22nd April 2026

Today is Earth Day. The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2026 finds that environmental risks continue to dominate the global landscape, accounting for half of the top 10 risks over the next 10 years. Climate breakdown has extended the pollen season across Europe by between one and two weeks since the 1990s. This is a significant indicator of what is happening to the planet. According to the the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance,  the climate crisis is also having a huge impact on global politics. New analysis shows how elections are increasingly shaped not only by political forces but also by floods, wildfires and extreme weather, and that democracy itself is threatened. At least 94 elections and referendums across 52 countries have been disrupted by climate-related impacts over the last two decades. Sarah Birch, a professor of politics at King’s College London, said “Elections should be held when disasters are least likely. In some cases, electoral management bodies will also need to consider alterations to election timelines to reduce the likelihood of disruption by short-lived disasters.” Last week ocean scientists warned that the critical Atlantic current system appears significantly more likely to collapse than previously thought.  A collapse would shift the tropical rainfall belt on which many millions of people rely to grow their food, plunge western Europe into extreme cold winters and summer droughts, and add 50-100cm to already rising sea levels around the Atlantic. 

Loving God, thank you for creating this beautiful world. The mountains, oceans, trees, and animals all show your power and love. Sometimes I forget how precious this earth is, and I don’t always take care of it the way I should. Help me remember that this world is your creation. Teach me to respect it, protect it, and care for it with a thankful heart. Show me small ways I can make a difference in my daily life. Help me not waste what you have given me. Give me wisdom to make better choices that protect the environment. Let my actions reflect my faith and love for you. Give leaders wisdom to make good decisions that protect the environment. Help communities work together to care for nature and reduce harm. Please bring healing to this world. Restore what has been damaged and help people become more aware of how their actions affect the environment. Give us hope that change is possible. Help us work together to protect the earth and make it a better place, and teach me to be part of the solution.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

This prayer is formed from a selection of petitions

from prayers for Earth Day 2026.

You can find more here.

Indonesia has 4.2 million domestic workers - of which almost 90% are women. They were previously not legally classified as workers, but yesterday the Indonesian parliament has passed a law to protect the rights of domestic workers.  The Domestic Workers Protection Law was first introduced in 2004 but was repeatedly stopped from passing. Now, over twenty years later the law becomes effective so that domestic workers will be entitled to health insurance, rest days, and pensions. Placement agencies will also no longer be allowed to implement wage deductions, and it will be illegal to hire children under the age of 18 as domestic workers. 

Almighty, eternal and loving God

I stand  before you

giving you praise and glory

for you are my Lord, my God. 

You are the source of life and love.

I praise you,

for by your love and mercy

you have set me free from sin. 

You are kind and patient with me. 

You sustain me. 

In my weakness you are my strength.

You are my companion and guide along life's journey.

You carry my burdens and make them light.

You make the dark places bright.

You reach out and catch me when I stumble and fall.

So I lift up my voice, to glorify your name.

You are the Lord. 

You are holy and just, righteous and faithful.

You are my hope and salvation,

and Jesus Christ is my King.

I praise you, O Lord!

I proclaim your holy name,

you are the One True God.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.