At its meeting in Panama in October 1996 the Anglican Consultative Council expressed its support for a World Council of Churches (WCC) Petition on Climate Change. On Sunday 2 March, this WCC petition was handed to the President of the Conference of Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which was meeting in Bonn, Germany.

Climate Change has remained a Cinderella concern for those so inclined. It was therefore a welcome surprise that the former President of Germany, Dr Richard von Weizsecker, was prepared to be the main speaker at the event. In his speech Dr Wiezsecker deplored the lack of political will to reach agreement on the necessary reduction in greenhouse gases. This was scandalous, he said. Further he said that the only effective way to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases is through long-term concerted effort by all the industrialised countries. The industrial countries are responsible for three-quarters of air pollution.

It is because of the above situation and the slowness of the inter-governmental debates that the WCC felt compelled to organise the petition. Twenty-three countries participated in the campaign. Those who signed the petition were also making a personal commitment. By signing this petition, we declare our commitment to accept the consequences of reductions for society, economy and our personal lives. We are prepared to take responsible steps in our own lives to reduce our energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

At the hand over there were representatives from many of the Churches which had participated in organising the campaign.

It is hard to see what impact the petition will have on those who have been charged with negotiating the necessary changes. It was a "nice" occasion, but it lacked urgency, it lacked enthusiasm, it lacked conviction. It remained an unconvincing event. The young people present were members of two youth choirs charged with the task of making a musical contribution What hope did this meeting give to them I wonder?

One message that did come through however was that each of us is charged to look at our life-styles and make the necessary adjustments The petition was right to end with each one of us. Maybe the political will is lacking because deep down we remain unconvinced, so that the personal will which is the prerequisite for change is not present. Each sacrifice we make can have a negative effect on the economies of the industrialised world and the already deplorable employment situation.

In the years ahead, governments will require a level playing field without opt out clauses, but will this be a disadvantage to the developing countries, which often attract the business of multi-nationals because of lax regulations? Those working in the oil industry already find German legislation over restrictive! Further we will need much more persuading and educating before we can make the required and necessary adjustments in our own lives.

Climate change is a global issue. It needs to be tackled by a faith that is global. The organised Christian faith is such a global religion, which has an important part to play, not only in tackling such issues, but in commending the Christian faith by overcoming national divisions.

Article by: the Revd Patrick Currant, Bonn