On Saturday 30th October 2021, on the eve of the COP 26 global meeting, all cathedrals and churches within the UK  are to sound their bells for 30 minutes to ring out a warning to humanity, drawing attention to the climate catastrophe ahead. 

COP26 is the 2021 United Nations climate change conference. The UN has brought almost every country on earth together for global climate summits, and it stands for ‘Conference of the Parties’. Climate change has gone from being a fringe issue to a global priority.

Our local church has sounded the bells somewhat early. As I sit and listen to them, I am moved and filled with sadness—great towering thunder clouds beyond drift by interspaced with blue sky. The clean, fresh autumn breeze flushes my space, and I wonder how we could have arrived at a situation of this nature.

A short article written by a farmer in our local village newsletter reflects the state of the world. 

He comments that fertilizer for next years planting should have been delivered in June, five months ago. Currently, there is no sign of it, and it is unlikely to arrive any time soon.  It is apparently in the country, but there are no truck drivers to deliver it.

There is no Roundup in the country until next year. This herbicide is essential for autumn planting. It is used to kill weeds before the cereals are planted. The number of cultivations on the fields can be reduced using less selective but expensive herbicides.

Rape meal,  the residue after the oilseed has been crushed, is used as cattle feed, last weeks order has not arrived, and we have a day worth left.

Feed supplements that are imported are not available until November, so their use is limited. The price had doubled in 12 months. By reducing this, the fat levels in the milk have dropped. Combine this with poor quality first cut hay, and milk production has been reduced.

Staffing is a problem. It is a mix of lethargy, physical and demanding, long hours; it is hard to find willing workers.