28 will add to the conversation that conflict and violence are not an end in themselves. We need to bring all the positive, hope-filled factors to the conversation, so that we can bring transformation to our troubled world and region.” Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it

Faiths for a just transition: bottom up and systemic approaches from affected communities Archbishop Julio (Panama) Rev Melanie Mullen (TEC) Listen to stories which describe how faith communities are an important part of the transition we all need climate Justice. Faith communities must step up with their narratives of a just future of an equitable future. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn4LAxMbQMY   Intergenerational Dialogue on the Role of Youth in Adaptation Listen in with a youth panel drawn from Climate YES! & Tearfund – Mandisa Gumada (SA) and Erica Bagenzi (Rwanda). Green jobs and a green future.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXqayIj8XE0   Inspiration and Learning from Indigenous Communities Archbishop Julio (Panama) Anglican Communion Environmental Network.  This webinar provides an opportunity to learn from indigenous communities and to hear indigenous perspectives on the climate crisis and to discover the challenges Indigenous people, especially the Guna people in Panama, face every day.  Anglican Communion Council – Inspiration and Learning from Indigenous Communities   A Case Study in Faith-Based Advocacy and Witness The Gwichʼin (or Kutchin) are Athabascan-speaking First Nations people of Canada and Alaska, USA. They live in the northwestern part of North America, mostly north of the Arctic Circle. Discover the story of Episcopal Church advocacy and allyship over many years.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MDe-2rlQc0  Inclusive Capitalism — The Moral and Market Imperatives of a Just Transition With Archbishop Julio A presentation by the Council for Inclusive Capitalism. As negotiations are already taking place on just transition, what are the implications for faith communities? What are the market and moral imperatives? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3COIKJclUg    Practical Faith leadership in addressing climate change  Rev Christine Trainer – Abu Dhabi A very specific leadership is needed to address climate change. Such leadership includes faith communities. This Webinar explores such leadership actually works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O-t2HVycg4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O-t2HVycg4   Faiths for Biodiversity – Climate and Nature: Strengthening Advocacy and Action With Nicholas Pande, Anglican Alliance (Kenya) with Interfaith Power and Light There is powerful work happening from faith communities all over the world. Nature and the climate crisis are deeply interconnected and the science shows that we cannot solve one without the other.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjdnp3n5rN8    Exploring faith resistance to climate change Vanessa Nakate with Archbishop Julio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9esoigZEtsc Interfaith Rainforest Initiative – Religions in Action for Forests, Climate and Indigenous Peoples https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT0q4JOI0NM&t=484s   Anglican Communion & WCC – Faith communities have a moral imperative to address climate justice With Archbishop Julio and Nicholas Pande https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuiuuEWn4HQ Faith Scripture and living in ecological balance With Rev Rachel Taber Hamilton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfaVK_Ot-K0     Photo credit Renew our World

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