In November my message referred to the COP26 meeting that was to be held in Glasgow, a gathering of heads of state, climate experts and campaigners to agree coordinated action to combat climate change. The goal was to move towards “net zero” – a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. The meeting duly 
happened and there was some progress, including: banks and other institutions pledged finance to develop initiatives to support the transition to a net-zero economy; more stringent reporting requirements for private companies in their moves towards net zero; agreement to strengthen targets to reduce global temperatures. However, there wasn’t quite enough finance pledged and we are still on track for 2.4oC warming by 2030 unless further action is taken. There is still more to do.
The Church of England is seeking to take action also, and General Synod, the Church’s governing body, has pledged that the whole of the Church of England should be carbon neutral (net zero) by 2030. A lot of work is going on across the Diocese of Chelmsford to ensure that this happens here: in church schools, clergy housing, Diocesan offices and transport and in many parish churches, large and small.
In support of this initiative, St Paul’s PCC has agreed to work intentionally to reduce our negative impact on the environment. We will set achievable targets, starting small while moving towards the bigger goals. We will let you know what these targets are – you will be involved! If you are willing to offer expertise or help in this area, I’d really like to hear from you.
As I wrote in November, this is an issue of survival, of global justice and of Christian discipleship. God has given us this beautiful world to care for. We have a responsibility to do it well. To support our initiatives, our Sunday sermons during Lent will focus on environmental issues, the theological underpinning for our actions, and practical steps we can all take at home, as well as in our life together. Expect to hear much more as we continue on this journey of discipleship!
Janet