December News
When COP27 finally concluded in the early hours of Sunday morning on the 20th of November, nearly 36 hours after its scheduled end time, I was on an airplane from Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, headed home. The reasons for the the extended negotiations boiled down primarily to the inclusion of “Loss and Damages” into the final document. While this was a vitally important part of the final document, it unfortunately came at the exclusion of adaptation and mitigation as parts of the document. But, and this is a big “but,” this time was the first that the largest emitters of toxic chemicals into the atmosphere of our planet had allowed the topic to be included at all, even though the developing countries of the world—the countries who contribute the least to global warming—had been pushing for it for many years. Representatives of the faith community had also been pushing for it in our quest for justice for all God’s people. That “Loss and Damages” became part of COP27’s final agreement is a testimony to the persistence of both the developing world and the faith community.
When I left Egypt, I did not have up-to-date information as to the final document. I was disappointed. When I arrived home to the news of the inclusion of “Loss and Damages,” my hopes were raised and my optimism was elevated—somewhat. I recognize more could have been done, including an increased commitment to adaptation and mitigation. I also know we in the faith community will need to monitor and press for follow through from the developed world on their promise of substantial investment.
Representing the faith community at COP is always an honor, and this year was no different. What was different was that I now have renewed hope for all God’s creation.
Read more about COP27 below in the Featured Stories.
A retired pastor and EarthKeeper in the North Texas Annual Conference, Mel Caraway is currently pouring his energy into the merging of faith and advocacy as a solution to the climate crisis.
He has participated in COP 25, 26, and 27.