Author Archives: Charity Manager

Join us towards Net Zero with HeatHack

By News

Net Zero: Introduction to HeatHack
Improving energy efficiency and thermal comfort in community spaces
Tuesday 16th August 2022
7.00pm – 8.00pm
https://www.ecocongregationscotland.org/event/introduction-to-heathack/

DO YOU WANT TO UNDERSTAND WHAT A NET ZERO FUTURE MEANS FOR YOUR CHURCH OR COMMUNITY BUILDING?

Join us to hear from HeatHack, partnering with The Surefoot Effect for a new programme funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering recruiting small groups from community buildings including churches to start from September. The remit includes heat loss mitigations, changes in how the building is used, and local generation – and includes the kind of planning plus a community engagement event that helps in accessing grants. HeatHack previously helped solve heating problems and inefficiencies in Edinburgh churches. 

You can read more about the programme here:

HeatHack – Improving energy efficiency and thermal comfort in community spaces

HeatHack director Jean Carletta explains: “Thanks to the Royal Academy of Engineering, we have a new programme of facilitated group sessions that community building operators can use to understand what a Net Zero future holds for their own premises.”

“It will help you understand energy efficiency and thermal comfort in what are often very difficult buildings. It will also help you think about what your local community needs from your buildings, whether that means changes, and how to make change happen. We want to help you devise a plan for the future and equip you with the knowledge and confidence to instruct heating engineers and architects with briefs that will get you where you want to be.”

Each group will link with a volunteer engineer to take them through some simple technical concepts and exercises on heat transfer, health and safety and managing complex projects. Engineers Without Borders UK are helping to recruit engineers, but you may know one in your own area to support this work.  Join us on Tuesday to hear more by registering here:

https://www.ecocongregationscotland.org/event/introduction-to-heathack/

Climate Fringe Festival launch

Join us this September at the Climate Fringe Festival! You can find Climate, Community and Justice events all across Scotland on our events map: https://climatefringe.org/cff

The festival aims to bring communities together, generate conversation about Climate Justice, and raise awareness of the need to move towards a green, fair, zero carbon society. Over 50 events have already signed up, including repair workshops, festivals, climate justice talks, live music, and more. Are you planning an event in September? Add it to our calendar and get involved here: climatefringe.org/cff-organise-event/ 

We are adding more amazing events each week so keep an eye on the Climate Fringe, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Eco-Congregation Scotland is keen to encourage all eco-congregations to please consider holding a Climate Conversation, local activity or event in your own church and community during the Climate Fringe Festival and will be in touch directly to offer ideas and support.

This period also includes Scotland’s Climate Week from 26th September, organised by the Scottish Government to help raise awareness of the global climate emergency and celebrate organisations taking action against climate change.

Our next confirmed events, activities and training are being updated to share online. Please get in touch to share what you are doing locally:

https://www.ecocongregationscotland.org/upcomingevents

Climate Justice resources

Today we spotlight our partner Christian Aid and their wide range of materials available for churches looking to learn more about climate justice. Whether you’re looking for an all-age arts project or a discussion guide for making a church action plan, you’ll find something to suit on the Climate Justice Church Resources page, or check out video resources on Christian Aid’s YouTube channel. 

Walk2COP27

By News, ,

Walk2COP27

Eco-Congregation Scotland is working with a new initiative called Walk2COP27. Please join us with your participation and support, registering your interest today:

https://www.walk2cop27.com/i-am-interested

Volunteers, churches and faith groups across Scotland welcomed thousands of pilgrims and visitors for last year’s COP26 climate conference, including Walk2COP26 which you can hear more about here. This has developed into Walk2COP27 as we join people from different countries, faith groups, charities, businesses and education establishments to “educate each other on climate challenges and action, forge a sense of solidarity, connect with like minds and catalyse action”.

Walk2COP27 aims to accelerate climate action in the run-up to the COP27 climate conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, based around a virtual journey over 45 days from COP26 host city Glasgow. Twelve countries between Scotland and Egypt will host a hybrid or virtual Townhall meeting that showcases how climate change is impacting that location and solutions that are being deployed.

Eco-Congregation Scotland invites individuals, churches and faith groups across Scotland to take part in the virtual journey from 22 September to 7 November:

  • WALK each participant will be encouraged to walk – or run, cycle or wheelchair – as far as they can over 45 days, in their chosen locations, with progress tracked on the platform atlasGO and trees planted by the Jane Goodall Institute for kilometres travelled
  • TALK all participants will be encouraged to attend the Townhalls and other dialogue sessions run in between
  • ACT participants will be encouraged to fundraise, provide input to a proclamation to be published for COP27 and engage in local climate actions

Open to participants all over the world, organisations, teams and individuals can participate by tracking their kilometres travelled on an app in their own locations. It will be great opportunity to walk or take part in other active travel in your own area and with others in your church and community.

Participants can share their climate-related projects, and learn from others via the planned Townhall meetings and social media – including a participants’ forum on the Clubhouse app where all involved can chat. We look forward to supporting discussion on the issues that matter to you.

Towards the end of our journey, participants will contribute to a proclamation which will be delivered to the formal participants at COP27. Climate Justice is always a strong motivator for faith-inspired action and this offers a timely opportunity to join voices around the world, speaking as one on tackling the climate crisis.

How to participate

The journey starts on Thursday 22 September at 12.30pm with the Glasgow Townhall hosted by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. This is an open, hybrid public meeting that you can attend in person or join online, with panel discussions on Scotland’s climate change challenges and solutions plus the intersection between health and climate globally.

Participants will be able to register on an App and join a team from 1 September. Once the journey starts participants will be able to:

  • Have trees planted on their behalf by tracking the distance they travel up to 6 November 2022
  • Communicate with their team on the app and see how others are progressing – we hope you will join us and other Scottish faith groups
  • Participate in the 12 Townhalls which are run across the 45 days
  • Lead or participate in sessions on climate action on Clubhouse run by participants
  • Raise funds for the Jane Goodall Institute
  • Contribute to a proclamation summarising the views of all those participating for COP27 delegates to hear

Participants can do as much or as little as you want. Many are planning local activities to complement those above.

What to do now

We look forward to you joining us in September. For now, please:

Please also think about how you would like to get involved or organised through your own group or eco-congregation. Contact our own team with ideas for Eco-Congregation Scotland in your church or area, and for all our volunteers across the country.

A request to register on the app will be sent out on Wednesday 31 August, a link to the app with our code will also be directly accessible on the website from that date.

You can follow Walk2COP27 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Linktree. Please register your interest today:

https://www.walk2cop27.com/i-am-interested

Faith communities’ open letter to COP26 President

By News,

Scottish faith communities call on COP26 President to honour Glasgow Pact commitments

Eco-Congregation Scotland chairperson Richard Murray is among diverse faith leaders and groups calling on COP26 President Alok Sharma to honour the Glasgow Pact commitments.

The Pact includes commitments from 197 nations to build resilience to climate change, curb greenhouse gas emissions and provide finance for both, agreed at the COP26 United Nations climate conference in Glasgow last November.

Religious leaders and faith organisations across Scotland have signed a letter requesting a meeting with Mr Sharma to discuss progress.

At COP26, Mr Sharma said the pact was a “fragile win” and that “unless we honour the promises made – to turn the commitments in the Glasgow Climate Pact into action – they will wither on the vine.”

Scottish religious leaders at the COP26 Vigil on 31 October 2021 courtesy of kelvinstudio.co.uk

Representatives of Scottish faith groups are concerned that world developments have diverted attention from COP26 commitments.

United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, has warned it is “now or never” to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.

Director of Interfaith Scotland, Dr Maureen Sier said: “The fragile win achieved at COP26 is at grave risk. It is essential that all governments commit to actioning the Glasgow Pact and work together, with others, to ensure a future for all”.

The letter was developed by the COP26 Interfaith Working Group and signed by faith leaders and organisations across Scotland. The COP26 Interfaith Working Group is made up of representatives from Scottish faith groups and organisations working on climate issues. The group is chaired by Interfaith Scotland with Interfaith Glasgow acting as Secretariat.

Chair and Secretariat of the COP26 Interfaith Working Group

The Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP, COP President Designate

Dear Mr Sharma,  

cc Prime Minister Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP and First Minister Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP

Faith and Belief Communities request meeting in preparation for COP27

We write to ask for a meeting with you to hear what your Presidency has been doing to honour the Glasgow Pact commitments and what progress has been made.

As representatives of faith groups from across Scotland, we were proud to welcome delegates, campaigners, pilgrims and others to COP26.  We joined people of faith from around the globe demanding action to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

We are delighted to share with you our report on Faith Communities and COP26 in Glasgow.

We are increasingly concerned that developments around the world since COP26 have diverted attention from the commitments that were made.  The persistence of the Covid pandemic, a terrible war in Ukraine and dramatic energy price rises that are promoting calls for new oil and gas development put these commitments at risk.

You told us at the close of the conference that it was a “fragile win” and that “unless we honour the promises made – to turn the commitments in the Glasgow Climate Pact into action – they will wither on the vine.”  And UN Secretary General, António Guterres, has warned us it is “now or never” to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.

We call on you to ensure that the COP26 commitments are put into effect and that climate justice and real energy security are available to all.  As priorities we call upon you to ensure the following:

  • End new oil and gas exploration as recommended by The International Energy Agency
  • Build sustainable economies powered by renewable energy
  • That no one lives in fuel poverty, in the UK or overseas.

As representatives of faith groups across Scotland we commit to doing our part.  Many of us are working across Scotland to promote community action on climate change. We will redouble our efforts and assure you of our continuing support to ensure the commitments made at COP26 are put into effect.

Yours, in hope,

The COP 26 Interfaith Working Group and Scottish religious leaders

The Right Rev Dr Iain Greenshields, Moderator of the General Assembly, The Church of Scotland
Sheikh Hassan Rabbani, Chair of Scottish Muslim Forum
Acharya Ji Mishra, Priest of Hindu Mandir Glasgow
Rev Bonnie Evans-Hills, Priest, Scottish Episcopal Church
Revd Paul Whittle, Synod Moderator, National Synod of Scotland, The United Reformed Church
Choje Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, Abbot, Kagyu Samye Ling
Sr Isabel Smyth OBE, Catholic Bishops’ Interreligious Dialogue Committee
Baha’i Community of Scotland
Muslim Council of Scotland
Richard Murray, Chairperson, Eco-Congregation Scotland
Sally Foster-Fulton, Head of Christian Aid Scotland
Alistair Dutton, Director, SCIAF
Ravinder Kaur Nijjar, Chair, Religions for Peace UK Women of Faith Network, Sikh Representative, Scottish Religious Leaders Forum, Advisor, Sikhs in Scotland
Dr Rose Drew, CEO, Interfaith Glasgow
Dr Maureen Sier, Director, Interfaith Scotland
Professor Joe Goldblatt, Chair, Edinburgh Interfaith Association
Olivia Fuchs, Coordinator, Eco Dharma
Robert Harrap, General Director, Soka Gakkai International – UK
Jill Kent, Chair, Justice and Peace Scotland
Elizabeth Allen, Clerk of General Meeting, Quakers in Scotland
Rev Dr Carolyn Kelly, Chaplain, The University of Glasgow
Harjot Singh Kambo, Lead Coordinator Scotland, EcoSikhUK
Jonathan Baxter, Curator, A+E – Pilgrimage for COP26
Sister Mary McClure, Provincial Leader, Sisters of Notre Dame (British Province)
Christine Anderson, Faithful Companions of Jesus
William G Crook, The Order of Interbeing Plum Village Tradition
Aekus Kamboj, Environment Officer, CEMVO Scotland
David Somervell, Member, South Edinburgh Quaker Local Meeting
Mahrukh Adnan Shaukat, Amina Muslim Women’s Resource Centre
The Iona Community
Glasgow Baha’i Community
Brahma Kumaris
Earth Holders Edinburgh
The Scottish Council of Jewish Communities (SCoJeC)

Supporting organisations
Shanon Shah, Director, Faith for the Climate
Fletcher Harper, Executive Director, GreenFaith
Rev Henrik Grape, Co-Chair, Interfaith Liaison Committee (ILC) to the UNFCCC

1.5 Degrees Celsius: A Reality Check

By CoP26

The UN published this chart on 4 November for delegates to Cop26.  It includes all the latest data from countries around the world on their plans to limit the emission of greenhouse gases in what are known as ‘Nationally Determined Contributions’ or NDCs for short.  This goes to the heart of the Cop process and is the mechanism that lies behind the headlines.

The NDCs were introduced at Cop21 in Paris in 2015 requiring governments to set out every five years the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that they are prepared to commit to.  All signatories to the Paris agreement submitted their first NDCs five years ago and most but not all have now submitted new and revised NDCs summarised in this chart. There is some increase in ambition, but the chart shows just how far we are from the 1.5 degrees Celsius target. 

If we want to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius, we should be following the pale blue track towards the bottom of the chart.  The reality is that present commitments are in the red band at the top of the chart resulting in warming of well over 2 degrees Celsius.   Current national commitments will stabilise emissions and maybe result in a small reduction but nothing like what is needed.

There is a second issue of whether the plans are credible and whether they can be implemented. The UK has an ambitious target of a 78% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on 1990 levels by 2035. However, the UK Climate Change Committee has pointed out that this requires radical action every year from now until 2035, for example by replacing all gas fired central heating in homes across the UK with new low carbon technology such as heat pumps. Unfortunately, there is not much sign of such radical action yet.

The announcements made this week on limiting methane emissions and an end to coal mining are more encouraging but are not yet global in reach. So, as ever progress at the Cop is slow and painstaking.

COP26: First Impressions

By 2 commentsCoP26,

The road to Cop26 has been long and hard for some and not just metaphorically.

Pilgrims from Sweden and Germany started walking in August arriving in North Shields by ferry three weeks ago.

I met them and joined them for the last few rain soaked miles into Glasgow on Friday 29 October arriving for a memorable service of welcome and blessing in Glasgow Cathedral.

Walking with them for just a few days was a remarkable experience both to witness their commitment and to see how warmly they were greeted along the way.

In schools and churches and in towns and country children and adults responded with kindness and generosity and with a genuine sense of awe at their undertaking. It was the best kind of human endeavour.

Media coverage of their arrival in Glasgow was positive and the short final walk on Saturday from Glasgow Green to George Square well reported.

On the whole reporting of other walks, marches and protests has also been positive.

Greta Thunberg was seen with a group of admiring young people in a park in Govan, Greenpeace faced down a reluctant Clyde Port Authority by sailing up the Clyde uninvited and a picturesque small shoal of mermaids washed up outside the Scottish Events Centre, where the Cop is being held, to publicise Marine Rebellion.

Inside it’s a different story.

Visiting the ‘blue zone’ at the Cop yesterday where delegates and diplomats gather was like going into a huge corporate trade fair with governments from around the world vying with each other to present themselves and their carbon cutting credentials in the best possible light.

There is a lot of commercial sponsorship and a great deal of media and communications expertise on display. It’s all very shiny and bright but it does not feel good.

There is not the same sense of conviction or clarity as among the protesters or pilgrims outside.

I know there are great number of very good people doing their best on the government delegations (we have met some of them in recent months) but there is always a sense that most governments cannot commit to the changes that are needed and always have one foot on the brake, thinking of business interests, political popularity at home or national advantage.

The media reporting also carries a sense of scepticism: are governments and political leaders really committed to change, are their commitments credible and will they be put into effect?

It’s early days and the pattern of negotiations is not yet clear. But for now the protesters and the pilgrims have my vote.

Electric vehicles – plus summer action for nature

By News, , , ,

Join our electric vehicles workshop today

Embracing greener travel 

Embracing Greener Travel: Electric Vehicles
Workshop with Home Energy Scotland
Wednesday 28 July 2021
2.00pm – 3.00pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z8tjemcOTB6db5QMDwYNKA

Eco-Congregation Scotland is delighted to link again with Home Energy Scotland in this free interactive workshop on electric vehicles, the next in our “Embracing Greener Travel” events. There’s still time to join this afternoon’s workshop!

Electric vehicles (EVs) are part of the here and now. Both the Scottish and UK Governments are working towards meeting emissions targets and Home Energy Scotland invites you to learn more about living with an EV. This interactive workshop will cover the contribution EVs make to combatting climate change and aims to deal with the concerns you may have about ownership.

Home Energy Scotland is the free and impartial advice service managed by the Energy Saving Trust and funded by the Scottish Government, helping us save money and improve the environment by looking at how we use energy and water – and how we get about.

Please register to join the electric vehicles workshop at 2pm today:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z8tjemcOTB6db5QMDwYNKA

#LetsDoNetZero

#TogetherForOurPlanet

World Nature Conservation Day

Summer action for nature

On World Nature Conservation Day, we are delighted to share the Tree Prayer from volunteer Barry Watson of Castlemilk Parish Church, with visuals from Eco-Chaplain Rev David Coleman.

Every year on 28 July, World Nature Conservation Day encourages awareness of the need to preserve the environment and natural resources to keep the world healthy.  The theme this year is “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet”. 

Climate change and nature loss are the greatest global threats, with nearly 25% of wildlife lost in Scotland. There is hope – looking after nature is good for us, the planet and wildlife. Nature Scot has 14 steps to Make Space For Nature this summer.

Our Faith Action for Nature resources also encourage churches to engage with nature and manage their grounds for wildlife. Each seasonal pack has worship material, family activities and practical actions to care for nature.

Our Summer theme is foraging. We look at what animals eat, celebrate the world of foods around us and have practical tips on planting for wildlife. Please download a pdf or browse the Summer resources online. Activities for church grounds or nature reserves are still limited due to coronavirus restrictions, so please use with reference to Scottish Government guidance as we progress through the summer.

The project was a partnership between Eco-Congregation Scotland, RSPB Scotland, the Church of Scotland and the Scottish Episcopal Church, with resources created by Earthbound Ventures in consultation with A Rocha. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Our next confirmed events, activities and training are online and updated regularly. Please register for the Zoom meeting links at:

https://www.ecocongregationscotland.org/upcomingevents

SAVE THE DATE

Coming soon on Thursday 19 August, the launch of our ecumenical Creation Time materials, prepared by Eco-Chaplain Rev David Coleman and volunteers in partnership with the Joint Public Issues Team.

100 Days to COP26

By CoP26, News, , ,

UN climate talks start 31 October

Call for all churches to act

With only 100 days now counting down until the COP26 United Nations climate conference begins in Glasgow, Eco-Congregation Scotland is joining renewed calls for all churches to commit to action before talks begin.

Please read our latest briefing on what COP26 is and all the different ways you can get involved with your own church. We will be sharing much more in coming weeks.

Over 1,500 churches across the UK are already taking part in the Climate Sunday initiative, with hundreds more planning to do so, demonstrating growing climate action by local congregations.

A key milestone before COP26 is a major Nations’ Climate Sunday Service with Glasgow Churches Together from Glasgow Cathedral, streamed live online on Sunday 5 September 2021 at 4pm, to share church commitments across the nations of the UK and pray for bold action with courageous leadership at COP26 in the city this November.

Climate Sunday is an initiative of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI), with backing from a range of denominations and Christian charities. We are encouraging churches to take action in the run-up to COP26:

Worship
Hold a climate-focused service, to explore the theological and scientific basis of creation care and action on climate, to pray, and to commit to action. Explore the Climate Sunday website and our own resources for inspiration to suit all church traditions and styles of worship. Please register your service so we can count you in!

Commit
Make a commitment as a local church community to taking long term action to reduce your own greenhouse gas emissions. Use Climate Stewards‘ new 360°carbon calculator for churches and register as an eco-congregation – or work towards an Eco-Congregation Scotland Award.

Speak up
Use your voice to tell the UK Government that you want a cleaner, greener, fairer future at the heart of plans to rebuild the economy – with finance to support poorer countries affected most by climate change. Read and sign ‘The Time Is Now’ declaration both as a church and as individuals.

Eco-Congregation Scotland is also proud to be a partner of the new Climate Scotland campaign in the run-up to COP26, with 30 other organisations including Christian Aid Scotland, SCIAF, Tearfund Scotland and Justice and Peace Scotland.

Our climate and natural world are in crisis. It’s threatening our communities, our food, resources, and our beautiful places.

Decisions by world leaders at COP26 could get us on track to avoid the worst effects of climate change. It’s a real chance to create a better future for our communities here in Scotland and around the world.

There is hope. But we also need our leaders in Scotland plus those attending COP26 to know just how much we care, with thousands of voices being heard. Please share why action on climate and nature is important to you. It takes just a few minutes to add your own voice at: climatescotland.org

With 100 days to go until COP26, the Scottish Government also announced today its indicative Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), outlining Scotland’s contribution to preventing warming of more than 1.5 degrees. We will continue to support and encourage efforts in all our communities towards making Scotland a Net Zero Nation – and link Together For Our Planet across the UK in this special year of climate action. 

#LetsDoNetZero

UPCOMING EVENTS
 
Our next confirmed events, activities and training are online and being updated regularly, including:

Breathe: Fresh Air for All
Let’s talk about the climate emergency
Monday 26 July 2021, 7.30pm

Embracing Greener Travel: Electric Vehicles
Workshop with Home Energy Scotland
Wednesday 28 July 2021, 2.00pm

Please register for the Zoom meeting links at:
https://www.ecocongregationscotland.org/upcomingevents/

Register for free and begin your church’s journey as an eco-congregation. 

Please consider church membership to become more active in the charity and support our Network activities – join online.

Please donate if you can, to help support our work and encourage growing interest across Scotland’s churches.

If you or others in your church would like to receive this newsletter regularly, please subscribe.

COP26 venue Scottish Events Campus header photograph courtesy of Glasgow Convention Bureau.

Our office is currently closed due to the coronavirus situation and staff are working from home. Please contact Eco-Congregation Scotland manager Stephen Curran at: 
0141 423 4671, 07554 905275, manager@ecocongregationscotland.org