By Joan Brown,osf
Hope for an agreement that can move the world forward in a strong way is growing with the latest document draft today, that is being hammered away at, even as I write. The basics are in place for a document, that for the first time ever includes some 195 countries committed to meaningful action on climate change in their countries. The issues being worked on for the final draft include: issues of finance, disaster and loss, human rights and worker transition, meaningful process to measure progress and whether we will have a goal of 1.5 to 2.0 degrees or less than 1.5 degrees. It is very positive that all countries here see climate change as a collective challenge that must be addressed now. The longer we wait the more people suffer and the costlier the solutions become.
Friends from Ghana Carbon Covenant Tree Project with Sally and Susan.
We are definitely seeing shifts and I believe that some of this is due to the high level visibility of the moral imperative to act and to the hard grassroots work of education, inspiration, action and advocacy that so many around the world have been doing–including you! Today, after the latest draft was unveiled to the thousands gathered in the meeting halls, there was a briefing with the Interfaith Community by Daniele Violetti the Chief of Staff of the secretariat of the United Nations.
He was very positive in commending the religious community for their part leading up to and with COP21. He stated that the moral imperative has been critical and “That you are here and want to be engaged is essential.” The interfaith work is very significant in modeling the type of transformation necessary in working together amidst great diversity.
He further stated that after the agreement, the interfaith community and religious leaders and people will be essential in carrying forth the work of transformation of the society because it requires a change of economy and how we live. I have heard over and over again that the place of the civil society is essential in the work ahead, in particular to set us on a strong path for the next 4 years. This is a historic moment of call to action for people and citizens of conscience.
John Fenton on panel addressing hydrofracking.
It is also important to relate stories as we work at the local level. Several experiences today stand out. One was at the workshop co-sponsored by many religious groups on Keeping Fossil Fuels in the Ground. I was very touched by the direct simplicity of John Fenton, a rancher and farmer from Wyoming coming from a small community of 104 people who have been affected by fracking. Fracking not only fractures the land and pollutes the water but also fractures communities and relationships, he stated. But the power to cause change comes from the community and the stories of the people living in the affected communities, whether it is oil, gas or uranium.
I also had the privilege to talk with a representative from Bangladesh about utilizing adaptation money to install solar panels for free to the poorest in their country. Bangladesh is installing solar at an incredible rate of between 50,000-60,000 per month, thus creating what they would like to see as the first solar nation. http://in.reuters.com/article/bangladesh-solar-idINKBN0KY0O220150125. Another story of adaptation comes from Central America, where climate change is implicated in the immigrant movement. Amidst pictures of reforestation at the Central American booth was the photo of La Beastia carrying refugees to the north.
Bangladesh woman working with solar in civil society.
On a final note, I have been pleased that the faith delegation has met with state department officials and also with the US Congressional delegation offering insights, posing questions and concerns during the process. Today the Congressional staff emphasized the importance of lifting up the positive movement forward, even as we push for stronger action.
Finally, I was able to connect with Sally Bingham and Susan Stephenson the President and Director of Interfaith Power and Light. We had a delightful meeting with friends from Ghana who are engaged in the Carbon Covenant tree project in Ghana.
Thank you for all your prayers, work and I am so grateful to be part of a community dedicated to life and caring for the Sacred Earth Community.