World Leaders to Meet on Climate in Scotland

The leaders of the world’s nations are scheduled to begin meeting on Sunday in Glasgow, Scotland for the 26th “Conference of the Parties” (COP26) to address climate change and to discuss commitments they made during the 2015 Paris meeting that resulted in the now familiar “Paris Accord.” Organizers are hoping during the two week meeting that the participating countries will make renewed commitments to reducing their reliance on fossil fuels for energy generation in order to reduce CO2 emissions and prevent further global temperature increases. Experts have warned that burning fossil fuels has increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which has led to higher global temperatures, heat waves, more intense storms with increased humidity and rainfall, wildfires, and sea level rise from melting ice packs. Pope Francis joined other faith leaders in offering prayers for efforts to care for the earth, stating that “[t]his is a crucial moment. Our children’s future and the future of our common home depend upon it.” For more information about the conference, click here.