Churches in Scotland are being urged to get involved in the climate change conference due to take place in Glasgow later this year.

The CoP26 conference, originally scheduled for last autumn, will take place from November 1-12 2021 at the SEC Campus, Covid-19 restrictions permitting. Diplomatic representatives from all countries will be joined by campaigners, lobbyists, businesses, scientists, NGOs and the media. The conference aims to agree strengthened measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with the aim of limiting global warming to 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

Faith groups have been heavily involved in the climate change conferences for many years, and Eco-Congregation Scotland and Interfaith Scotland are encouraging churches and other faith groups to take part this time.

Adrian Shaw, Eco-Congregation Scotland volunteer and former climate change officer for the Church of Scotland, said: “Faith groups from around the world are calling upon governments to respond urgently to the crisis of climate change .

“At Glasgow in November, Covid-19 restrictions permitting, governments, scientists and others including faith leaders will gather together to address the crisis. Churches across Scotland will have the opportunity to get involved, in hospitality, in learning, in pilgrimage and by seeking transformational change in Scotland.”

One way in which churches can get involved is by offering their buildings for the Global Gathering ‘alternative summit’. Such an event takes place at each CoP conference, but due to likely Covid-19 restrictions this year’s is being planned to take place in multiple venues. Any church which has the technology for streaming services, and capacity for around 200 people in normal circumstances, which would be interested in taking part can contact kat@stopclimatechaos.scot

The organisers of the global gathering are also compiling a database of community, faith and third-sector-run spaces within easy commute of Glasgow, which groups could use for meetings, temporary office space or their own events.

For more information or to be added to the list visit https://climatefringe.org/ glasgow-venues-cop26/