COP27 comes to Africa
The African COP
COP27 is being called the African COP, as is it being held in Africa, in Sharm El – Sheikh in Egypt from 6- 18th November. This gives the opportunities to highlight issues affecting Africa and to raise African voices, listening to climate activist and hearing stories of climate change from the continent. On the negative side, this COP27 is prohibitively expensive which is making it very difficult for people to attend. There are also concerns about civil society being squeezed out and greenwashing by sponsors.
This COP is not a ‘milestone’ COP (like Paris or Glasgow) where new targets will be set – this one is about implementation – will countries implement what they have promised. There is the opportunity to ratchet up their promises (known as NDCs – nationally determined contributions)
Almost every country in the world will be represented, providing our best hope for ambitious and fair global agreements on climate change. There is some good news in the recent election of President Lula from Brazil who has promised to halt the rapid deforestation in Brazil and the new Prime Minister of the UK , Rishi Sunak has finally decided to attend.
How can you pray:
- For governments to ensure full delivery of the promised annual $100 billion
- For a ‘loss and damage’ fund – recognising the incredible damage done to vulnerable countries
- Investment in green jobs for youth
- Legalising the status of climate refugees
Anglicans at COP
Please pray for the many Anglicans attending COP27, we have official delegations and people representing other organisations
Official Anglican Communion reps
- Revd Julio Murray – Bishop of Panama, Chairperson of Anglican Communion Environmental Network, and Head of the Anglican COP27 Delegation.
- The Most Revd Samy Fawzi Shehata – Bishop of the Diocese of Egypt and the Archbishop of the Anglican/Episcopal Province of Alexandria – Host Church.
- Amal Sarah – Member of Diocese of Raiwind, Church of Pakistan, Chairperson of the Advocacy Committee of Anglican Communion Youth Network.
- Dr Rose Elu – Member of Anglican Church of Australia, Steering Group member of Anglican Indigenous Network.
The Episcopal Church has a strong 18 person delegation, in person and online led by Bishop Marc Andrus
Charles Bakolo (Malawi), the Environmental Coordinator for the Province of Central Africa is part of the World Council of Churches delegation
Bino Makalanyane (South Africa) and Lydia Perris (Diocese of Exeter, CofE) are part of the Christian Climate Observer programme
Joel Kelling is attending as part of the Act Alliance/Anglican alliance delegation
Eraso Richard of Uganda (Kampala Diocese) is attending as a youth country rep.
Bishop Philip Huggins is attending from Australia
Please do let us know of others you know so that we can include them in our prayers.
