Tag: climate crisis

Green Tau: issue 107

15th June 2025

‘The Gospel is as much about where you are coming from as where you are going’.

I was recently taking part in a workshop entitled ‘Tools for contemplative action’ and this phrase that came up, set me thinking. ‘Where you are coming from’ suggests not just your roots or the place where you started, but what is it that is shaping your thinking? What is influencing the choices you make or the actions you take? And if this is important in determine how we respond to God and God’s kingdom, can we change ‘Where are you coming from’ mindset? 

By way of an example, Saul – before he became Paul – was coming from the mindset that valued the Law as the absolute and unassailable sole way of encountering God, and he acted accordingly chasing down and imprisoning those who threatened. Then Saul undergoes a 180° transformation – or conversion – and now comes from a mindset where the only way of understanding God and living as God desires is to embrace Jesus Christ and to follow his way of absolute love. 

One local church within the period of a year achieved the Eco Church bronze award. They ticked enough of the right boxes and their scores stacked up. They introduced oat milk with their coffee, stopped using pesticides in the garden, and invested in LED lighting. 

Did it make any radical changes to the way the congregation thought about the climate and ecological crises? Not really.

Did it transform their hearts and minds, attuning them more closely with ethical and ecological issues, changing the way they behaved? Not really. 

But what if that congregation had undergone an ecological conversion? What if their hearts and minds had been transformed to love God and each other and creation in a new and heartfelt ecological way? 

Pope Francis, in his encyclical Laudatory Si, called on all people of faith to seek an ecological conversion, confident that this would lead to:-

  • gratitude and gratuitousness (recognition that the world is God’s loving gift)
  • generosity in self-sacrifice and good works
  • a loving awareness of a universal communion with the rest of creation
  • greater creativity and enthusiasm in resolving the world’s problems
  • a feeling of responsibility based on faith (1)

Ecological conversion is to change where we are coming from. It transforms the base line from which we operate. It reorientates our focus. It changes how we live and think and behave. It transforms how we embody and share the Gospel – ie how we live and share the good news of the kingdom of God.

Such an ecological conversion would have us asking how does what I buy impact other living beings? Could I change or reduce what I buy to show greater love towards, or to protect, others? How does who I bank with impact the natural world, or impact those of my brothers and sisters enduring the impacts of climate change? Does my money help others have better lives or does it cause harm? Do I tread lightly on the earth or does my lifestyle demand a disproportionate amount of the earth’s resources? Am I mindful of the needs of others when I plan my holidays, choose how to travel, go on a shopping spree? Do I treasure the natural world around me, or do I trample what is before my nose to snap that iconic view on the other side of the world?

Such a conversion would have us being grateful for and finding joy in what we already have, and realising that for many of us what we have is more than we need in order to live a fulfilled – ie God-filled – life. We might find ourselves challenging the premise that ‘the more you have, the happier you are’.

Such a conversion would have the effect of giving us time and space to wonder and delight in the natural beauty and integrity of the world that God has created. We might find it an under-appreciated source of joy and sustenance.

Such a conversion would have us asking questions of retailers and industrialists and companies that extract raw materials – How does what you do show care for planet, for the natural world, for people you employ, and for the people you sell to? We would be questioning them about practices that are destructive and products that are elitest – and boycotting them if they continue with such practices. Equally such a conversion would have us asking questions of our local and national politicians and how they might use their power to protect biodiversity, to limit the emission of greenhouse gases, to ensure justice for all but especially for those already marginalised and persecuted by our current economic and social systems. 

Such a conversion would have us signing petitions, writing letters and joining campaigns to challenge and change oppressive operations. Such a conversion would have would see us drawing together as communities, helping support others of our brothers and sisters – human and creaturely – close at home and far away.

All these ways of behaving differently are out there in the world and being practiced by individuals and communities. Any of us could take up these alternative ways of behaving. Yet many of us don’t. And I think the reason we don’t – or why we try and then give up – is because we still hold onto old mindsets. We haven’t had that transformation, that experience of ecological conversion, that changes the ‘where we are coming from’. 

Can we as fellow Christians, as fellow beings, encourage and enable and pray for that ecological conversion? 

  1. https://laudatosimovement.org/news/what-is-an-ecological-conversion-en-news/

Counting on … Day 60

12th May 2025

To return to where this conversation began – What should I do and where should I start?’ – being well informed is key. From that can stem life practicable life style changes, the means with which to talk with – and listen to – others, and the impetus to sign a petition,  join a group and/ or participate in an action. To do this is to witness to others the importance of addressing the climate crisis.

Counting on … Day 58

8th May 2025

Given that we won’t change the world just as one person, another thing we can do is to expand the number of people who understand what the issues are and who would be willing to be part of the movement of change needed. To this end, we can talk about these matters with our friends, our family, our work colleagues, people in our church, people who belong to the same clubs and societies as us. Talking to people about the climate and environmental crises  – as indeed about any serious issue – requires tact and empathy. We don’t want to antagonise or disparage others. We don’t want to scare people into behaving like ostriches with their head in the sand, but nor do we want to under inform them about the real dangers. We want to be understanding of where they come from and what issues they may face vis a vis the climate and environmental crises, or life in general. We will want to be offer ways of addressing the issues – there are positive steps we can take and positive outcomes we can aim for. 

And importantly listen to what they are saying! It can be really useful to understand what other people think and to learn about what they are or plan to do.

And there are even web sites giving you tips:-

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zgyvydm#zxhccmn
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-to-have-difficult-climate-change-conversations/
https://climate-pact.europa.eu/get-inspired/how-talk-people-about-climate-action_en

Counting on … Day 55

5th May 2025

With the best will in the world, individual life style changes are not going to single handedly, curb carbon emissions and limit global temperature rises to a safe limit. As individuals our actions are constrained by the systems within which we live – be that tax policies; whether subsidies are made available for public transport or for fossil fuels; whether those who emit carbon dioxide have to also pay for the damage caused ( a polluters pay policy); whether manufacturing (and any associated carbon dioxide emissions) is relocated to a third country; whether beneficial lifestyle changes are promoted by the government etc. Therefore an important factor in halting the climate crisis is whether or not governments and business implement systemic change. 

Last January the World Economic Forum produced a report, The Bold Measures to Close the Climate Action Gap: A Call for Systemic Change by Governments and Corporations, which calls for ‘systemic actions and …… outlines the urgency and necessity of drastic action from both governments and corporations to combat climate change effectively and deliver on commitments. It emphasises the need for governments to level the playing field for green solutions and proposes practical ways for companies to achieve outsized impact in their ecosystems.’

Counting on … Day 52

30th April 2025

Becoming more informed, you will become aware of the many lifestyles changes that we can make to begin to address the climate crisis.

Make My Money Matter argued that the most impactful change we can make is to switch to a green pension provider – ie one that doesn’t fund fossil fuels. All commercial undertakings including fossil fuel exploration and extraction rely on finance and the operations of the financial sector – whether that is banking that enables the continuing day to day, week to week, and year year  transactions of ongoing the business;; insurance protection for every aspect of the business; investment in expansion and new enterprises; maintaining share values and dividend payments etc. Many pension funds – as well as banks, mortgage and insurance companies – are key players in ensuring the flow of such finances.

Although Make My Money Matter closed this year, their website is, for the current year, a good source of information on pensions and banking.

Make My Money Matter

Ethical Consumer is another good source of information on matter financial – subscribing enables you to access their reports in full

https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/money-finance/shopping-guide/ethical-pensions

And for climate friendly banking options – https://justmoney.org.uk/the-big-bank-switch/

Counting on … Day 50

28th April 2025

The ‘silent majority’ – those who believe that the climate crisis is serious but yet do nothing – covers 89% of the population globally (1) 

If that group could be persuaded or enabled to take action, the consequences would be dramatic. What holds people back is 

* a fear of impotence (what I do won’t make a difference), 

* a fear of social isolation (people won’t respect what I do and may mock me) 

* a fear of loosing out (if I change, my standard of living will drop vis a vis my peers) 

* lack of social and economic support (I can’t make any change because the system is set against it eg I can’t give up driving because there is no local reliable/ affordable public transport). 

And given all the above, there is an equally important question ‘What should I do and where should I start?’ which can feel so overwhelming that doing nothing seems a reasonable response.

  1. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/22/activate-climate-silent-majority-support-supercharge-action?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Green Tau: issue 104

Reshaping how we can talk positively about the climate crisis – part 3: Finance

April 2025

How can we talk about the climate crisis in a way that sounds encouraging?

The climate crisis is an existential threat which is certainly not good news. Its causes and impact are diverse and numerous such that it is hard to pin down ‘This is the cause’ or ‘This is the solution’. It is hard to quantify ‘This is how it will effect you’ and ‘This will be the time table.’ 

All this makes it difficult to find a way of talking to people about the crisis and how we might respond.

So here are some thoughts that might help.

Finance for a Better Future

We are told that one of the most effective ways of tackling climate change is to redirect the money that funds climate damaging industries such as oil and gas production . Make My Money has campaigned on this issue with both humour (short films and ) and straightforward  facts and graphics:  

“All of these banks refuse to stop funnelling money to the companies pumping new fossil fuels. 

They each talk about climate change, but we need less talk and more action on what really matters:

* Immediately stop providing money to new clients who are involved in expanding fossil fuel operations

* End the flow of new money to existing fossil fuel clients who won’t stop the expansion of fossil fuel operations and haven’t published credible plans aligned to a 1.5 degree global warming limit
* Set out a clear timeline for cutting ties with existing clients that continue to expand fossil fuel operations”

Go Green: Switch to a Fossil-free Bank

But despite the ease with which we can switch banks, many of us haven’t bothered to take this simple action. Perhaps because there is no immediately visible result. Stop driving to the shops and you straight away see the benefit of not having to refuel your car. Switch your bank and there is no noticeable reduction in oil production, no financial gain. And anyway aren’t high street customers mere minnows in an ocean of big financial organisations?

Is it also that with banking we see ourselves as customers buying a service, not as patrons providing banks with money and probity? Banks like – need – to be seen as upright, trustworthy and moral institutions: people with whom you can safely entrust your money. That is part of the reason that banks will sponsor sporting and cultural events – it improves their perceived reputation as ‘responsible’ companies. And that is why groups have campaigned against such greenwashing bank relationships eg Barclays and Wimbledon Lawn Tennis/ Live Nation music festivals/ National Trust/ Sadler’s Wells. 

Turning the situation round, should we be actively expecting our bank – the bank we support with our money and our patronage – to demonstrate how it is using its financial clout to create  better world? By way of example let’s look at Triodos. Triodos scored the top mark in a recent survey by Ethical Consumer, scoring 96 out  of a possible 100 points. The big five high street banks – Lloyds, HSBC, NatWest, Santander and Barclays scored 6 or less. (1)

Triodos does not provide finance for fossil fuels, nor fast fashion, nor weapons and warfare, nor gambling. Triodos does provide finance for renewable energy, nature restoration, healthcare, art and culture: “We believe it’s not enough to avoid funding harmful practices, so we actively support those building a better tomorrow. Our commitment goes beyond avoiding harmful investments. We proactively seek out and support initiatives that contribute to a sustainable future, ensuring that every loan and investment aligns with our mission.” (2)

For example, “Ember, the UK’s first all-electric intercity bus operator, has increased its fleet of zero emission coaches with a £5.6m loan from Triodos Bank UK. The electric coach operator, based in Scotland, has a fleet of vehicles designed specifically for intercity travel. These buses are zero-emission, contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon footprints and improving urban air quality.” (3) 

Triodos also finances “Copeland Park … a social, cultural and creative hub in Peckham, an area of London that is becoming increasingly known as a haven for artistic individuals and collectives. At Copeland Park, traditional warehouses and industrial buildings have been transformed into workspace for a number of creative businesses. The historic Bussey Building, for example, now provides a home for artists’ studios, theatre groups, live music venues, fitness studios and faith groups – along with incomparable views of London.” 

In Wandsworth “Beyond Autism seeks to improve the education and health of children diagnosed with autism and/or related communication disorders. A loan from Triodos Bank allowed Beyond Autism to purchase their facility.” 

On Mull “NWMCWC was set up by the local community in 2006 to purchase and manage the Langamull and West Ardhu forests in North West Mull. With 2 Triodos loans, we were able to help with a variety of projects, including helping with the construction of a woodshed for timber felled at the woodland.”

And in Wales “NWMCWC was set up by the local community in 2006 to purchase and manage the Langamull and West Ardhu forests in North West Mull. With 2 Triodos loans, we were able to help with a variety of projects, including helping with the construction of a woodshed for timber felled at the woodland.” (4)

In addition Triodos does not use its profits to pay bonuses to its staff. Rather “Triodos believe all our workers should be paid fairly and our focus should be on impact – for the whole Triodos community.” (2)

Choosing – switching to – an ethical banking really does enable our money to create a better future, and can do so in a clearly transparent way, such that we can be proud of what our patronage can achieve. 

The following websites help individuals switch to ethical banks:-

https://www.switchit.green/
The Big Bank Switch

(1) https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/money-finance/shopping-guide/current-accounts 

NB the other banks recommended in the Ethical Consumer report included Coop Bank/ Smile, Cumberland Building Society, and Nationwide, all scoring 70 or more.

(2) https://www.triodos.co.uk/your-money-has-power

(3) https://www.triodos.co.uk/articles/2024/powering-sustainable-travel-with-ember

(4) https://www.triodos.co.uk/know-where-your-money-goes

Lament for the sorrows of the world

7th July 2023

As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. Psalm 42:1

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: Exodus 3:1-7 

Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. Then Moses said, ‘I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.’ When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’ He said further, ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. Then the Lord said, ‘I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings…’

Response
Great and awesome God, 

keeper of promises

and steadfast in love, 

We lay before you the sorrows of the world:

Soldiers and civilians killed in war, 

police and rioters caught in the crossfire of inequality 

refugees risking death to seek a safer life, 

lives lost in floods and heatwaves.

Lord have mercy: 

and hear our prayer.

Great and awesome God, 

keeper of promises

and steadfast in love, 

We lay before you the sorrows of the world:

Rivers drained by drought, 

glaciers and ice caps carved away by heat, 

burning tundra and wild fires,  

coral reefs bleached by heat stress.

Lord have mercy: 

and hear our prayer.

Great and awesome God, 

keeper of promises

and steadfast in love, 

We lay before you the sorrows of the world:

Livelihoods gone because of rising fuel prices, 

harvests lost as rainfall diminishes, 

futures destroyed by armed conflict,  

lives lost through lack of medical attention.

Lord have mercy: 

and hear our prayer.

Great and awesome God, 

keeper of promises

and steadfast in love, 

We lay before you the sorrows of the world:

Wildlife made homeless by forest clearance, 

migrating birds dying from heat exhaustion, 

bees and butterflies poisoned by pesticides, 

marine ecosystems decimated by over fishing.  

Lord have mercy: 

and hear our prayer.

Great and awesome God, 

keeper of promises

and steadfast in love, 

We lay before you the sorrows of the world:

Political intransigence that leaves people powerless, 

broken promises that relegate the needs of biodiversity,

half-baked measures that ignore the vulnerable,

taxes that reward the rich and take from the poor. 

Lord have mercy: 

and hear our prayer.

Holy and loving God, 

comfort us when we are overwhelmed, 

reassure us when we feel helpless, 

inspire us when we lack hope 

and empower us when we can make a difference.

Amen. 

The Grace

Green Tau: issue 102

Reshaping how we can talk positively about the climate crisis – part 2:  Buildings 

February 2025

How can we talk about the climate crisis in a way that sounds encouraging?

The climate crisis is an existential threat which is certainly not good news. Its causes and impact are diverse and numerous such that it is hard to pin down ‘This is the cause’ and ‘This is the solution’. It is hard to quantify ‘This is how it will effect you’ and ‘This will be the time table.’ 

All this makes it difficult to find a way of talking to people about the crisis and how we might respond.

So here are some thoughts that might help.

Warmer – and cooler – homes!

Improved insulation for domestic and other buildings makes them more comfortable for occupants and reduces the costs of heating/ cooling. Studies show that all houses built before 1990, and 75% of those built before 2010, have inadequate insulation which means that both the country will struggle to reach net zero and occupiers will either be paying unnecessarily high heating bills and/ or living in cold damp conditions. For January 2023 the Resolution Foundation estimated that “families in energy-inefficient homes will be facing monthly gas bills £231 higher than those who live in equivalent homes that already meet the Government’s efficiency target (EPC C).” https://www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications/cutting-back-to-keep-warm/

Ensuring all buildings – not just domestic ones, but office buildings, schools, prisons, hospitals etc – will benefit occupants (making their environment comfortable and healthy) and reduce running costs.

Well insulated buildings offer all year round comfort and benefit everyone.

https://www.constructioncarbon.com/articles/how-well-insulated-are-british-homes

Sustainable buildings

Buildings themselves can contribute to a better environment for us all. Installing solar panels on roofs and elsewhere – eg over car and cycle parks, on top of bus shelters etc – can boost energy production and provide locally based energy without the need for substations and long distance power lines. They can also be a source of local community income. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-65626371

Installing water butts, grey water systems, SUDs (surface urban drainage) that absorb rainfall, are all easy ways of reducing flooding and pollution risks. Such things are most economically included at the design stage but can still justifiably be added as a retrofit. https://www.susdrain.org/

https://www.meristemdesign.co.uk/product/suds-planters/

New buildings can be designed with over hanging eves and recessed windows to increase shading against summer heat and also helping to shelter the building from heavy rain and wind. Retrospectively verandas and sun shades can be added or plants trained up the sides of buildings and across pergolas to create a similar outcome. https://www.solinear.co.uk/the-ultimate-guide-to-external-solar-shading-solutions-in-the-uk/

Trees can be planted nearby to provide shade from the sun, cooling via respiration from their leaves,  and at the same time reducing flooding risks as their leaves and roots slow the flow of water and increase absorption in the earth beneath. 

https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate/cooling-effect-trees-and-green-spaces-cities
Plant trees to help protect London from climate change flood risk

Sustainable buildings are also ones that have a long life. Keeping buildings in good repair prolongs their life, creates employment and ensures that the buildings remain comfortable and safe for their occupants. 

Buildings designed and maintained for sustainability provide comfortable, safe and healthy places, and