8th February 2026

With the 2026 Winter Olympics underway in Milano Cortina there are warnings concerning the long term viability of the games due to climate change. February temperatures in the Italian Alps rose by approximately 3.6°C since Cortina last hosted the event in 1956.  Whilst there have been periods of climate change in past history, the current changes are distinctly more rapid and not due to natural causes. Instead, they are caused by the emission of greenhouse gases, mostly carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane. Across the Northern Hemisphere there are seasonal changes. A fast‑warming Arctic is reshaping the high‑altitude winds turning the jet stream from a relatively stable band into a contorted, harder‑to‑predict force. The most recent research predicts that, by the late 21st century, most regions in Africa will stop having occasional heatwaves and will suffer from extreme heat lasting most of the year.  According to a study published in the scientific journal The Cryosphere, the Jostedalsbreen ice cap in Norway is in peril. under current emission levels, the glacier's size will be just one-third of what it is today by 2100, and completely gone by 2300.  The researchers warn that Ice caps are crucial to our planet's long-term health, and the more they shrink, the harder it is to repair the damage done to the planet. 

Loving God, you have created a universe that is wonderful and glorious.  We marvel at the diversity of plant and animal life. We are amazed at the interconnected nature of wind systems and ocean currents, for the sun's activity impacting upon local ecosystems. Forgive us that we have not cared for your creation.  You have give us understanding of what is happening to the world, but we continue to ignore the signs. Forgive us that we care little for the impact of climate change on those who suffer from wild fires, extreme heat, flooding and landslides, or lose their homes completely through rising sea levels. Guide the leaders of nations to work collaboratively together to protect our forests, stop the pollution of air, water and land, and to move us swiftly away from fossil fuels to renewable forms of energy.  Help us all to understand the environmental impact of war and conflict. Loving God, help us to love you by loving your creation, by treasuring the natural world and cherishing all life upon it. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

A district court judge in the USA has struck down the stop-work order on the Sunrise Wind project, marking the fifth time courts have overturned the Department of Interior’s order halting work on 5 offshore wind projects under construction along America’s eastern seaboard. Sunrise Wind now joins Coastal Virginia Wind, Empire Wind, Revolution Wind and Vineyard Wind, all of which have been cleared to resume work. Collectively, the projects will provide enough power for roughly 2.5 million homes and businesses on the East Coast.  The Trump Administration had attempted to block the development, citing national security concerns, while failing providing evidence or details of those concerns.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

This is my story, this is my song,

praising my Saviour all the day long.

This is my story, this is my song,

praising my Saviour all the day long.

Perfect submission, all is at rest.

I in my Saviour am happy and blessed,

watching and waiting, looking above,

filled with his goodness, lost in his love.

This is my story, this is my song,

praising my Saviour all the day long.

Frances Jane Crosby 1820-1915