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Climate change is an issue of significant concern to the global community. It is almost universally accepted now that climate change is occurring. However, the extent to which we need to adapt to this change and how we should go about doing this is still being debated.
The Synod of Victoria (and now Tasmania ) has passed a number of resolutions on environmental issues.
At the core of the Uniting Church ’s position is a belief that Christian theology implies respect for all of God’s creation (including future generations) and recognition of its intrinsic value.
The Uniting Church also believes it is called to advocate on behalf of the poor and most vulnerable members of the global community.
Because climate change is predicted to impact on the world’s poorest people first, the Uniting Church acknowledges its moral responsibility to prevent this from occurring. Global resource use and the equity of this use are key elements in the climate negotiations.
The Uniting Church maintains that all are equal in the eyes of God and this extends to our ability to enjoy and access the riches of Creation.
If you would like to be an Earth Team supporter please email Cath James on: cath.james@victas.uca.org.au with a subject heading of 'Subscribe'.
Has your church acted to become more environmentally friendly?
We want to know about it! We are compiling a book on actions by churches to inspire others. Send in a short story about what you did, how you did it and what benefits your church has seen from acting. No action is too small.
Let us know by emailing fiveleafecoawards@gmail.com
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Earth Team Update
January 2010...
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year and that you are looking forward to doing more to green your church in the coming year.2010 is the ‘International Year of Biodiversity’ (http://www.cbd.int/2010/about/ ), so why not start by thinking about how you can celebrate and protect biodiversity with your congregation?
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EVENTS
Australia Day
Sustainable Living Festival
DONATIONS NEEDED
Haiti Earthquake Relief
POLITICAL ACTION
Take action: Australia to submit targets in under two weeks!
CHURCH GREENING TIP
New Year’s Resolution Prayer
RESOURCES
Catholic Earthcare Calendar
Australia Day Service Ideas for Churches
REVIEW
The CSIRO Home Energy Saving Handbook
INSPIRING QUOTE
Ghandi
EVENTS
Australia Day
26th January
Celebrate Australia Day with a special service on the day, or on Sunday the 31st of January using one or some of the ideas from the Australia Day Service Ideas for Churches in the resources section below.
Sustainable Living Festival
Sat 6 February 2010 - Sun 21 February 2010
9:00am - 9:00pm
Various locations, VIC
(03) 9249 1888
The main event: 19th – 21st February Federation Square
The Festival raises awareness and provides tools for change by showcasing tangible solutions to the ecological and social challenges we face.
The Main Event at Federation Square in the heart of Melbourne will continue to celebrate the very best examples of ecological and social sustainability. The event will fuse interactive workshops, talks, demonstrations, artworks, exhibits, films and live performances. In recognition of the climate situation, the Main Event will be inspired by the theme: Get Ready for the Safe Climate Decade!
While you are at the festival, look out for the Uniting Church Social Justice stall for faith based action ideas and resources on a range of social justice issues including: climate change, asylum seekers, fair-trade, child slavery, people trafficking and overseas poverty.
Some events that will be held during the festival:
Spirit of the Environment
21 Feb | 12 PM
Six interfaith leaders discuss how faith informs attitude and action for the environment. Hosted by Greenfaith Australia.
Climate Change as an Ethical Issue
19 FEB | 6 PM
Peter Singer argues that we should see the allocation of greenhouse gas emissions as a question of justice, and one in which Australia is greedily taking far more than its share of a scarce resource. After the session Peter Singer will be signing copies of ‘The Life You Can Save’ (out in paperback in Feb 2010).
Sharehood Comunities
21 FEB | 2 PM
The Sharehood is sharing skills and resources within your neighbourhood – from sewing machines, tools and vegetables, to tango lessons, language skills and gardening help. Come along to find out how to create a sharing community in your street.
Sustainable Living & Business Virtual Conference
08 FEB | 12 PM | Online 15 FEB | 12 PM | Online
Interview with speakers in the field about sustainable living and sustainable business.
To find out more visit http://festival.slf.org.au/
DONATIONS NEEDED
UnitingWorld Urges Support for Haiti Earthquake Relief
The earthquake off the coast of Haiti that struck on 12 January has caused widespread descruction. UnitingWorld is urging immediate and practical support for relief efforts through both Act for Peace, the relief and development arm of the National Council of Churches in Australia, and the Anglican Board of Mission.
Act for Peace have launched an emergency appeal. Donations will be directed to their local partners in Haiti, Christian Aid, Interchurch Organisation for Development Cooperation, and Lutheran World Federation. Secure donations can be made online at www.actforpeace.org.au or by calling 1800 025 101. Visit http://www.actforpeace.org.au/Be_Informed/Latest_News/HaitiEarthquakeAppeal.aspx to read about their appeal.
Please pray for those who are injured, at risk, or have lost friends and family as a result of the disaster. For more information see: http://www.unitingworld.org.au/2010/01/unitingworld-urges-support-for-haiti-earthquake-relief/
POLITICAL ACTION
Take action: Australia to submit targets in under two weeks!
In the fortnight before Australia submits targets to the Copenhagen Accord, we should all take a few minutes to write to the Australian Government to put pressure on them in the lead up to their submission of targets to the Copenhagen Accord.
There are just two weeks to go until the Australian Government is due to submit proposed emissions reduction targets as part of the Copenhagen Accord.
After the disappointment of Copenhagen, now is not the time to pull global motivation for swift and effective climate mitigation with equivocated and unambitious targets. If Australia wants to see international consensus to save the climate, we have to use the Copenhagen Accord to stimulate negotiations for a better outcome in Mexico at the end of this year.
Write, email, ring and pester Climate Change Minister Penny Wong this week about Australia's target submission. Lots of us will have different ideas about what is best to say -- say whatever you like! Call for 40% cuts, or 25%, call for them to never mention 5% again. Just let her know you're watching, and that we won't let the pressure down.
Our fabulous friends at /A Climate for Change/ have made it super easy to get your messages in... go to their online action at http://www.aclimateforchange.org/page/take-action-online/ and fill in the email form...
If you want to send your own email or call Wong's office, the details are:
Email to: senator.wong@aph.gov.au <mailto:senator.wong@aph.gov.au> Phone her office in Parliament House: (02) 6277 7920
In addition, lots of CANA's members are sending formal letters to the Minister and Prime Minister before the Copenhagen Accord targets go in.
Can't think what to say?
We were all disappointed in the failure of the Copenhagen talks to reach agreement on a plan to reduce greenhouse emissions world-wide, and provide for enhanced action on adaptation, finance and technology transfer.
If the Government is serious in its desire to be part of an effective global response to climate change, Australia must use the time between now and COP16 in Mexico to stimulate global ambition and forge global consensus.
When Australia submits targets to the Copenhagen Accord, we want the Minister to:
· Raise Australia's minimum effort to 15%. The 5% minimum was a target for unilateral action. Australia is not acting unilaterally, but is part of the Copenhagen Accord, which includes all major emitting countries, so the 5% target is no longer relevant.
· Ensure that Australia's target stimulates global ambition: Australia demonstrate that it is willing to commit at least the 25% target announced last year and many people in civil society want them to go to 40%
· Push for preparations to begin immediately for the review proposed by the Copenhagen Accord into the two degree above pre-industrial global goal and the necessity of decreasing this to 1.5 degrees, and for the review to include recommendations for the level of mitigation required by parties to meet this goal.
Send these points -- or any you want to raise -- to Penny Wong this week so she knows that we haven't stopped paying attention to Australia's role in the international climate negotiations (OR visit /A Climate for Change/, who make sending an email to the Minister very easy:
http://www.aclimateforchange.org/page/take-action-online/)
To read the Copenhagen Accord, click here:
http://unfccc.int/files/meetings/cop_15/application/pdf/cop15_cph_auv.pdf
For a summary of what CANA and its member groups think of the Accord, and the outcomes of Copenhagen, visit the CANA website:
http://www.cana.net.au/international-negotiations/lowdown-copenhagen-cop-15
CHURCH GREENING TIPS
New Year’s Resolution Prayer
Lord,
When I tried to lose weight, I gained a few pounds,
When I tried to save money, I bought a new dress,
When I tried to make time for my friends I was always too busy.
When I tried to ‘be’ with you, stress cut me off.
Every year I set new resolutions, and every year I forget them before June.
Till I rustle them up the next year and rewrite them all.
That’s the curse of the New Year’s Resolution.
But this year, there’s one resolution I’m definitely going to keep.
I’m going to do those small things that contribute to a better world.
I started today, by walking to church with my friends. I lost weight, saved money, had a chat and relaxed. Who knew you could do so much in a day?
Amen
RESOURCE
Catholic Earthcare Calendar
January is a time for preparing for the coming year. Catholic Earthcare Australia has a calendar of the major environmental dates coming up in 2010 at http://www.catholicearthcare.org.au/Calendar2010.html Why not go through this calendar with your church council and green group and plan your green events for the new year? Think about what you and your church might do for Clean Up Australia Day (1st March), Lent (17th Feb – 3rdApril), Earth Day (22nd April), the International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22nd), World Environment Day (5th June) and the Season of Creation (1st Sept – 5th Oct).
Australia Day Service Ideas for Churches
Reading: Exodus 3:5
Songs: Great Southland by Geoff Bullock (words and recording available from http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=525135&songID=6621536 )
Waltzing Matilda
Skippy (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCHY6n907OE )
Australian National Anthem
Poems: I love a Sunburnt Country by Dorothy Mackellar (words at http://www.imagesaustralia.com/mycountry.htm )
Banjo Patterson – The Man from Snowy River, Clancy of the Overflow, In Defence of the Bush, Mulga Bill’s Bicycle
What am I?
I am an important environmental problem that affects Australia.
It is predicted I could affect 7.5 million hectares by 2050
I currently cost Victoria $50 million a year
I threaten 70-80% of irrigated land in NSW
I create barren landscapes and empty patches in fields
I am caused by clearing trees and deep rooted perennials or by irrigating land too much
I am a name for what happens when rising water tables bring salt closer to the surface of the land.
I am salinity.
Children’s activities:
Draw a picture of your favourite Australian animal
Make a collage of pictures of Australia (out of newspapers, magazines and travel brochures)
Have a competition to see who can draw the best map of Australia and put the most towns in the right spots.
Adult discussion questions:
· What part of Australia’s environment do you love the most?
· What do you think is the biggest environmental problem facing Australia at the moment?
· The poems, songs, icons and traditions we associate with being Australians have a lot to do with the bush and having a strong connection to the land. Do you think this is an accurate representation of what it means to be Australian in 2010? If not, how can we strengthen our connections to the land and nature?
· What do you think being ‘built on the sheep’s back’ has meant for a country like Australia, which didn’t have any hooved animals until European settlement?
· Australia has lost 100 species of plant and nearly thirty birds and mammals in the last 200 years. Have you seen or known any species that are now extinct?
· What can you commit to doing to protect what you love about Australia?
Actions:
1. Get the congregation to each read out what they have decided they would like to do to protect what they love about Australia. Then help them to get into small groups with others who are concerned about the same issue or interested in the same action. They can then act together and report back to the congregation at a later date.
2. Organise a church trip to your closest National Park. Have a picnic, go on a walk and encourage your congregation to learn as much as they can about the gifts God has placed on their doorstep.
Prayer:
Lord, we commemorate Australia Day today by coming to you and asking you to bless our beloved country. We pray for her forests, coasts, deserts and sunburnt plains. We pray for her creatures, so uniquely and creatively made by you. We pray for our Tassie Devils, Numbats, Northern Hairy Wombats, Maleefowl and Cassowaries. We pray for our Grey Nurse Sharks, Leatherback Turtles, Orange-Bellied Parrots and Eastern Barred Bettongs. We pray for our native plants and endangered ecosystems. We pray for your help and healing for our land, and for wisdom for our farmers, politicians and land and resource managers. We pray for justice and equity for all Australians, and especially our Indigenous people. We pray for every Australian to learn about the uniqueness of our country and to feel pride in her strength and beauty. We pray for safe harbour from her flooding rains and the rage of her bushfires, and we ask for help in fighting Climate Change. Thank you Lord, for blessing us with such a wonderful place to live. We know you love this land even more than we do. May your holy countenance shine upon it in the years to come.
We ask this in Jesus’ name,
Amen
REVIEW
The CSIRO Home Energy Saving Handbook by John Wright, Peter Osman and Peta Ashworth
Want to learn about more environmentally friendly heating and cooling solutions?
Want to know how you can make your car greener?
Ever wondered what those fancy names for the different types of energy efficient lights mean?
Want the facts on solar hot water?
The answers to these questions and more can be found in the CSIRO Home Energy Saving Handbook.
This handbook is the must have practical guide to saving the environment and your wallet at home. Written in Australia by the CSIRO, our foremost scientific body, and published in 2009 this is an up to date, easy to read, trustworthy guide. Don’t give in and buy one of the cheap ’50 things you can do’ books from the UK and US, you will find this handbook much more useful. Covering the basics of global warming, how you can make easy energy savings in the home, shopping, your backyard, services, sustainable house design, alternative power, transport, carbon offsets and action charts, using clear language and lots of pictures, this handbook will help anyone from the beginner to the enthusiast to learn more about what they can do to save money and the environment. It’s even printed on recycled paper.
INSPIRING QUOTE
There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed. ~Mohandas K. Gandhi
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If you would like further information in any of the above resources please contact Cath James at the Justice and International Mission Unit on 03 9251 5279 or cath.james@victas.uca.org.au
