UK
All 42 dioceses within the Church of England have signed up as ‘Eco Dioceses’ in order to reach carbon net zero by 2030, the church has announced.
The Eco Church initiative was launched in 2016 and is run by Christian conservation charity A Rocha UK in partnership with Christian Aid, the Church of England, the Methodist Church, Allchurches Trust, The United Reformed Church and Tearfund.
Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher. PICTURE: © Diocese of Norwich/Luke Bryant
Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich and lead bishop for the environment, said that having every diocese sign up was “a statement of intent from all of us as we take seriously the need to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss”.
“As Christians we must make real differences to our lives to care for God’s creation and limit the impact of the climate emergency.”
Among the final dioceses to sign up to the A Rocha Eco Church scheme were the Diocese of Truro in England, and St Asaph in Wales. The Very Rev Nigel Williams, chair of the Diocesan Eco Church Group and Dean of St Asaph Cathedral, said all sorts of “different projects and adaptations” were being made by churches across the diocese to take care of God’s creation in their local context.
“There are Forest Churches starting, conservation projects in graveyards, hedgehog counts, orchards and beehives being established and churches converting to green energy tariffs,” he said. “Here at the cathedral we’re investigating solar panel options so we can move from being a bronze Eco Cathedral to a silver award. We want to support changes and encourage people to take the next step.”
In other moves aimed at addressing climate change, the Church of England is also placing further restrictions on long-term financial investments. In line with its commitment to the Paris Agreement by divesting from high carbon emitting companies, the Church of England’s National Investing Bodies has announced 28 companies are now on its restricted list. These companies include BP, Chevron, China Petroleum & Chemical, CNOOC, ConocoPhilips, Devon Energy, Philips 66, Southern Copper, Reliance Industries and Woodside Petroleum.
Bess Joffe, head of responsible investment, Church Commissioners for England, said companies that continue to make changes to their emissions and strategy are a testament to the power of engagement.
“We are of the view that we have more influence on high carbon industries by being in the room. By engaging with these companies we can address the climate crisis and bring about real world change. We will absolutely divest from any companies, including Exxon, by 2023 that are not making significant progress in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. We hope our continuing engagement with the recently re-vamped Exxon board will have an impact on its strategy, capital expenditure and ultimately on their emissions.”
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The impetus for change and demand for climate justice is being made across all churches on an ecumenical basis via the Climate Sunday campaign.
Initially set up by 31 denominations and charities, members of the Environmental Issues Network, of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, to highlight COP26, it has just been resourced to give a lasting legacy of churches committed to continual action, providing opportunities for churches to make climate change a significant part of their discipleship and mission.
Andy Atkins, chair of Climate Sunday and CEO of A Rocha UK said it was vital that “we see COP26 not as the end of global efforts to avoid climate catastrophe, but as a step along the way, with much more yet to be done”.
“Churches have much to offer to address this challenge, and we must use all of our assets – buildings, land, local influence and national voice – to respond. Collectively, churches participating in Climate Sunday have accomplished much, but we have only just begun.”
orrection: The image and caption with this story were incorrect and have been replaced. Apologies for any confusion. Graham Usher, the Bishop of Norwich’s name has also been corrected.
