Today's global economy is shaped by extractivism—a way of living that treats Earth as something to be used up rather than cared for. Fossil fuel use, deforestation, industrial agriculture, and the constant pressure for economic growth fuel climate change and biodiversity loss. Those who bear the greatest burdens usually did the least to cause the crisis: Indigenous communities, small-scale farmers, coastal peoples, and those living in the global South. These industries directly impact water systems while concentrating power away from marginalized communities, especially women. Churches, congregations, and ecumenical networks are called to confront these economic structures that harm human communities and creation—and to take decisive steps toward restorative alternatives.

A “theology of enough” grounds this fast. God created a world of abundance for all living creation—not scarcity, but also not unlimited consumption or unrestrained accumulation. Christians are called to nurture, protect, and live in right relationship with humans and nonhuman creation—not to exercise dominion. This is buen vivir: living well by seeking harmony with the land, with biodiversity, with each other, and with God. Water uniquely reveals the violence and injustice of these systems. You cannot hide a poisoned river or a depleted aquifer. When industries contaminate or monopolize water, the connection between personal survival and systemic injustice becomes immediate.

Prayer, reflection, and action shape the seven weeks. Prayer grounds participants in faith, compassion, and hope. Weekly biblical reflections explore stories of communities facing these impacts, examining both climate and water dimensions. Personal and community action includes examples of churches building alternatives—renewable energy initiatives, local food systems, advocacy campaigns. The 2026 World Water Day theme of gender equality in water and sanitation is woven throughout, revealing how this approach disproportionately burdens women who must walk farther for contaminated water, lack sanitation, and lose land to industrial projects.

Beginning 18 February with theological framing and opening prayer, participants examine a different industry each week—fossil fuels, mining, industrial agriculture, deforestation and overfishing, deep-sea mining, and emerging frontiers. Each week reveals how these practices drive climate change while contaminating and monopolizing water. The campaign concludes 1 April with a harvesting of actions and closing prayer, launching an ongoing commitment to the Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action.

Individuals and congregations worldwide can register. Weekly materials, including biblical reflections, prayer resources, and action guides, will be provided. Churches choose their engagement level—from basic weekly worship integration to comprehensive study and advocacy. Those interested can opt for enhanced water justice resources from the WCC Ecumenical Water Network, providing deeper content on water and sanitation access, gender dimensions, and technical resources. Resources will be available in multiple languages.

All Christian denominations and ecumenical partners are welcome. Participation helps transform values and habits as well as policies, relationships, systems, and the future.

Concept note for the Global Systemic Carbon Fast is available here

The program for the Seven Weeks for Water 2026 is available here