Candles for COP27: Vigils for Climate Justice
In recognition of the need for change and for global solidarity with all who are affected by climate change and those who are advocating for change at COP27, you are invited to host candlelight vigils in your communities on the weekend of November 11-13, 2022. This will be a time to reflect and share our love for our planet, our concern for all of Creation at risk from climate change, and our hopes for truly transformative action at COP and through each other. This invitation coincides with and complements the call for a Global Day of Action on November 12(opens in a new tab).
Candlelight vigils are already being planned in several places initiated by Climate Fast and fellow members of For the Love of Creation.(opens in a new tab) You can use this opportunity to draw attention to local and regional concerns regarding climate change and national and global ones, too.
In relation to climate and our federal government and its participation at COP27, The United Church of Canada supports calls on Canada to:
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Increase Canada’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission target(opens in a new tab) from reducing emissions by 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2030 to by 60% in the same time frame
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Commit equal support for climate change adaptation(opens in a new tab) and mitigation measures in the Global South (currently 40/60 split)
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Support calls to address Loss and Damage and help establish a mechanism for financing it
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Invest in a legislated just transition to a fair, inclusive, green economy centering Indigenous rights, experience, and knowledge
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Pass Bill C-226(opens in a new tab) to create a national strategy on Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice
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Pass Bills C262(opens in a new tab) and C263(opens in a new tab) to improve Canadian corporate accountability internationally (especially on resource extraction issues) and give the Ombudsperson more authority
Let us join together, act and pray that the voices of the people most affected by climate change and those most marginalized from the conversations at COP27 are heard, movements strengthened, and commitments implemented. Additional worship and prayer resources are available on Climate Change Worship page.(opens in a new tab)
Please post invitations to join your vigil and photos of your vigil on social media using the hashtags #FLCKairosCOP27 #uccanCOP27.