21st March 2026

In the USA record-breaking temperatures have been scorching the west this week. Climate scientists say this would have been “virtually impossible” if not for the climate crisis. In Martinez Lake, Arizona, record breaking March temperatures reached 110F (43.3C) on Thursday.  

Unseasonal heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds hit southern Pakistan and north-west India on Wednesday.  Karachi, was particularly badly affected, with more than 50mm of rain recorded and winds gusting up to 60mph. Walls, buildings, and a pedestrian bridge collapsed, with flooding and power outages across the city. At least 18 people were killed and several more injured. March is usually one of the driest in north-west India, and heavy rain is rare at this time of year; the monsoon season between June and September. 

Despite the evidence of global warming and the crisis associated with it, Australia approved the exploitation of a new major coal seam gas expansion, contributing about 120m tonnes of carbon emissions over its lifetime. The project’s public environment report estimated 9m tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions would be emitted during construction and operation, and about 111m tonnes as a result of burning the gas – more than Australia’s annual transport emissions. Amanda McKenzie, the chief executive of the Climate Council said, "approving new coal and gas projects is like lighting another cigarette while you’re trying to quit smoking."  She added, "After a summer marked by record heat and destructive flooding, communities are already living with the consequences of climate pollution. Approving new sources of pollution only increases the harm.” 

Dear Lord and Father of humankind, forgive our foolish way and reclothe us in our rightful mind. We give tou thanks nad praise for this wonderful world you have given us. Forgive us that we are destroying it and making people's lives more miserable and challenging than they need be. By the power of your Holy Spirit, help us to listen and learn from stories around the world, to speak out and act for climate justice and to be ambassadors of hope for creation’s richness.  Wrap into your loving care, all experiencing more frequent and extreme events, such as wildfires, floods, drought, and for the communities most vulnerable. We pray for understanding and urgent action from the leaders of nations and global corporations to drive down our carbon emissions.  Help us all to treasure your creation and cherish all life upon the planet.    In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.

In Pakistan there has been a revolution, an energy revolution.  Over the past five years rooftop solar deployment in Pakistan has surged. Aerial photos of the city of Lahore capture the scale of twhat is happening. Nationwide, the share of electricity generated by solar jumped fivefold between December 2021 and December 2025, according to data from Ember. Renewables First estimates the figure reached about one-fifth of the country’s grid-supplied electricity in 2024. The expansion of solar generation has reduced the need for gas to generate electricity, especially during the day and helped to had helped to cut around $12bn from oil and gas imports. Since 2023, Pakistan has imported roughly 41 GW of solar panels from China, enough to power millions of homes. All other power generation sources combined in Pakistan, including coal, natural gas, and nuclear, were about 46 GW in 2024, according to Ember data. 

A prayer based on Daniel's prayer, Daniel 2:20-23

Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;

wisdom and power are yours, O Lord.

You change the times and seasons;

you depose of kings and raise up others.

You give wisdom to the wise

and knowledge to the discerning.

You reveal deep and hidden things.

You know what lies in darkness.

Light dwells with you.

I thank and praise you,

for all you have given to me.

Amen.