17th June
The co author of Promise the Earth: A Safe Climate in Good Faith (1), Andrew Davison, writes the alternate chapters. These draw out the connection between what Allwood writes and the seven virtues – courage, prudence, temperance, justice, faith, hope and love. This is an excellent prompt for Christians – and others – to embrace restraint as part of their spiritual journey.
16th June
I’m currently reading Promise the Earth: A Safe Climate in Good Faith by Julian Allwood and Andrew Davison. (1)
The main thrust of Allwood’s argument is that, with less than 14 years until the 2050 deadline that scientists give for protecting us against the worst outcomes climate change, we don’t have time to rely on technological interventions such as carbon capture, hydrogen power or sustainable aviation fuel. Instead we must embrace a programme of restraint. ie we need to reduce substantially what we consume where and whenever that uses fossil fuels or adds to carbon emissions. But as he repeatedly says, this does not mean a life of lack and misery for there is so much to enjoy in life – friends and family, meals, walks in the country side, gardening, cycling, the arts etc etc.
The four key areas for restraint that Allwood highlights, are our use of:
Defence or security?
16th June 2026
A recent article in the Church Times reported on
The director of Trinity Centre for Post-Conflict Justice, at Trinity College, Dublin, Dr Jude Lal FernandoI, was among the participants, alongside Anglican church leaders, theologians, church partners, and USPG support. He warned that security concerns were increasingly being prioritised over communities’ basic needs, while hundreds of millions were still living in extreme poverty. “When space for peace and dialogue decreases, the space for violence and oppression increases, especially for women and children,” he said.
This led me to ponder what is the difference between security and defence?
Defence typically refers to the armed services and all their equipment and resources that can be used to repel enemy invasion either of our territory (here in the UK or elsewhere, eg the Falklands) or to support our allies where they are similarly threatened. Such defence would also include defence against cyber attack.
Security I think is a wider issue that encompasses not just protection from enemy attack or aggression, but is about safeguarding the wellbeing of society as a whole. Thus security issues would include:
It seems to me that this bigger vision that the need for security rather than just focusing on defence, is essential if we are to be a happy secure nation. Indeed I’m not sure we gain much from defence if what is being defended doesn’t ensure happiness and well being for everyone.
My soul is deeply distressed. How long, O LORD, how long? Psalm 6:3
You Lord, are the source of all good things:
We praise you.
You call us to tend and care for your creation:
May we strive to do your will.
You have made us as brothers and sisters with all that lives:
May we live together in peace
A reading from Hosea 5:15-6:3
Thus says the Lord: “I will return again to my place until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face. In their distress they will beg my favour: ‘Come, let us return to the Lord; for it is he who has torn, and he will heal us; he has struck down, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; his appearing is as sure as the dawn; he will come to us like the showers, like the spring rains that water the earth.’
How Long O Lord?
How many heat waves?
How many droughts?
How many floods?
How many lost coast lines?
How many before we admit our error?
Before we recognise the crisis?
How many lost penguins?
How many missing polar bears?
How many extinct butterflies?
How many disappearing swifts?
How many before we admit our error?
Before we recognise the crisis?
How many car journeys?
How many air miles?
How many beef steaks?
How many tonnes of cement?
How many before we admit our error?
Before we recognise the crisis.
Creator God, we admit our error
and recognise the crises we have caused.
Grant us the wisdom and determination to make amends:
To change the way we live,
To change the way we see things,
To have care for the future.
Amen.
30th November 2025
Reflection with readings below
The passage from Isaiah sounds like system change – a radical transition from an economy of warfare to one of agriculture. Looking back over recent history, we and previous generations have experienced the transition from canal to rail transport, from horse to car, from coal power stations to gas power stations, from UK based cotton mills to imported cotton, from UK built engines to imported ones, from the UK beach holidays to Mediterranean package deals. Each transition from one dominant industry or medium to another has come with feelings of fear and feelings of optimism, of job losses and job gains, of resistance and of advancement.
Would similar feelings be experienced by those who were traditionally makers of swords and spears who see their skills being devalued? And what of those in ancillary trades – the makers of shields and helmets for example? What about the bankers who financed the wars and took their cut of the spoils? What of the young men who has been taught that manliness was exemplified by bring a warrior? Conversely would there be feelings of optimism and excitement amongst those who make ploughing shares and pruning hooks, or ploughs and grape presses? Amongst those skilled in cultivating the land, in turning wheat into bread and grapes into wine? And amongst the wives and mothers?
On Thursday I attended the National Emergency Briefing where we heard from ten speakers with scientific and similarly qualified backgrounds, talking about the current and future situation vis a vis the impact on us of climate change and biodiversity loss. The morning was both sobering as we heard of the enormity of the risks we face, but equally encouraging when we also heard about the transition that could be made to a healthier, safer (but not cooler – the current increase in temperature and its impacts is already built in) future. But to get to that future will need radical transformation of the way we live, a radical change in the way the government legislates mandatory restrictions on the use and exit from fossil fuels, a radical change in the way resources are distributed – and a radical change in the way the public are informed about the risks and opportunities that lie ahead.
Change and transition can be feel scary and daunting. Has our Christian faith any insights and support to offer? Have we stories to tell that will enable people to hear and understand the truth of our current situation and the potential ways forwards?
The message that runs through all the Bible is one of hope, that destruction will not be the end of all things, that evil snd hatred will not win, that God will be there for us, that the gift of love will never be powerless. From the story of the Garden of Eden to the story of Noah’s Ark, from the Exodus from Egypt to the Exile into Babylon, despite whatever sins have been committed and mistakes made, each story reminds us that God always remains faithful. From a homeless birth to a life on the road, from the mocking of religious leaders to the misuse of power by those in authority, Jesus lived through the now all to common experiences of many of the vulnerable in our world, yet remained true to his calling. And in the strength that came from the power of his resurrection, which he shared through the Holy Spirit, we too have the strength and power to remain true to our calling to be at one with all of creation.
I think our faith tells us of the importance of loving our neighbour – whoever or whatever or where ever they are. It tells us of the importance of listening to others, hearing their pain and anger, understanding how they have experienced life thus far. It tells us of the importance of discerning the truth. It tells us of the need to be humble and generous and sacrificial. And it rejoices in all that is good. It rejoices in the joy of fellowship and friendship. It rejoices in the beauty of creation. It rejoices in the peace that comes from God.
Can we bring these gifts to the conversations about climate change, about biodiversity loss, about social injustice? Can we bring these gifts to conversations about changing our lifestyles – eating less meat and dairy, opting for active travel, insulating our homes, buying what is needful rather than wasteful? Can we bring these gifts to conversations about making a just transition from fossil to renewable energy? Can we bring these gifts about a just transition that enables everyone’s Ila needs to be met? And about how our banking and investments can shape that future? Can we bring these gifts to conversations about how we can prepare for the emergencies that lie ahead – the potential of flash floods, of heatwaves, of power outages – and how we can support each other as resilient communities? Can we bring these gifts to conversations about creating and maintaining green and blue spaces from which we can all benefit?
Yes I think we can and we should – both as individuals and as churches.
NB Franciscans International and the Lutheran World Federation produced a report this autumn about making a Just Transition.
“Just Transition is a transition towards a sustainable economic system where the wellbeing of people and the planet is central. It requires reimagining the dominant capitalist mode., which drives relentless extraction and exploitation. This system must give way to an economy rooted in ecological sustainability, social equity and collective care. Climate action must be embedded within a framework that values human dignity, community resilience and the rights of nature, rather than its commodification.
“Just Transition isa transformation and a shift that calls for systemic change…
“Just Transition is a transition towards climate actions that must be rooted in a robust ethical framework that prioritises justice, fairness and equity for all …”
Isaiah 2:1-5
The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
In days to come
the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
Many peoples shall come and say,
‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
O house of Jacob,
come, let us walk
in the light of the Lord!
Psalm 122
1 I was glad when they said to me, *
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
2 Now our feet are standing *
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built as a city *
that is at unity with itself;
4 To which the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord, *
the assembly of Israel,
to praise the Name of the Lord.
5 For there are the thrones of judgment, *
the thrones of the house of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: *
“May they prosper who love you.
7 Peace be within your walls *
and quietness within your towers.
8 For my brethren and companions’ sake, *
I pray for your prosperity.
9 Because of the house of the Lord our God, *
I will seek to do you good.”
Romans 13:11-14
You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light; let us live honourably as in the day, not in revelling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarrelling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Matthew 24:36-44
Jesus said to the disciples, “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”
22nd November 2025
My eyes grow dim with weeping. Each day I beg your help; O Lord, I reach my pleading hands to you for mercy. Soon it will be too late! Psalm 89:9, 10a
You Lord, are the source of all good things:
We praise you.
You call us to tend and care for your creation:
May we strive to do your will.
You have made us as brothers and sisters with all that lives:
May we live together in peace.
A reading from Luke 18: 9-14 (The Message) Jesus told his next story to some who were complacently pleased with themselves over their moral performance and looked down their noses at the common people: “Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a tax man. The Pharisee posed and prayed like this: ‘Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, crooks, adulterers, or, heaven forbid, like this tax man. I fast twice a week and tithe on all my income.’ “Meanwhile the tax man, slumped in the shadows, his face in his hands, not daring to look up, said, ‘God, give mercy. Forgive me, a sinner.’” Jesus commented, “This tax man, not the other, went home made right with God. If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your face, but if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.”
Response
Suffering God,
Full of grief, I pour out my sorrows;
Full of mourning, I bewail our loss:
Bluebells that cannot keep pace with climate change,
Ash, elm and chestnut trees felled by disease,
Frogspawn that succumbs to unseasonal cold,
Butterflies caught out by unseasonal rain.
Suffering God,
Full of grief, I pour out my sorrows;
Full of mourning, I bewail our loss:
Wetlands that are no longer wet,
Curlews that have nowhere to feed,
Streams overwhelmed by fertilisers,
Rivers polluted by sewage.
Suffering God,
Full of grief, I pour out my sorrows;
Full of mourning, I bewail our loss:
Glaciers receding up mountains,
Alpine plants pushed over the edge,
Mountain hares with nowhere to go,
Moorlands and tundra burnt to a cinder.
Suffering God,
Full of grief, I pour out my sorrows;
Full of mourning, I bewail our loss:
Oceans with no whales,
Savannahs with no elephants
Coral reefs with no coral,
Icecaps with no ice.
Merciful God,
Forgive us our greed and our complacency,
Our folly and selfishness.
Forgive us when we have failed to see our errors,
and have chosen to overlook our faults.
Forgive us when we have not listened to the facts,
preferring to believe our own stories.
Forgive us when we have ignored the plight of others,
caring only for number one.
Restore in us a right mind and a right spirit.
Strengthen our hands and our hearts to care for your world.
Embolden our will to love our neighbours as ourselves.
Free up our grasp on wealth and resources
that all may benefit from your bounty.
Release us from our pride and self assurance
that we can truly worship you,
our creator, redeemer and sustainer.
Amen.
The Grace
29th October 2025
Private jets -2
For climate activists there are three clear reasons for wishing to ban private jets.
As a status item, with a growing wealthy elite in not just Europe and North America but globally, there is the potential risk that private jet use and ownership will rise, increasing their impact on the environment.
“In recent years, the private aviation market has experienced unprecedented growth. Once seen as a luxury reserved for billionaires and celebrities, private jets are now becoming a practical choice for entrepreneurs, corporations, and even affluent families. The reasons behind this surge are multifaceted—ranging from convenience and privacy to safety and efficiency” !! (2)
In the UK (second most frequent private jet flyer after the USA) flights in private jets have increased fourfold between 2020 and 2022 – from 19,000 to 90,000 flights a year.
You can sign Greenpeace’s petition calling for a ban on private jets here:
22nd September 2025
Lack of political will can also worsen the impact climate change. Ilan Kelman, Professor of Disasters and Health, UCL explains it thus: “The IPCC’s summary entirely avoids the phrase “natural disaster”. This reflects decades of work explaining that disasters are caused by sources of vulnerability – such as unequal and inequitable access to essential services like healthcare or poorly designed or built infrastructure like power plants – rather than by the climate or other environmental influences.
“The [2022 IPCC] report states, with high confidence, that “climate change is contributing to humanitarian crises where climate hazards interact with high vulnerability”. In other words, vulnerability must exist before a crisis can emerge. Climate change is not the root cause of disaster. The report explains that places with “poverty, governance challenges and limited access to basic services and resources, violent conflict and high levels of climate-sensitive livelihoods” are more vulnerable to climate change impacts.”
“The report explains that disaster risk and impacts can be reduced by tackling fundamental issues which cause vulnerability, no matter what the weather and climate do. It places high confidence in risk management, risk sharing, and warning strategies as key tasks for adapting to climate change.” (1)
19th September 2025
Interestingly, lack of political will is seen as a key factor in the failure of governments to address climate change.
“Political cowardice is hindering European efforts to face up to the effects of the climate crisis, even as the continent is pummelled by a record-breaking heatwave, the EU’s green transition chief [Teresa Ribera] has warned.…A major part of the problem, she added, was that some political parties “continue to insist, quite vehemently, that climate change does not exist”, or else say that taking decisions to adapt to environmental realities is too expensive. ‘You can’t tell people that climate change is the great existential problem of our generation, and then say, “I’m sorry, we’re not going to do anything”’. (1)
Whilst here in the UK, successive governments are reluctant to enact the recommendations of the Climate Change Committee – a committee set up by Parliament and tasked with researching how the UK can successfully transition to net zero, mitigating our environmental footprint and adapting our infrastructure commensurate with the already built -in impacts of climate change. Twice now Friends of the Earth and Client Earth have challenged the adequacy of government plans in the courts and won the legal argument. (2) The government has now to issue a new climate plan which should be published October 2025. (3)
(2) https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate/whats-uks-climate-plan-and-why-do-we-need-new-one
(3) https://friendsoftheearth.uk/latest/govt-publish-new-climate-action-plan-october
15th September 2025
Climate inequalities don’t have to be accepted. Change is possible. Friends of the Earth have produced a report entitles the Big Climate Plan detailing what could be done in the UK to address climate inequalities. (1) And they have produced another report showing how the costs could be met by taxing those causing the climate crisis (2)
“The “polluter pays” principle is the idea that those most responsible for emissions and pollution should pay the most towards tackling them. The “polluter pays” principle is the idea that those most responsible for emissions and pollution should pay the most towards tackling them.“
(1) https://cdn.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/Fairness Report_Friends_of_the_Earth_Digital.pdf
(2) https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate/taxing-polluters-pay-climate-action
The Green Tau 