Rising for Climate

Christi Belcourt

I like coming across artwork related to initiatives which intrigue me. On September 8th there will be an...what, an uprising drawing attention to climate change and the urgency of addressing it. It is called Rise for Climate and the timing is good from a liturgical point of view because the date falls near the beginning of Creation Time in the Christian year, a season of several weeks during which we focus, as people of the Creator, on both the wonders and woes of the planet which is our home. September 9th is the first Sunday of Creation Time.

I really like the poster above, which was designed by Ontario Metis artist Christi Belcourt. This is how the website describes Rise for Climate:

This September, cities, states, businesses and civil society from around the world are gathering  for the Global Climate Action Summit. The Summit has invited every mayor, governor, and business leader in the world to make a bold climate commitment to help the world reach the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.
We know what those commitments need to look like: a fast and fair transition to 100% renewable energy and an immediate end to new fossil fuel projects.  On September 8, we’re planning thousands of rallies in cities and towns around the world to demand our local leaders— whether they are attending the summit or not — commit to building a fossil free world that works for all of us. No more stalling, no more delays: it’s time for 100% renewable energy for all.
Plan or join an event in your community. If your elected officials commit, your rally can be a celebration. If they fail to act, it’s a chance to hold them accountable.
By acting together, we can end the era of fossil fuels and save the climate we all depend on.

Perhaps faith communities will figure out how to get involved in this event and, more importantly, the shift in a way of life which will allow sustainability for all that God has made.