After international leaders met in Dubai for COP28, senior members of the charity Christian Aid stepped out as part of the call for climate justice.
Interim Head of Christian Aid Cymru Rev Andrew Sully and trustee Nan Powell-Davies are walked 61 miles – along part of the North Wales Pilgrims’ Way – from Bangor Cathedral to Aberdaron.
They are raising money for Christian Aid and its work campaigning for climate justice and supporting projects, through local partners, helping people in the most vulnerable communities around the world.
Following the trek, the pair attend the Bangor COP28 day of action, on Saturday, December 9. Events include a banner-making workshop in the Pontio building at 1pm, a march at 2.30pm, starting outside the building, and youth speeches at 3.30pm.
COP – short for Conference of the Parties – are the international climate talks held each year by the United Nations. The 28th talks took place in Dubai, from November 30-December 12.
It was announced, by COP28 president Sultan al-Jaber, the long-awaited fund to pay for damage from climate-driven storms and drought will be launched.
Nan, who is also chairperson of the Wales Advisory Committee, said she was looking forward to seeing what else came from COP28 in action.
She said: “We are all affected by climate change – none more so than the poorest communities who have done little to contribute to the crisis.
“Every donation makes a difference to supporting people in the hardest hit areas to adapt to and combat the impacts of severe weather on their lives and livelihoods.”
Rev Andrew added the walk was also a chance to reflect: “Aberdaron overlooks the island of Bardsey, Ynys Enlli, the resting place, according to tradition, of 20,000 saints. It was a focus for many centuries for pilgrims.
“At this time of violence and unrest in the land of Jesus’ birth, we are walking in the name of the Prince of Peace, born in a West Bank village to a poor mother, in solidarity with the people of that land and to pray that the timeless message of peace on earth will finally prevail.”
To support Andrew and Nan, please go to JustGiving Pererindod dros Heddwch is fundraising for Christian Aid (justgiving.com)
