For Christians and indeed the whole of humanity, the United Nations Conference of Parties, COP 26, was disappointing. We do not see the “new heaven and a new earth” of Revelation 21.1 or the “tree of life… for the healing of the nations” of Revelation 22.2. We see continued scrabbling in the foothills of our faith to plant a few saplings for the future. The key target of reducing the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees C. is possible but unlikely.
Yet COP 26 leaves us with some reasons for hope. The agreement for countries to meet annually, not every five years, to upgrade their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) is the most hopeful reason: for the promises so far will assuredly increase the world temperature by 2°C; thus, inevitably, certain island nations will disappear under the sea. The rich nations in particular must reduce their CO2 emissions, not just talk about them. Alok Sharma, while not inspired, was a competent and determined Chair of COP26: he has truly said that its work has really only just begun. Secondly, coal was targeted: but sadly only for its use to be reduced, not, as is essential, to phase it out. Twenty nations, including China, did, however, commit to stop subsidising overseas fossil fuel projects. Moreover the normally cautious International Energy Agency called for the cessation of investments in new fossil fuel developments. The third hopeful action was the joint declaration by China and USA that they would work together to combat global heating. Fourthly, the agreement by all the major forested nations to reduce deforestation rates is a major advance. The fifth reason for hope was the enhanced role played by young people and major non-government organisations in encouraging delegates to do what they have determined. This, with the Green Churches presentation and the interfaith Green Faith lobbying, is evidence that this was the first COP to touch the national spiritual consciousness here and in many countries. Lastly, the dynamic role of Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of England, has been too little applauded. He was the Prime Minister’s Financial Adviser for COP 26 and the United Nations Special Envoy on Finance. He has obtained agreements that $130 trillion of private capital will be deployed to fund the transition to net zero. This represents 40% of the world’s financial assets. Investments will be based on science-based indices and there will be 2030 interim goals. Carney said he would “ruthlessly, relentlessly” monitor the actions of the signatories. He is not a man to be trifled with. The fear of course is that words are said but deeds are not done.
The Hawaii Mauna Loa observatory CO2 readings, the most accurate we have for the world, have continued for over 50 years in succession to show a rise in CO2 emissions. Ice cores show that from 1750 to 1800 there were 278 ppm (parts per million) of carbon dioxide in the air. From 2020 to 2021 there were 417 ppm. Until that increase ceases, biodiversity, including humans, face incalculable declines. Such levels of carbon dioxide are, in human times, unprecedented – to use accurately a much overworked word.
