3rd June 2024
Towards a Net Zero Church
Our Congregations are taking action to reduce their carbon emissions
WHY IS THIS PROJECT NECESSARY?
It seems like the weather has gone crazy all over the world. Average global temperatures have already risen over 1.4 degrees as a result of rising greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This effect will continue to worsen as we continue to burn fossil fuels and experts are now predicting temperature rises of around 3 degrees, which will render many parts of the earth uninhabitable and lead, among other things, to massive sea level rises before the end of the century. The UN itself has recently said: 'The stakes could not be higher. The world is on the edge of a climate abyss.' ‘The stakes could not be higher’: world is on edge of climate abyss, UN warns | Climate crisis | The Guardian
Despite the alarm there is a go-slow attitude by Governments around the world to reducing carbon emissions. The recent decision by our own Federal Government to continue supporting the fossil fuel industry beyond 2050 is an example of this attitude.
How should we as followers of Christ respond to these events and directions? We love the earth, but we feel powerless to address the problem even though it is causing great, perhaps irreparable, harm to God’s Creation. We are also reluctant to change because we love the luxuries and conveniences that fossil fuel dependent industries provide for us. Nevertheless, our Christian discipleship calls us to action to care for the Earth. The earth belongs to God (Psalm 24:1), and we are called to serve Him. We may not be able to make large scale changes on our own but there are many things we can do to reduce our negative impact on the earth.
What is the Uniting Church doing across the country?
In 2022, the 16th Assembly resolved 'A call to action for climate justice: listening to First Peoples wisdom.' The resolution established a steering group that amongst other things, is tasked with sharing stories, expertise and learnings on effective strategies and resources to reduce emissions by prioritising the wisdom of First Peoples.
Towards Net Zero: Good News Stories is the culmination of this work. You can read seven good news stories from across the national Uniting Church including South Australia's Uniting Communities here, and following:
Indigenous wisdom: Rev Tim Matton-Johnson
Learning to sustainably care for Country: Queenscliff Uniting Church
Advocacy and action: Uniting NSW/ACT
Striving for sustainability: Aitken College
Uniting climate action and social justice: Uniting Communities (SA)
Pursuing flourishing for creation through action and advocacy: Queensland Synod
What is the plan for the Uniting Church in South Australia?
At its annual meeting in June 2022, The Synod of South Australia adopted the Synod Climate Action Plan with an aim to become a net zero emissions church by 2040.
In December 2022, the Synod Standing Committee asked the Environmental Action Group (EAG) to form the core of the Synod Climate Action Working Group to facilitate the development, implementation, and monitoring of the Synod Climate Action Plan initially over three years. You can read a full text of SA Synod Climate Action Plan: 2022-2030 here.
Since 2023, a pilot program coordinated by the EAG involving five congregations has been undertaken to identify the current contributors to carbon emissions from church activities; to establish a base line from which to measure future improvements; and begin the task of fixing them. This work will be completed by August 2024.
Next steps for your congregation
We are now inviting all congregations to volunteer to undertake the same audit and evaluation process that has been undertaken by the five congregations already involved. The commitment is not large and will not involve significant funding or resources. It will need communication with the congregation about the aims of the program and the process to be applied; the approval of the Church Council; and a small group of volunteers to conduct the audit process and consider any immediate improvements that can be achieved.
If you indicate a wish to participate in this program a representative of the Synod Climate Action Working Group will be assigned to support your congregation and help to get things underway.
If you think your church may like to participate in this program please contact David Shepherd, EAG Convenor, via email or telephone below.
David Shepherd
0419600304
dshe4700@bigpond.net.au
Towards a Net Zero Church
An information session for Members and Congregations
is being held on
11th September at 7.30pm
at the
Effective Living Centre
26 King William Road, Wayville
Please register through the following link
2024 World Environment Day Resources
This year World Environment Day is Wednesday 5th June, and it is the United Nations Day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment. United National Environment Programmes (UNEPs) World Environment Day Practical Guide is designed to help everyone become involved in halting land degradation and restoring ecosystems. In the Uniting Church in Australia, you might like to check out this exciting panel discussion event from the Synod of Queensland (virtual attendance options available). Also, this resource from the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania includes prayers, stories and advocacy actions for members and congregations.
