Climate campaigners to hold peaceful protest.

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Sheffield campaigner Stephen Pennells and community leaders are inviting people to a vigil for the climate, ahead of this year’s COP.

Campaigners will be gathering at 11am, on Saturday, November 2, at St Oswald's Church, in Bannerdale Road. Among those attending will be The Bishop of Doncaster, Rt. Revd Sophie Jelley, and Abtisam Mohamed, MP for Sheffield Central.

Stephen is a supporter of international development agency Christian Aid, and said the work of the organisation’s local partners in vulnerable communities battling the effects of the climate crisis spurs him on to campaign for action.

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He explained: “Our UK government will be meeting world leaders soon at the UN Climate Conference COP29, in Azerbaijan, to discuss the efforts made to limit global warming.

Jen Bishop, from Malawi, has had crops devastated by severe storms. She has had to turn to hardier crops in an attempt to adapt to the effects of the climate crisis.Jen Bishop, from Malawi, has had crops devastated by severe storms. She has had to turn to hardier crops in an attempt to adapt to the effects of the climate crisis.
Jen Bishop, from Malawi, has had crops devastated by severe storms. She has had to turn to hardier crops in an attempt to adapt to the effects of the climate crisis.

“This vigil is open to people of all faiths and none wanting to stand quietly with communities worldwide who have done the least to cause the climate crisis and yet are paying the harshest price.

“We demand those in power stop procrastinating and take radical action to make the profiteering polluters pay for the damage they’re causing.”

Stephen explained he has taken part in other vigils over the years and found people support peaceful protest against injustice and inequality.

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He added: “I’ve lived in Africa and seen real poverty - many of my neighbours have family directly suffering now.

Stephen Pennell is inviting people to stand in solidarity with communities harshly affected by the climate crisis.Stephen Pennell is inviting people to stand in solidarity with communities harshly affected by the climate crisis.
Stephen Pennell is inviting people to stand in solidarity with communities harshly affected by the climate crisis.

“I’m also a Christian and for me it’s not about paternalistic charity; it’s a question of us putting our house in order. Last year’s pledged contributions to pay for Loss and Damage were pitifully inadequate. Every year of kicking the can down the road only increases the cost in lives as well as cash - both here and worldwide - as we’re seeing more and more with erratic weather, floods and crop failures.

“We’re not fundraising but we do want people’s support; they can do that by turning up, or calling and emailing their MPs to explain they want genuine climate justice for all.”

To find out more about the work of Christian Aid and how to get involved go to www.christianaid.org.uk .

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