Strandz, the hub of Children + Families ministry in the Anglican Dioceses of New Zealand, is encouraging us to sign up for the Plastic Free July challenge this month, and think about how our care for creation is reflected in the items we purchase and throwaway. We'd love to see our churches and children participate.
Banks operating in Aotearoa are minimising their role in the climate crisis. They hold significant power in supporting the fossil fuel industry’s continued development, by financing their operations. As the custodians of our savings, the banks have a duty to take real action on climate change and cut their ties with this industry. 350.org is organising a petition, as well as practical demonstrations around the country, to let ALL of the banks know that we want a Fossil Free banking option, and that we will support whoever makes the commitment first.
For two years, our movement has supported the campaign for a Zero Carbon Act (a law to keep New Zealand on track in reducing our carbon emissions and adapting to climate change). This bill has just passed its first reading and the Government is now inviting the public to have their say. The Diocese of Wellington has created some fantastic resources to use in your Sunday services, and equip people to understand and submit to the Zero Carbon Bill.
We consider the anticipated legislation to be very important for Aotearoa New Zealand, and the ecumenical churches Climate Justice Network is giving close consideration to the bill. They are encouraging people and parishes to learn about what is proposed, and then either support groups making a submission or make a submission yourself. To get started, they have provided a very useful infographic that summarises the bill.
Food production is responsible for a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global warming, according to a University of Oxford study. Knowing how and where your food is produced can make a big difference to your personal environmental footprint, from saving water to reducing pollution and the loss of forests. The BBC have turned the study into a calculator, so you can calculate your diet carbon footprint.
The United Nations has created and made available for free a series of short courses on climate change topics. A selection is below.
As the church looks to both prepare and respond to climate change, these courses make an excellent supplement to small group discussion, or your personal knowledge bank.
The Anglican fifth mark of mission is to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth. This visual guide to biodiversity has been adapted by the Anglican Alliance, and explores: what is biodiversity?; our dependence on biodiversity; theology of biodiversity in our faith heritage; what needs to be done, what is being done and causes for hope; and prayers.
Download a 1 pg article by the Rt Revd Apimeleki Qiliho, Assistant Bishop, Diocese of Polynesia.
Extracted from USPG - Faith in a changing climate.
