Thames Ark highlights climate woes

The Bishop of London led a trip down the Thames on an 'Ark' this week in an effort to highlight the need for a tough line on climate change when world leaders sit down in Copenhagen to discuss how the international community should tackle carbon emissions.


Organised by Christian climate change campaign Operation Noah, the event saw the Rt Rev Richard Chartres joined by dozens of children dressed in animal masks for the boat trip through the capital.

Rev Stephen Heard, the Parliamentary Chaplain to the Bishop, told edie the idea was to show Government that faith communities backed its call for a strong and effective agreement at Copenhagen.

He was optimistic about the outcome of the talks in December and said there appeared to be a growing accord on the importance of tackling climate change before it got out of hand.

“There’s evidence that those who were slower in latching on to this issue are coming on board now,” said the Chaplain.

“There’s a general sense of urgency now, an acceptance that we may be approaching a point where it is too late.

“We want the government to be as strong and as powerful as it can in pushing the climate change agenda in Copenhagen and that the church and all the faith communities are behind them.”

Sam Bond

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe