23rd March 2026

Today is World Meteorological Day.  The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has published its annual report warning that the earth’s climate swings increasingly out of balance. Large-scale, and rapid, changes have occurred within the past few decades but will have harmful repercussions for hundreds, and potentially thousands, of years.   2015-2025 were the hottest 11-years on record, with 2025 the second or third hottest year on record, at about 1.43 °C above the 1850-1900 average. The report states that, "extreme events around the world, including intense heat, heavy rainfall and tropical cyclones, caused disruption and devastation and highlighted the vulnerability of our inter-connected economies and societies." More than 90% of excess heat is absorbed by the oceans causing the rate of ocean warming to more than double over the past twenty years, compared with the average over the previous 45 years. The burning of oil, gas, coal and forests releases heat-trapping greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, which are all at their highest level in at least 800,000 years. This disrupts the planet’s energy equilibrium. “The State of the Global Climate is in a state of emergency.  Planet Earth is being pushed beyond its limits.  Every key climate indicator is flashing red,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. 

You can find the full report to read here.

Loving God you many a wonderful world and saw that it was good. You placed us in the garden of your delight, but we have not treasured your creation or cherished life upon the earth. We have neglected to be good stewards of creation and now the world is not as you intended it to be. Forgive us. Guide us all to grasp the urgency and seriousness of the climate crisis. Guide the leaders of nations to move swiftly away from greenhouse gas emitting fuels to more sustainable forms of energy.  Help us to stop pollution the ground in which we grow our food, the water we use to drink and wash, and the aid we breath.  Help us to stop destroying our forests, and coral reefs. In this time of climate breakdown shake us from our slumber.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.

A woman in Southport, UK, was struggling with painful family issues and was in a “dark place,” even considering ending her life. She went to the car park to sit alone during her lunch break when Liam, the carpark attendant, approached her with a friendly smile and struck up a conversation asking her if she was having a nice day. Liam had been a local celebrity for saving a mans life. What followed was a short chat that, she says, changed "everything" for her. She said: "[At the time] I felt completely alone, like the whole world was against me. I was falling apart. ... We chatted about work and I asked him how his job was going. I mentioned that I had heard about the incident where he saved a gentleman's life. When he spoke about it, the way he described what he did really stayed with me. ... He told me that if I ever needed help, or just someone to talk to while in the car park, I should always feel free to come and speak to him. "It was like he knew my situation. Those words might have seemed small in the moment, but to me they meant everything."

Following her encounter with Liam, the woman's  outlook changed. She said: "I believe Liam was there at exactly the right time, and without even knowing it, his kindness helped save my life."  The woman added, "I'm in a much better place now. ... Liam's kindness, compassion and the way he speaks to people really make him special." 

Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world.

We give you thanks and praise that in your love for us

you became poor being born into the world.

Yet you brought light to a dark world.

We bow down before you and worship you

singing songs of everlasting praise.

You are wonderful and full of love.

May your name be highly exalted.

In obedience you made

one perfect and final sacrifice

setting people free from sin

and opening the gates of heaven to all believers.

May your name be glorified throughout the earth

and your praises sung in heaven.

Holy, holy, holy is you name.

Blessing and honour

and glory and power

be yours for ever and ever.

Amen.