Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace Attend Copenhagen Climate Summit

Sister Bridgetta Rooney, CSJP and Sister Suzanne Golas, CSJP represented the Congregation at the Copenhagen Climate Summit.

"COP15, the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit negotiations ended in disappointment and even some degree of rancor.  The hoped for progress forward was replaced by little more than agreement not to ‘lose ground’ in efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions and to financially and technically support poor countries in their efforts to adapt to global warming, the effects of which many of these countries are already experiencing.  That's the bad news.  However, hope and much determination survived. 

Groups represented by the over twenty-five thousand non-government activists have already begun post-Copenhagen strategies and actions to keep the pressure on governments.” – Suzanne Golas, CSJP   

“The Copenhagen climate talks are over and we are a long way from the Fair, Ambitious, Binding (FAB) deal we had hoped for and that the world desperately needs. This is in contrast to the high hopes we set off with for Copenhagen. … We have a lot of work to do still to focus our prayers and actions on getting world leaders to act boldly and to keep the issue at the forefront of the politicians’ agenda.” – Bridgetta Rooney, CSJP 

We are still digesting the “Copenhagen Accord” and exploring next steps. While the accord is far from the fair and just treaty we have been praying for, there are signs of hope.   

• Developing nations most immediately impacted by climate change stood up and demanded to be heard. 
• Some progress was made on financial commitments to help developing countries adapt to climate change. 
• The large number of citizens and activists present at Copenhagen remind us that “the world is watching.”  We are also reminded of these words from our Constitutions:  “Confident of God’s faithful love and collaborating with others who work for justice and peace, we face the future with gratitude and hope.” (Constiution 12)

Read more about our Care of Creation & Climate Change Chapter Act