Tuesday, May 19, 2009

350


Clock is ticking for CO2penhagen and a new climate treaty. Faith groups are becoming more and more visible and that is really encouraging. Now the 350 movement have announced 24th of October as a day to manifest the necessity to come down to 350 ppm CO2 equivalents in the atmosphere.
In the climate scenarios that we have seen earlier a stabilisation at 450 is the goal but latest science research says that to be more on the safe side we need to cut down to 350 (that we already passed).
24th October there will be happenings all over the world to underline the 350 target. Also faith communities are involved in this. So why not go to the website and sign the petition. And then make something happening on the 24th of October to highlight the 350 ppm importance.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Now we´re talking!


Last night at the Interfaith Power an Light National Conference in Washington there was this Fireside Chat that I really liked. Even though the fireside was not there and I would not describe this as a chat (maybe due to my limited understanding of the English language). This was something different.
From my perspective as a European and active in the World Council of Churches climate change group this was a missing piece.
Richard Cizik, a well known evangelical from USA, told us his story of how he changed and understood the importance of the climate change issue from a theological perspective. Really encouraging to hear that you keep to your belief and change when the perspective of the facts force you to do so. For me it was a good example that you can keep faithful to your tradition and in being so also switch to what the facts of the state of the world urge you to do.
Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb showed the other perspective of being inside a movement nearly all the time (the ecological movement) and keep the faith and very open to walk together with other faith holders, to search the sustainability for the world.
Revd Sally Bingham is a great communicator and moderated this "chat" in a way that everybody felt adressed.
Everybody undelined the importance of hope and for me this was a real sign of hope.
We need the religions to come to the arena of climate change together. We need to have this kind of relations to each other to solve the global challenges that we face today. Inclusive open and with respect we can take radical steps at the practical level to overcome the climate crisis but also to come closer to each other from a religious perspective. This is what we really need in a globalised world of today.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Interfaith Power and Light - meeting in Washington DC


I am today in Washington DC to listen and to get inspired by the Regeneration Project Interfaith Power & Light Nationa Conference.
I have just visited the first hour of pre session but to hear all that is going on in the different states in the US is really encouraging. As a European I am challenged to speed up the climate change work and our interfaith work when I listen to the IPL experiences.
I will come back with new comments.