Working for a world in which God’s justice prevails is a key vision behind all that we do. In our current situation that means recognising the injustice of climate change and the need for financial arrangements to enable poorer countries to make a just transition to fossil free economies and to leave their fossil fuels in the ground.

At the moment rich countries who have the highest cumulative historical emissions do not seem willing to pay the debt they owe to the whole of humanity and especially to poorer countries who have done so little to contribute to climate change but are bearing the brunt of the suffering it is causing. Having accumulated wealth and security in a way that has caused the catastrophic accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the destruction of nature, largely at the expense of the poor, rich countries including those who will be represented at the G7 meeting in Germany later this month are refusing to pay the bill. Poorer countries caught in debt traps have no space and no money to finance a just transition. To cancel their debt at the same time as funding their leaving fossil fuels where they belong would begin to change that, and would go some way to repaying what is owed by rich countries to poor countries. It is a matter of justice – so we are involved in supporting the Debt For Climate UK solidarity actions to coincide with the G7 meeting. 

Please join us in our walk calling attention to the mechanisms of climate debt, a discussion of the issues from a faith perspective, and for silent prayer and witness (for however long or short a time you feel called to) during our 24 hour vigil, and please do share this invitation:

As the world’s biggest economic powers converge at the G7 summit, the Debt For Climate coalition will hold an open meeting to discuss the G7’s stranglehold on the global poor: debt.

We are inviting movements from across the country to talk openly about debt: IMF debt, student debt, climate debt, DWP debt, payday loans, and much more. Groups will hold facilitated conversations to share our experiences with debt, to imagine what debt cancellation would look like, and to question why debt is choking climate action and who really owes who.

These discussions will be preceded by a debt-themed walking tour of central London and a theatrical football match between the G7 and the Global South.

We would love it if you joined us in Parliament Square on Sunday 26th June. If you would like to lead a conversation on any debt-related topic close to your hearts, please let us know soon.

In solidarity,

Debt For Climate UK

Itinerary:

10.30–11.00    Gather near BP in St James’ Park

11.00–12.15    Debt Tour of London (BP office to Parliament Square)

12.15–12.30    Football match: G7 vs Global South (Parliament Square)

12.30–1.45    Debt discussions & food (Parliament Square)

1.45–2.00    Closing roundup of discussions (Parliament Square)

Overnight Vigil (Parliament Square)

As part of this Debt for Climate event we are holding a 24 hour vigil outside Parliament as an expression of our grief at the injustice of the global debt trap and a reminder of the ecological debt we owe to the countries of the global South.

When: From 2pm on Sunday 26th June at the conclusion of the debt discussion to 2pm on Monday 27th June

Where: At the Carriage Gate entrance to Parliament (facing Parliament Square)

What to bring: Something to sit on (ideally a camping chair if you are staying overnight); appropriate clothing for the weather (it’s colder than you expect in the early hours)

Please join us in keeping vigil – stay for as long or short a time as you want.

UPDATING NEWS

The vigil held by CCA paved the way for a group of people to enter and occupy the Parliament lobby with a banner reading ‘G7: PAY YOUR CLIMATE DEBT’. This action was also supported by members of CCA who feel that it is vital that as a nation we take responsibility for the suffering we cause to others.

You can read more information on the protest in the media, such as this piece in the Express: https://t.co/qmFjPN0Btv (although to be taken with a pinch of salt).