Dr Ciara Murphy, Environmental Policy Advocate at the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice, reflects on her experience as an observer at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) summit in Glasgow. She discusses whether or not the summit met its aim to bring parties together to accelerate climate action and she speaks of her experience collaborating with other Jesuit organisations and faith groups. Dr Murphy also participated in a pilgrimage from Edinburgh to Glasgow which culminated in a march for climate justice. Click here for the previous story ».

One question of a large and interesting interview:

What was your experience of collaborating with other Jesuit organisations and faith groups?

During my time in Scotland I had the opportunity to work alongside and get to know other people working in Jesuit organisations and faith based groups as well as Jesuits and novices from the UK and Indian Provinces. The Pilgrimage between Edinburgh and Glasgow, organised by Jesuit Missions UK, provided ample time to meet others who are experiencing an ecological conversion as part of their faith. Arriving in Glasgow and joining the climate justice march in the faiths block was an incredible experience. The sheer number of people who are active in the climate movement because of their faith is a sign that the climate movement is one that can be inclusive and diverse, gathering people of all faiths and none together to care for our common home.

EcoJesuit played an important role in the preparation for COP as well as the amplification of the climate justice message throughout the duration of the summit. The online event ‘Faith at the Climate Frontiers’, which took place on Monday 8th November was an exemplar of collaboration between the EcoJesuit team based in the Philippines and the delegates in Glasgow.

Not only did Jesuit Missions UK organise a lot of these events but they also obtained badges into the blue zone as official observers. As part of their delegation I had the opportunity to attend events with those from Jesuit Missions who are working on similar areas to me. This familiarity will enable us to collaborate more closely together on future projects.

Read the complete interview with Dr. Ciara Murphy

Jesuits in Ireland