Earlier this year, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said, “The era of global warming has ended. The era of global boiling has arrived.”
In a press conference held on 27 July, he said, “According to the data released today, July has already seen the hottest three-week period ever recorded; the three hottest days on record; and the highest-ever ocean temperatures for this time of year. The consequences are clear and they are tragic: children swept away by monsoon rains; families running from the flames; workers collapsing in scorching heat. For vast parts of North America, Asia, Africa and Europe – it is a cruel summer. For the entire planet, it is a disaster.
“And for scientists, it is unequivocal – humans are to blame. All this is entirely consistent with predictions and repeated warnings. The only surprise is the speed of the change. Climate change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning. The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived. The air is unbreathable. The heat is unbearable. And the level of fossil fuel profits and climate inaction is unacceptable.
“Leaders must lead. No more hesitancy. No more excuses. No more waiting for others to move first. There is simply no more time for that.”
The leaders of the world and their representatives are currently gathered in Dubai for the COP28 climate negotiations. Please join us in praying for those talks.
We offer this reflective prayer for COP28, seen through the lens of Advent.
