24.11.2014
New resource encourages Christians to take action on climate change
Eco–Congregation Ireland (ECI) has launched a new resource which it hopes will encourage Christians throughout Ireland to become more eco–aware and eco active at church and at home.
Climate Change – Can I Make a Difference?, which is free to download here from the ECI website, includes some of the latest data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s 5th assessment report as well as a comprehensive theological response to climate change, prayers for the environment and advice on how to reduce one’s carbon footprint – as an individual and as a congregation.
Launching the resource at a climate justice event ECI co–hosted with Carrigaline Union earlier this month, Nobel Peace Prize–winner Emeritus Prof John Sweeney of NUI Maynooth said: “The resource provides a valuable perspective on the nature and impacts of climate change in an Irish context. On a practical level it highlights the connection between local action and global consequences. It also demonstrates that the problem of climate change can only be tackled if ethical principles are coupled with scientific knowledge to inform and motivate policy makers. The disconnect between the science and the politics of national interest have bedevilled attempts to tackle our greenhouse gas emissions and the authors of the report are to be congratulated on highlighting these vital linkages.”
The resource includes quotes from Mary Robinson as well as environmentalists Gavin Harte and Éanna Ní Lamhna, Anglican priest and BBC television presenter Rev Peter Owen–Jones, Alex Hill of the Met Office, Columban eco–theologian Fr Seán McDonagh, Monsignor Dermot Lane, President of the Mater Dei Institute, and Bishop David Atkinson, former Bishop of Thetford – all of whom have spoken at events ECI has organised in recent years.
“We hope this resource will encourage Christians in Ireland to incorporate eco–friendly habits into their lives – as churches, communities and as individuals – as they come to terms with the reality of climate change and how our carbon–guzzling lifestyles are already impacting the lives of many people living in developing countries,” said ECI Chairperson, the Ven Andrew Orr.
ECI, a project of the Irish Inter–Church Meeting, encourages churches to adopt an eco–friendly approach to worship, lifestyle, property and finance management, youth and children’s work, community outreach and contact with the developing world.
For further information see www.ecocongregationireland.com.
Photo caption: The Ven Andrew Orr, Chairperson of Eco–Congregation Ireland, pictured at the launch of Eco–Congregation Ireland’s new climate change resource with Emeritus Prof John Sweeney of NUI Maynooth