Counting On … – Page 66

Counting on … day 1.109

3rd May 2023

Misinformation and disinformation about the climate crisis are compounded, I believe, when activists are not allowed in court cases to talk about the crisis to explain why they felt compelled to take disruptive action. People do not generally choose to sit in the middle of a busy road just for fun. Surely for justice to properly served, the courts need to understand why people took such action, and if it transpires that there was an overriding reason for the action, to alert the authorities accordingly.

Greta Thunberg famously countered that if your house is on fire, you would be justified in breaking the windows.

We are now in the situation where activists are facing increasingly long prison sentences because they are trying to draw attention to the overwhelming severity of the climate crisis and the pitifully inadequate response of the government.

On 21st April 2023, Morgan Trowland and Marcus were sent to prison for periods of 3 years and 2 years, 7 months respectively for climbing on a road bridge and hanging up a banner to demand an end to the British Government’s licensing of new oil and gas projects. These new projects are known to be inconsistent with international climate obligations, and unless opposed, will accelerate mass loss of life and displacement of people, in Britain and around the world.

Action network has a petition calling on the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and climate change to intervene to dissuade the uk government from treating climate activists in this repressive manner.

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/morgan-and-marcus-solidarity-petition/

Counting on … day 1.108

2nd May 2023

The UK’s largest opencast coal mine is to close after an extension to keep it running was rejected.

The Ffos-y-Fran mine, near Merthyr Tydfil, must now stop after 16 years of excavation. The original planning consent had allowed mining to take place up until September 2022 and the campaign group Coal Action Network had already raised concerns that mining had continued. The mine owners had applied for an extension until 2024, arguing coal from the mine was needed by the steel industry. But planning officials advised that the proposed extension did not fit with Welsh government policies on tackling climate change, and the application was rejected.

For more info see the BBC website.

If local campaigners had not pursued this issue, would change have happened?

Counting on … day 1.107

1st May 2023

The Woodland Trust reports “Approximately 40% of major new road schemes across England impact irreplaceable ancient woodland wildlife havens, together with ancient and veteran trees. Added to that, associated carbon emissions are eyewatering. The Government’s consultation on its transport infrastructure policy closes on 6 June. Join thousands who have already taken action to help enable a future where nature thrives and carbon stays in the ground”.

They have set up a petition calling for greater protection of our trees which you can sign – https://campaigns.woodlandtrust.org.uk/page/120772/action/1?utm_campaign=3277675_E23COM013_Newsletter_Dynamic&utm_medium=email&utm_source=E23COM016&utm_content=NNNPS&dm_i=2D76,1Y92J,6HXEUF,6VJXU,1

Counting on …. Day 1.105

29th April 2023

There is much disinformation around suggesting that either the climate crisis is not real/ not serious, or that the government is doing all that is necessary to contain the crisis. However this is not the case.

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is in the process of producing a report which will detail how far or not the nations of the world are achieving the necessary reduction in carbon emissions to prevent global temperatures rising above the 1.5C tipping point. Their latest interim report says there has been “significant yet inadequate collective progress”.
What this means is that “[O]n both the cutting emissions and adaptating fronts, it says not only that the current plans are insufficient. But there are even problems in translating this inadequate ambition into real action, the so-called implementation gap.”

What is the global stocktake of climate action and why does it matter?

Counting on … day 1.104

28th April 2023

An article from the We Mean Business website points to the importance of switching from fossil to renewal energy to limit the rise in global temperatures. It is hoped that this will be the basis of the outcomes from the G7 meeting in Japan next month

“The Group of Seven nations’ energy ministers agreed this week to accelerate the phase out of all fossil fuels as an essential step in our efforts to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C.

To replace them with clean energy in the timescale required means immediately repurposing billions of dollars’ worth of fossil fuel subsidies that G7 nations still offer.

In 2021, G7 fossil fuel subsidies came to over $80 billion. Redirecting this capital towards scaling up renewables, increasing energy efficiency and supporting communities affected by this transition will put our climate goals within reach.”

https://www.wemeanbusinesscoalition.org/blog/to-phase-out-fossil-fuels-the-g7-must-stop-subsidising-them/?utm_source=Climate+Weekly&utm_campaign=1805d3d517-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_04_21_02_34_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-947741a97e-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

Counting on … day 1.103

27th April 2023

Reflecting further on The Big One and what it achieved, it showed the positive being that humans can be.

60,000 people gathered to show both their concern for the damage being done in the world and to share their belief that a better world is possible.

60,000 people filled the streets and there were no arrests, no reports of anger or abuse. Well trained and and caring stewards kept everyone self and well looked after.

60, 000 people met and showed respect for each other, welcoming the young and the old, the fit and the not so fit, people of all races and backgrounds, genders and faiths.

60, 000 cooperated, sharing the space and the experience with each other.

60,000 people were entertained and inspired and drew strength from each other’s commitment.

The Big One, for me, demonstrated that a better world is possible and that the counter-cultural characteristics that we read off in the Gospels, the Letters and the Book of Acts is out there for real – and not confined within the walls of the churches.

Counting on … day 1.102

26th April 2023

Why do we need events like The Big One?

Gatherings of scale such as the Big One do 5 things:-

Shows the authorities the size of public opinion
Encourages those taking part that they are not alone in their endeavours
Encourages other to find out more and/or join in the campaign
Gives participants and spectators stories to tell that further the campaign
Brings together and builds links between groups with similar aims.

Counting on … day 1.101

25th April 2023

Today is the feast of St Mark. St Mark is often represented by the symbol of a lion – bounding into action – and with a fast paced gospel. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15)

Having spent four days at The Big One when each day was a day of action, I feel reluctant to let go of that energy, that desire to make a difference. Can faith be that ongoing source of energy?

Counting on day … 1.110

24th April 2023

Persistence

Today is the last day of The Big One but not the last day of the global campaign to tackle the climate crisis and climate injustice. Let us remember that this is not just our campaign but God’s campaign. Remember the many stories of the Bible that show the collective strength of small and insignificant people and the power of persistence, and remember that God is always there with them.

The Waves

The gentle to and fro of the wave,

back and forth,

soothing,

gently rocking,

Loving God, calm us, and

move us as peace-makers.

The persistence of the wave,

never stopping,

never quitting,

gradually wearing down all resistance

Loving God, sustain us, and

make us a force for good.

The power of the wave,

building up,

growing in size,

acquiring energy as it moves

Loving God, strengthen us, and

harness our energy to do what is right.

The breaker, poised but still moving,

ready to break –

to break out, to break up,

to break forth

Loving God, contain us, and

prepare us to spill out into the world.

The crest of the wave, exploding,

releasing energy

that breaks down barriers

and undermines obstructions

Loving God, free us, and

use us to reform the structures of the world.

Storm wave, tidal wave,

tsunami,

that brokers no discussion,

that overwhelms all

Loving God, override us,

and free the world from its own vices.

Amen.

Counting on … day 1.109

23rd April 2023

Perspective

Loving God, we strive to follow your ways

of righteousness and justice in the world.

Yet we feel small and inept, and lay before you our dilemma.

Will you stand by if humanity continues to ignore your ways, following a path instead that leads to self destruction?

Will you stand by if 5000 choose not to follow the crowd? For the sake of the few, will you protect us all from self destruction?

Lord have mercy.

But loving God, Will you stand by if only 500 choose not to follow the crowd?

For the sake of the few, will you protect us all from self destruction?

Lord have mercy.

But loving God, Will you stand by if only 50 choose not to follow the crowd?

For the sake of the few, will you protect us all from self destruction?

Lord have mercy.

Loving God, strengthen our resolve to do what is right,

to stand up for the marginalised,

to safeguard creation and protect life

even when we feel small and ineffective.

Give us the confidence to share our concerns

and our hopes for the planet,

so that we can encourage and welcome others

to follow the path of righteousness and justice.

Amen.

“Behold, God is my salvation,

I will trust and not be afraid;

For the Lord God is my strength and song,

And He has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2