17/09/2021
The Archbishop of York is to take part in an emergency climate debate co-hosted by Christian Aid and the University of York on 23 September 2021 in the Berrick Saul Building, West Campus.
‘Rise to the Moment - Yorkshire’ will discuss the upcoming COP26 summit on a local and national level. This year is crucial in the struggle for climate justice. As the UK Government hosts the COP26, Christian Aid stands with people on the frontline of the crisis to demand actions not words from world leaders.
This event aims to offer insight and inspiration to supporters and students in the lead up to COP26.
The panel will include Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, alongside key local leaders from the church, science and politics. Also on the panel will be Jen Morris from the Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN). The YCCN is undertaking a 1200-mile walk from the G7 in Cornwall to COP in Glasgow to highlight the effects of climate change on the world’s poorest communities. The walkers will reach York this week - YCCN route.
The event, which will start at 1.30pm, and be streamed online, will be co-presented by the York Environmental Sustainability Institute in partnership with Christian Aid and the YCCN.
The debate will focus on the moral, scientific and ethical case for urgent action on climate change at COP26, and will also be an opportunity to hear the thoughts, frustrations, and desires of young people regarding the climate emergency.
Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to discuss the huge challenge of climate change and what can be done to address it. The young people of YCCN who are taking part in the relay of nearly 1200 miles are truly inspirational, showing that they are ready to stand up and take action to highlight the climate emergency we are facing. We need to stand up too. We cannot delay. We need to think how we can inhabit the world in a way that is mindful, sustainable, healthy & life giving for everyone. And then act.”
Peter Moorey Head of Campaigns and UK advocacy Christian Aid:
“With just weeks to go until COP26, this event is a reminder that the Church is good news for the world, filled with passionate people, committed to giving, acting and praying for climate justice. This Great Big Green Week, it’s more important than ever that we stand together with communities in the global south on the frontline of climate catastrophe.”
Jen Morris from the YCCN has a clear message for world leaders ahead of COP 26: “Climate-vulnerable countries are being crippled by the combined burdens of debt, climate risk and the failure of wealthy, high-polluting countries to deliver on their promises. It is time for the Government to rise to the moment and combat these systematic injustices by securing fair and urgent climate finance at COP26.”
Those interested in the event can register to attend in-person, or virtually.
Hosted by Professor Kiran Trehan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Partnerships and Engagement at the University of York, panelists include:
● Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York,
● Rachael Maskell, MP York Central
● Rev Cllr Chris Cullwick, Lord Mayor of York,
● Jen Morris, Young Christian Climate Network
● Pete Moorey, Head of Campaigns and UK Advocacy, Christian Aid,
● Representatives from across Yorkshire, including the Youth Christian Climate Network and the University of York
