3rd August 2026

The world’s six biggest fossil fuel corporations are expected to see net income double from $23bn last quarter to $45bn, according to Oxfam, based on S&P Capital IQ’s consensus estimates and forecasts.  The estimates indicate that profits will total $147bn, more than their combined profits over the previous 21 months. Analysis of academic data published in Nature by the charity found that emissions from these companies were “sufficient to cause” around a quarter of heatwaves reported globally between 2000 and 2023. Authorities in South Korea have issued  a heat alert saying indoor spaces without air conditioning are ‘dangerous’ as, yesterday, temperatures in Yangsan exceeded 40C for fifth successive day. The authorities have also warned people to “immediately” stop all outdoor activities in affected areas. In Pyongyang night time temperatures have not fallen below 25C during the past week. In the UK the National Farmers Union is warning of possible food shortages. Winter planting was made extremely difficult by high rainfall and flooding, and now in many areas they do not have access to water as irrigation is being restricted due to drought.  Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez said last week, “The climate emergency kills, and that’s why it’s not enough to address the consequences, which we do; what we have to do is reduce its causes, anticipate its effects, and, consequently, better prepare our country to protect people’s lives.” 

Loving God, forgive our foolish ways.  Forgive that we value profits over the sustainability of our plant. Forgive us that we are destroying the work of your hand. Forgive us that we are causing harm for all life forms including human life.  Forgive us that people are dying due to the extreme heat, droughts, wildfires, heavy rains and consequent floodings and landslides. Guide the leaders of the nations and the leaders of our global corporations to urgently address the climate crisis. Help us to protect the vulnerable, to protect our forests and carbon sinks. Help us to rewild and conserve the natural world.  Help us to treasure the wonder of your creation and cherish the life your give.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Around 750 Samaritan’s Purse volunteers from at least 23 states of have participated in relief efforts to assist people impacted by a tornado in Wisconsin, which had estimated wind speeds of between 136 and 165 miles per hour (around 220-260 kph). Led by charitable organisation Samaritan's Purse their support efforts included coming alongside the family of a woman trapped in her basement for hours.  A Navy veteran whose house was damaged by the tornado said the assistance from Samaritan’s Purse volunteers he received is “living proof that God exists”. In an interview with The Christian Post, Samaritan’s Purse Vice President of North American Disaster Relief Jason Kimak said of those who came to help, “they are coming out as neighbour helping neighbour.”  The Christian charitable organization Convoy of Hope is also on the ground in Wisconsin, providing clean drinking water, hygiene items, clean up supplies, and boxes of shelf-stable food to those impacted by the storm.  

God of love and life

we give you thanks and praise

for all your loving kindness to us.

We thank you for the life you have breathed into us.

We thank you for nurturing us.

We praise you for Jesus Christ,

for his teaching us about your love for us,

and his saving work upon the cross.

We glorify you,

that through his death and resurrection.

and by faith in him

we may live forever in your presence.

We thank you for the Holy Spirit

at work in the Church

and in our lives.

All praise and glory be you

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

one eternal God.

Amen.