Category: Counting On …

Reflections and actions during COP26 and going on

Counting on … Day 50

28th April 2025

The ‘silent majority’ – those who believe that the climate crisis is serious but yet do nothing – covers 89% of the population globally (1) 

If that group could be persuaded or enabled to take action, the consequences would be dramatic. What holds people back is 

* a fear of impotence (what I do won’t make a difference), 

* a fear of social isolation (people won’t respect what I do and may mock me) 

* a fear of loosing out (if I change, my standard of living will drop vis a vis my peers) 

* lack of social and economic support (I can’t make any change because the system is set against it eg I can’t give up driving because there is no local reliable/ affordable public transport). 

And given all the above, there is an equally important question ‘What should I do and where should I start?’ which can feel so overwhelming that doing nothing seems a reasonable response.

  1. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/22/activate-climate-silent-majority-support-supercharge-action?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Counting on … Day 49

25th April 2025

Today is World Penguin Day! (1)

Penguins “are critical players in maintaining the health and balance of both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. In essence, the purpose of penguins is multifaceted: they act as nutrient transporters, keystone species, and indicators of environmental health. They contribute significantly to biodiversity, and their presence or absence tells a crucial story about the overall health of our oceans and planet.” (2) 

Can I recommend Penguin Lessons? Both the book by Tom Michell and the film inspired by the book? 

(1) https://www.penguinsinternational.org/worldpenguinday/

(2) https://enviroliteracy.org/what-is-the-purpose-of-penguins-on-earth/

Counting on … Day 48

24th April 2025

Domestic animals also encompasses life stock – cows, sheep, pigs, hens etc. When we see prepared dairy produce or meat on sale in shops or restaurants, it is easy to forget or ignore the welfare of the animal that has provided this food. Ethical Consumer regularly produces research on this topic so that we as consumers can make informed choices.

https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/food-drink/animal-rights-food-industry
https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/food-drink/climate-action-10-steps-cut-down-meat-dairy

Counting on … Day 47

23rd April 2025

Today is St George’s Day. Amongst other things, this saint is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers being a group of saints venerated for the benefit of their prayers vis a vis different diseases. St George is one who protects the health of domestic animals.

Pets in particular can be very important in giving us joy and companionship and a sense of purpose. They can also teach us about the importance of trust and not overthinking! Our relationship with our pets should be reciprocal, giving and receiving – and we both in our lifestyles should be mindful of our relationships with the rest of creation. Neither we nor our pets should be indiscriminate or  thoughtless      as users of the Earth’s resources.

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/how-be-eco-friendly-pet-owner

Counting on … Day 46

22nd April 2025

Today is Earth Day.

Earth Day was first observed in 1970. The Earth Day organisation aims to “broaden, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide.” Each year has its own theme; this year’s is entitled “Our Power, Our Planet” and is a call to expand renewable energy so as to triple clean electricity by 2030. 

The Earth Day organisation has a fact sheet and a petition:-

“We call on global leaders to commit to:

  • Tripling renewable energy generation by 2030: Advancing clean energy sources like solar, wind, geothermal, tidal and hydropower. This ambitious target supports global climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement, opened for signatures on Earth Day 2016.
  • Cutting greenhouse gas emissions: Rapidly transitioning to renewable energy is the key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fighting climate change and lowering energy prices for everyone.
  • Phasing out fossil fuels: The renewable energy sector has taken off globally but the world is still producing more CO2 than ever before because of our over reliance on fossil fuels. This needs to end with meaningful policies supporting the rapid growth of renewable energy and energy efficiency. The world economy must favor renewable energy, ensuring that the “beginning of the end” of fossil fuels is realized. 
  • Investing in clean energy infrastructure: In 2022 the fossil fuel industry was subsidized globally to the tune of $7 trillion. We must realign these subsidies to support the growth of desperately needed renewable energy, including infrastructure to accelerate the transition. We need smart grids, new high voltage transmission lines, local distribution networks and long term battery storage. This will drive economic, environmental, and energy security benefits.

This will pave the way to: 

  • Providing affordable, sustainable power for everyone. Bringing electricity to homes, schools and hospitals worldwide, and ensuring energy access and equity for all. 
  • Creating millions of new jobs in the energy industry. Driving economic growth globally.
  • Prioritizing health and health equity by reducing fossil fuel induced pollution and improving air and water quality. Shifting away from fossil fuels will protect human health worldwide 

The transition to renewable energy is about creating a future where everyone can thrive. Let’s use the power of the Earth Day network and our global movement to demand urgent action from governments, businesses, and communities around the world.

This petition will be presented to the United Nation’s leadership and delegates at the UNFCCC Conference of Parties 30 (COP 30) in November 2025.”

Petition:- https://action.earthday.org/our-power-our-planet-renewable-energy-petition




Counting on … Lent 32

17th April 2025

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Ps 96: 11-12

The world – God’s unique creation – should be a prompt for praise and celebration. Where we see shortcomings, let us acknowledge our failings, seek forgiveness and reconciliation, and once again rejoice in God’s glory. 

Counting on … Lent 31

16th April 2025 

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20

St Paul reminds us that God’s wisdom is writ clear and large in the world that God has created. It is to our detriment if we overlook that so-visible source of truth.

Counting on … Lent 30

15th April 2025 

“Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, LORD Almighty, my King and my God.” Psalm 84:3

Having a safe home, a place where we belong, can be a source of contentment. Successful ecosystems are those where each species has its own niche. If we live in a society where not everyone has a place to cal home, a place to belong, then we should be questioning how successful our society can claim to be. Nature deserves a safe home, and people deserve a safe home – and the two are not incompatible.

Counting on … Lent 29

14th April 2025 

But ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing

and the breath of every human being. Job 12:7-9

There can be no greater wisdom than understanding the world in which we live, and there is much we can learn from our fellow brethren who live along side us. Sometimes it surprises us to see how contented – how lacking in worry – our companions are! I was reminded of this yesterday when watching a pair of otters frolicking in the sun at the London Wetland Centre.

Counting on … Lent 28

11th April 2025 

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” Proverb 6:6-8

Here perhaps is an invitation to consider the very many different ways in which communities can  organise their affairs. Autocracies, monopolies and patriarchies are not the only options. Cooperative and democratic alternatives offer more to all participants in terms of equality and justice. Indeed the prophets tell us that God does envisage radical change.

“The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them”. Isaiah 11:6