This programming will consist of engagement and networking activities over three days during the first week of the Glasgow COP26 conference (4-6 November). Diverse stakeholders (policy makers, NGO representatives, industry actors) will be invited to engage in ‘climate conversations’ about the intersection between faith and climate change. Through presentation of ‘climate stories’ from faith-based actors around the world, we will explore how concepts of faith, belief, hope, morality, ethics and values can shape policy discourse on climate change.
With growing concern about climate change amongst religious institutions and faith-based organisations, there is a need for research-informed policy responses to climate change related to the role of faith and religion. Participants will be informed of emerging case examples from the Global North and Global South, and receive networking information about further engagement with researchers and key partner organisations.
The event will be run by Dr Christopher Ives, Assistant Professor in the School of Geography, University of Nottingham, in collaboration with Dr Jeremy Kidwell, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Theology and Religion, University of Birmingham.
The event is open to participants from the COP26 green zone in collaboration with NGO partners, and the COP26 “innovation zone”, as well as those attending faith-based activities hosted at St George’s Tron in Glasgow city centre.
This activity will be especially relevant to (i) policy-makers at all levels of government, who are considering how to engage faith communities in climate action, (ii) faith-based organisations, especially those with a focus on environmental concerns, and (iii) environmental NGOs, who are looking to engage people of faith in their action campaigns.