24th June 2026

The United Nations mid-year climate negotiations in Bonn, formally known as the 64th session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB64), ran from 8th to 18th June. There was no agreement on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), which is the framework designed to guide countries on how to prepare for the effects of a worsening climate, despite developing countries warning that wealthy nations were failing to honour promises made to vulnerable communities which are already facing the worst effects of climate change.  Head of policy and influencing at Christian Aid, Osai Ojigho, said: “Across the world, our partners see first-hand the challenges faced by some of the world’s poorest people as they struggle with the effects of climate change that they did nothing to bring about. The global advocacy lead at Oxfam, Mariana Paoli, said: “At a time when multilateralism faces an existential threat, and rich polluters accelerate the path to climate breakdown, the unwillingness of rich countries to engage meaningfully is astonishing." Speaking at a separate event in London earlier this week, The UN secretary general, António Guterres, said “A climate crisis is pushing us deeper towards higher temperatures and closer to catastrophic tipping points and an energy crisis is exposing the folly of a world hooked on hydrocarbons. On the surface, these crises may seem separate, but they share the same destructive origin: fossil fuels. London isn’t just calling. It’s cooking,”  This week many European countries have issued red weather warnings due to record June temperatures that have taken the lives of many.  

Loving God, we bring to you, for your loving care, all experiencing more frequent and extreme weather events, such as extreme heat, wildfires, floods, and drought.  Help us all to understand the delicate balance of nature, and its vulnerability to our carelessness, so that we, our children, and our children's children, may continue to rejoice in the wonder of your creation. May the leaders of nations take note of warnings from climate experts and gain a sound understanding of the threat to species diversity, ocean currents and wind systems, and seek to eliminate practices that damage and exploit resources.  May they grasp the importance of moving swiftly away from dependency on greenhouse emitting fuels.  May those who farm and fish do so sustainably, and may there be a more equal sharing and distribution of food and water.  Help us strive towards the end of selfish division, pitting communities against each other, and commit to lasting change.  May we treasure the work of your hand and cherish all life. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.  

The “Time to Act” campaign was launched this week. The Archbishop of York joined other church leaders and charities across the UK to demand urgent action from the UK Government to end the “illegal” occupation of Palestine by Israel. Among the goals of the campaign is the suspension of  UK arms sales to Israel; banning trade and investment in illegal Israeli settlements; suspending the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement until the illegal occupation is ended; imposing wide-ranging sanctions; and calling for accountability for war crimes. Archbishop Cottrell said that the campaign “provides us with the opportunity to come together as Christians and to advocate for a just peace in Israel and Palestine — a peace characterised by the active promotion of justice and the nurturing of equitable relationships within and between communities so that everyone can live life in all its fullness. I encourage all Christians to join this campaign and to seek this peace and to pursue it with all the urgency that it requires.” Supporters of the campaign include All We Can; Amos Trust; CAFOD; Christian Aid; Christians for Palestine; Commitment for Life; EAPPI UK and Ireland; Embrace the Middle East; FaithJustice; the Iona Community; Justice and Peace Scotland; the Methodist Church; Pax Christi England and Wales; Quakers in Britain; Sabeel-Kairos UK; SCIAF; the Union of Welsh Independents; the United Reformed Church; and the Church in Wales.

A prayer based on Psalm 47

May all of the nations, clap their hands

and shout joyful praises to you our God,

for you are awesome, Lord Most High.

You are the ruler of all the earth.

You rule the nations from your sacred throne.

As you go up to your throne,

trumpets blast, people shout and sing your praises.

All rulers on earth surrender their weapons,

and you our God are greatly praised!