Climate change is the most important ethical, social and governance issue of our times. Both faith and non-faith dimensions of ethical responsibilities to act now have been well-recognised. All major faiths have been actively engaged with sustainability and climate change issues for many years now. As we approach COP26 in a few weeks of time, it is an opportune moment for us to reflect on personal, local, community and global aspects of our responsibility and how we as faith communities can align our faith with climate action.
1000-1030: Registration and networking
1030: Welcome from Rev Hilary Barber
1040: An icebreaker
1045: Mayor of Calderdale/ Councillor with principal responsibility for climate change
1055: Three invited speakers:
Speaker 1: 1055 – Faith and climate change- Buddhist perspectives and action by Olivia Fuchs, Soka Gakkai International and Research Fellow at the Centre for Applied Buddhism.
Speaker 2: 1110- Climate change- an Islamic call for action- by Kamran Shezad, Director, Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences and Sustainability lead for the Bahu Trust
Speaker 3: 1125- Transitioning from an EGO-centric world to ECO-centric world – by Dr Hardeep Singh, Eco-Sikh UK
1140: Q and A moderated by Prof PB Anand
1215: Councillor Scott Patient reflecting on the speeches and the implications/connections for Calderdale
1230: Lunch (brown bag sandwiches will be provided)
1315: Parallel workshops:
- Carbon literacy with Calderdale Council;
- Poverty and climate change: community actions that link people to their environment- led by North Halifax partnership;
- Local to global with University of Bradford Rotary Peace Fellows and sustainability champions;
- Supporting our communities into the green economy- with Climate Challenge College.
1415: Reflections and concluding remarks by Mayor of Calderdale
1425: Reflections/30 second prayer for the planet by different faith leaders
1430: Event concludes.
Tea/Coffee will be available. Please bring your own water.
Travel to the venue: We encourage everyone where possible to use public transport. The Halifax Minster is located very close to the Halifax train station and is within walking distance from the Halifax Bus Station as well.
Diet preference: When you book please indicate vegan/ gluten free / halal etc.
Please do let us know if you have any other requirements. General code of conduct norms and public ethics apply.
