Climate Emergency and the CofE

Throughout the world, churches have been acknowledging that there is a Climate Emergency and pledging themselves to reduce their own emissions as a response. In February 2020, the General Synod of the Church of England committed itself to become carbon ‘net zero’ by 2030. In so doing, it was following the example of the diocese of Birmingham which made a similar declaration in November 2019. Details of the General Synod debate and resolution are given in this post from the Media Centre on 12th February 2020:

News Article: General Synod sets 2030 Net Zero carbon target

The motion passed by Birmingham Diocesan Synod on Saturday 16 November 2019 was: 

That this Synod, recognising

(a) that there is a global climate emergency, caused by global heating and climate change and that this is a crisis for God’s creation

(b) that there is a rapidly increasing issue of climate injustice, as the poorer nations in the global south are affected first, therefore

(i) every individual Anglican Christian is strongly encouraged to practise creation care at the heart of their daily, prayerful and sacrificial following of Christ;

(ii) sets a target that all parts of the diocese (including in the area of investments) should achieve net zero emissions by 2030 at the latest;

(iii) commits as a diocese to develop an action plan and resources for sustainable living including:

  • policies and procedures to minimise waste and increase use of renewable energies;
  • the incorporation of creation care into liturgical practice;
  • discipleship and other resources to support our worshipping communities in deepening commitment and understanding;

and in order that this target can be achieved

(iv) requests a report to Synod every 2 years on progress, beginning in 2022.