Green Creation 

Mr Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary General, has organised a summit on climate change to renew the momentum for Copenhagen conference in December at which world leaders will discuss a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, stating: "[t]he objective of the Summit on Climate Change [...] is to mobilize the political will and vision needed to reach an ambitious agreed outcome based on science at the UN climate talks in Copenhagen."

I'm happy the 'voice of faith' is also included under civil society (see e.g. IFEES). As IFEES' Director states: ""It hasn’t quite entered the human consciousness, that if planet earth suffers we suffer and that we have nowhere else to go. We are part of an integrated earth and when we reduce the natural world to an exploitable resource this turns inwards on us. How else does one explain the consequences of climate change? Yes, the human species is unique. We have the capacity to observe the world around us, describe what we see, quantify it and then take advantage of it. However, the most extreme and all pervasive form of this is our collective, unfettered defilement of nature."

Now all that's needed is that we LISTEN, then WALK our talk.... I pray so.

A healthy planet is our life-support system. Not only does it give us food, but also clean air, a stable climate and fresh water. Yet the natural world we depend on is in crisis, its ability to sustain life is under threat. Along with climate change, the destruction of natural systems is the greatest environmental danger we have ever had to face. And as agreed by the vast majority of scientists it's our fault, or in faith-terms: we're being ungrateful with God's gifts. But we CAN change things for the better, renew our intention to be more grateful believers, put more effort in being a good guardian. Friends of the Earth have launched a new booklet called Healthy Planet.

Enjoying your salmon/ chicken/ beef? Did you know how your food got raised? Its impact on communities of people and animals elsewhere?

"He created the earth for all creatures... Which of your Lord's marvels can you deny?" (Quran chapter [55]10, 13)

And: "There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but (forms part of) communities like you. Nothing have We omitted from the Book, and they (all) shall be gathered to their Lord in the end." (Quran [6] 38)

Watch this video as a reminder that being a believer is not just about our prayers in church/ mosque/ synagogue etc, but these prayers are more like a reminder to be God conscious in all our actions, God willing.

I really admire the work of LINE (London Islamic Network for the Environment) & St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace.

They are now organising a second 'Fast for the Planet' on 22 March '09

Venue: St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation & Peace, 78 Bishopsgate, London. EC2N 4AG. (Nearest tube: Liverpool Street). (Click to view map)

If you prefer community over corporate domination; simplicity over consumerism; economic systems that are real over ones that are fictitious, then this is for you!
With a destabilising climate, and an economy in crisis it's clear we need deeper, more joined up solutions. 'Fast for the Planet'draws together a range of supporting values that include the inner (e.g. through fasting), the economic, and community, and weaves them together into a more coherent whole. The experience is fun, empowering, challenging and purposeful! Includes: reflective exercises; choice of workshop:

- Debt-free Home Finance, with Tarek El Diwany (Author, 'The Problem with Interest);
- A very brief introduction to Permaculture: Nicole Freris (Naturewise);

- Sharing Stories & Poetry:'New Perspectives Emerging as Story', with Peter Challen (Christian Council for Monetary Justice),

plus a talk on

- Forms of Activism by Derek Wall (Green Political Campaigner);

The event will also be ending fast together. The wider event will be facilitated by: Muzammal Hussain (LINE), Helen Gilbert (St Ethelburga's) and Olufemi Hughes (Community Dialogue for Change - CDC). Please visit the website to register your place as well as for details about fast times, preparatory measures and food.

For more info and to REGISTER:  www.fastfortheplanet.net