“Create in me a GREEN heart,
O Lord, and renew a GREEEN spirit within me.”


Why Climate Sunday?  

This is an initiative of “Churches Together in Britain and Ireland” in preparation for the UK government hosting of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (“COP-26”) this November in Glasgow.   There will be a national service in September to demonstrate that Christians really care about this issue and are committed to doing something about it.  


Natural Climate Change has happened throughout history so why is this different? 

Since the industrial revolution the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation has dramatically increased the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.  This has led a rise of  1.1o C in the average earth temperature and it continues to rise.  


What is the impact of Global Warming and Climate Change? 

The ice cap is melting, sea levels are rising and we are seeing more and more extreme weather events such as torrential rain leading to flooding and extreme heat causing expansion of the deserts and forest fires.  


Who is it affecting? 

Canada, the USA and Western Europe have, in recent weeks, all experienced very extreme heat and devastating flooding.  These are the countries LEAST at risk from the impact of Climate Change.  What must it be like for the countries and people who are MOST at risk?  On the whole, these are the poorest countries and those who have contributed least to the problem!  


What will happen if we don’t take action?

Global temperatures will continue to rise and the weather will become increasingly unstable and affect everyone, but those most vulnerable will suffer most. 


Can our actions really make a difference? 

YES.  Every action which reduces our CO2 output helps.  In our Climate Sunday service the example of Tigray in Northern Ethiopia was given; thanks to government action and people power the barren landscape has become greener, wildlife has returned, children have welfare and when drought occurred again in 2015-16 famine was averted.   

Also, if we can show what we are doing, it puts pressure on others, both governments and individuals to do more.  

On Friday 3rd September local church leaders and members are meeting with Gary Sambrook MP to demonstrate that Christians really do care about God’s earth and all of God’s people.  


So what are we doing at St Laurence? 

We are inviting everyone to commit to ‘greening their lives’ in some way.  The enclosed bookmark tells more about this and gives some ideas of actions you can take.  It also says what to do with the green hearts.  Please, please do return one of yours by the end of August to add to our ‘Greening Tree.’