Bishop Graham Usher of the Church of England advocates for action against climate change, framing it as a moral obligation. He commended efforts towards achieving Net Zero by 2030 and enhancing biodiversity within churchyards. He emphasized the interconnectedness of climate change and biodiversity, arguing for urgent governmental action. Insights from a conference attendee also highlighted the climate emergency’s impact, particularly in polar regions.
Bishop Graham Usher, the lead bishop for the environment in the Church of England, emphasized the importance of action against climate change and biodiversity loss as a demonstration of Christian compassion. Addressing Church of England representatives, he expressed gratitude for their dedication to achieving Net Zero by 2030 and transforming churchyards into biodiversity-friendly spaces, efforts supported by the General Synod.
The Net Zero initiative is generating significant momentum, leading to reduced energy expenses for churches and ensuring their sustainability moving forward. Bishop Usher articulated that combating climate change is fundamentally “the right thing to do,” highlighting the compassion shared among Anglicans for those vulnerable to climate-related challenges globally.
Bishop Usher recounted several successes of the Church of England’s Net Zero program, notably showcasing St Peter Mancroft in Norwich as a model church for energy efficiency and citing the installation of solar panels at King’s College Chapel, Cambridge. He advised churches on accessible modifications, including solar panels and energy-efficient LED lighting, which can significantly reduce carbon footprints for both urban and rural congregations.
During the conference, he reflected on his participation in the Anglican delegation at last year’s Cop16 United Nations biodiversity conference in Cali, Colombia, underscoring the urgent need for governments to achieve climate and biodiversity goals. He pointed out the interconnectedness of these issues, stating, “Climate change and biodiversity are two sides of the same coin,” stressing that conservation efforts must not ignore the pressing need to address climate change.
The conference concluded with remarks from Dr. Beatrix Schlarb-Ridley from the British Antarctic Survey, who elaborated on the climate emergency, particularly its effects on polar regions, enhancing the urgency of the discussions.
In conclusion, Bishop Graham Usher highlighted the Church of England’s commitment to addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, positioning these efforts as essential to Christian compassion. With initiatives like the Net Zero program demonstrating practical changes, the church aims to inspire broader societal actions to combat these pressing environmental issues. The insights from both Bishop Usher and Dr. Schlarb-Ridley reinforce the critical intersection between climate change and biodiversity, urging collective responsibility and action.
Original Source: anglican.ink
