Following the February 2020 General Synod commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2030, the March Diocesan Synod declared a Climate Emergency and committed to Net Zero by 2030. This commitment recognises the need to take practical action to support and influence change and action primarily concerning:
- Churches and Cathedrals primary energy use
- Schools (Voluntary Aided and the Diocesan Academy Trust) primary energy use
- Clergy housing energy use, based on average reasonable use not actual use
- Staff and Committee travel
- Glebe land
In responding to this commitment with the urgency needed, we have developed a new Environment Policy. Combined with an updated 5-year Action Plan for targeted and timely action the following priorities have been identified:
- Practical changes, guidance and support
- Establishing baselines
- Training and Awareness Raising especially to support carbon reduction
- Planning ahead
- Linking Faith with responses to issues of climate and social justice
- Collaboration within the diocese and with ecumenical and non-ecumenical partners
Moving forward, as a diocese, we will work together across the area with people within and beyond the Church as a response to the call for stewardship and justice that we recognise in the Five Marks of Mission. This will engage, support and equip people to contribute to this work and encourage us all to consider the nature of the impact we have upon Gods creation.
Why care for creation?
We are called as Christians to thoughtfully and carefully manage (steward) the whole of God’s creation. As part of this call, we must protect nature and the natural resources we depend upon from damage and abuse and promote social equity by sharing of God’s loving provision for us both now, and for future generations.
Below are links to resources to help you respond to God’s call and help you deepen your connection to creation and Our Creator:
- The Church of England’s Environment Programme: discover the heart of all that we do for the environment and how God calls us to take greater care of our world.
- The Fifth Mark of Mission
- A brief introduction to the call from Archbishop Justin Welby
- A short guide to grants and projects to help your church get to net zero
Who to contact
Sara Emmett, Climate Justice & Environment Advisor
Dan Wills, Net Zero Enabler
Downloads
Diocesan Environment and Climate Change Policy