Environment E-news - November 2022

Issue 46 | November 2022

God's Green Fingers Environment E-news

Hello,

It’s hard to underestimate the importance of the COP27 international climate change talks taking place in the Red Sea resort of Sham el Sheik next week. Critical progress urgently needs to be made on the level of commitments that each country makes to decarbonise and on the provision of a viable “Loss and Damage” fund to enable adaptation and resilience building in those countries who are suffering most from climate breakdown and have done least to cause it.

You will find a COP Call to Prayer in this issue, enabling you to sign up for daily prayer emails designed to assist us all to pray constructively for this global forum.

We also have several items that focus on the energy crisis, with support being offered to churches as they face increased bills this winter. Energy and carbon footprints go hand in hand, more efficient energy use equates to carbon emissions reductions.

While government handouts will assist this winter, longer term good clear leadership is needed to drive the actions needed to provide energy security, resilience and lower bills. Put simply that’s: “powering down” - a major programme of retrofitting (energy efficiency measures for our existing buildings); and “powering up” significant further investment in locally generated renewable energy.

Each of us and our churches can play our own part in praying for, enacting and speaking up for this.

God bless

Jemima Parker,

Diocesan Environment Officer

[email protected]

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News

Call to Prayer for COP27 Climate Talks

Christians across the diocese are being invited to join in a daily act of prayer for world leaders as they meet at Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt to discuss policies and commitments to avert more disastrous climate breakdown. A daily email will be sent out to subscribers during the two weeks of COP27, 6th-18th November, including a scriptural reflection, theme for the day and pointers to action and hope. Additionally, a daily prayer resource for services is available.

Read more here and subscribe here

Shopping Centre Church to Host the World

'Our Earth, Our City' is hosted by Holy Trinity Boar Lane (in partnership with St George's Leeds) from 7th-27th November. The centrepiece of the event is the display of the 'Gaia' installation, a stunning 6m diameter replica planet earth. Holy Trinity are looking forward to welcoming people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds to a wide range of events and to the Gaia installation, to reflect on the extraordinary planet we share.

Training this Autumn to Help Churches with Energy and Climate Change

Helping churches deal with timely issues around energy saving and climate resilience is part of training from our Church Buildings Team this autumn. The energy saving and heating session will be in two parts, covering tips on quick and easy actions that can be taken to reduce energy use of church buildings and halls, followed by how to plan for the longer term by looking into options for an improved heating system.

Advent Book Speaks of Urgency for Change

Sleepers Wake, the Archbishop of York’s Advent Book 2022, explores the reality of climate change and how Advent is an opportunity for us to wake up, sense the urgency and begin to make radical change. With exhilaration and passion, Nicholas Holtham draws on his experience as former Church of England lead Bishop for the environment to urge us to transform ourselves, spiritually and culturally, so we can all do our part to preserve our world for future generations.

Green Journey Webinars to Help Churches Save Money and Prepare for Future

How the Green Journey can help churches save money and prepare for the future was the topic of a recent webinar featuring Kevin Lumley Managing Director of Green Energy Consulting. The webinar offered the opportunity to develop a better understanding of how the energy market is impacting your church bills and what you can do to reduce energy use.

Watch the recording here

Ring out for Climate

Ahead of the COP27 climate change talks, churches across the UK are being encouraged ring a warning peal of bells as a “Code Red” for humanity. Bell ringing events can bring together communities and include songs, candles, art-work and prayers to express concerns, hopes and fears. Over 1,000 church bells around the world rang out their warning on the eve of COP 26.

New Film Explores the Letter Written to You

Churches across the globe are being invited to host a screening of a new film from the Vatican. “The Letter” is a beautifully filmed documentary story based on Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Si. It focuses around the stories of six people invited to an audience with the Pope to voice their climate concerns and hopes for our common home.

Christians Take Part in Anti-Polluters Protests

At a recent “Loss and Damage Action Day”, Christians and those of other faiths come together round the country for vigils and rallies calling on polluters, both fossil-fuel companies and wealthy nations, to pay up for the loss and damage being wrought on communities worldwide because of the climate crisis.

Events and Webinars - Local

6 Nov - Prayer Launch for COP27

St Mark’s Church, Harrogate 6.30pm. At the start of the COP27 international climate talks, join other in this opportunity to pray for our global leaders.