Last updated: 9am (AEDT), 13th November, 2021
Glasgow, UK
More than 2,000 young people have taken part in a pilgrimage across the UK in an initiative aimed at exerting pressure on politicians to respond to the climate crisis.
The ‘Relay to COP26‘ pilgrimage, which started in Cornwell as the G7 met there last June and ended in Glasgow, location of the COP26 summit, earlier this month was organised by Young Christian Climate Network, an action-focused community of 18-to-30-year-old Christians from all denominations intent on achieving climate justice.
Pilgrims walking with banners in Glasgow at the COP26 conference. PICTURE: Courtesy of YCCN.
Along the way those who took part in walking have met up with local churches and communities, many of whom joined them for a section of the walk, with the aim of encouraging people to talk about the environmental and financial implications of climate change.
Ruth Walters, a 20-year-old theology student at Edinburgh University who attends a Baptist church, was among the YCCN members who walked the entire 1,900 kilometre route.
“The climate crisis is one that disproportionately affects the poor and marginalised, and our world leaders need to act in a way that put people on the frontline of the crisis,” said Walters, who is communication lead for the relay. “I believe that the UK church has an important voice, and needs to use that voice to advocate for those that are often unheard in situations like COP.”
Molly Clark, a 25-year-old English literature student who attends an Anglican church in south London, was another. She said that although progress in negotiations and decisions has not achieved the aims of the YCCN, there had been some positive changes thanks to the talks.
“I think much has been achieved in the church – climate justice is much higher up the agenda this year. Regarding COP itself, there seem to have been some small bits of good news, like some of the targets set and the improved foregrounding of loss and damage – but ultimately, not nearly enough has been pledged.”
Molly Clark on the ‘Relay to COP26’. PICTURE: Supplied.
The YCCN pilgrimage participants are among thousands of interfaith activists who have been in Glasgow for the COP26 summit holding prayer meetings and demonstrations.
Last Saturday saw Glasgow’s biggest climate protest demonstration demanding climate justice, with similar events taking place around the globe. Tweeting about the day, the YCCN noted that “the energy and vibrancy in the march was palpable, but there was also a sense that we were marching for our lives an for the lives of our brothers and sisters globally.”
Both Walters and Clark intend to remain active in the search for climate justice.
“Over the course of the relay, my passion for justice has grown and has now become such an integral part of my faith,” said Walters. “Activism helps give me hope for the future, and reminds me hat the future may not be so bleak.”
She said four month long pilgrimage and events at COP have been an experience that has reinforced her faith.
”I’ve learned so much about climate justice and faith, and all the complicated intersections. It’s reminded me of just how much justice is important to Christian faith, and there is always hope. No matter how small, every step counts, and when we act together, our voice is multiplied way beyond anything that we could imagine.”
