Rio+20 - United Nations Earth Summit

These prayer points for the Summit have been circulated by A Rocha's Living Lightly (http://arochalivinglightly.org.uk).

On 20th June the world's top leaders meet in Rio de Janeiro for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (www.uncsd2012.org).

They meet in the context of a world in which:
Population is currently 7.1 billion, and will reach 9 billion by 2050
1.4 billion live on less than $1.25 a day
1.5 billion have no electricity and 2 billion no toilet
1/3 of all known species could be extinct by the end of the century if climate change remains unchecked. 40% of surveyed species are already threatened with extinction.

As leaders gather, please pray:

1. That faith based NGO's are given a sympathetic ear: that A Rocha Brazil and other teams are able to articulate clearly the role faith can play in addressing issues of value, ownership, healing and hope.

2. That leading emitters can find the will and humility to work together for a binding solution despite the tough economic climate.

3. That countries which are leading the field (such as Australia, UK and the Pacific island nations) are able to encourage those with big economic and political agendas to think beyond their national boundaries.

4. For those countries that are keen not to sign anything binding at the risk of hurting their domestic audience, especially Canada, US, China, Pakistan and India.

5. For Brazil as host: that they can take a brave lead, despite the risks of doing so.

6. For significant progress towards an end to fossil fuel subsidies.

7. That reporting environment and social impacts for business can be formalised. This will enable the public to assess the ethics of business in a global market.

8. For our Secretary of State Caroline Spelman MP as she leads the UK delegation.

Throughout the conference, you can be kept up-to-date with progress by listening to A Rocha UK's updates on Premier Radio (www.premierradio.org.uk).