Category Archives: CoP26

St Andrew’s Day thanks for your commitment and support

By Angus, Borders, CoP26, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Esk, Glasgow, News, Orkney, Perth, Stirling, West-Lothian

Join our movement today

Eco-Congregation Scotland is always keen to hear from local churches and today our team shares great examples of activities and events. Congregations across our movement continue their work through the pandemic, respecting restrictions while responding to local need and addressing environmental concerns.

We are also pleased to share key events this week organised by partners and coalitions. On St Andrew’s Day, as we celebrate Scotland’s patron who spread the Good News far and wide, we thank all who have attended and participated in a wide variety of recent activities and online meetings, here and globally. This has been crucial as we welcome the world to the COP26 Glasgow climate talks next November. Eco-Congregation Scotland and churches throughout the country have been represented well by so many of our volunteers. We value your involvement, interest and insight.

We also love to share stories from local eco-congregations, to celebrate your wide-ranging work and encourage us all in caring for God’s creation. We were delighted to hear that our 500th eco-congregation Faifley Parish Church is holding a regular Recycle Room every Friday with free clothes bundles, DVDs, books, baby equipment, cushions and bedding thanks to dedicated volunteers and large numbers of donations. Ellis’ facemasks and Elsie’s chutney, pictured below, have been popular and successful fundraisers too!

We look forward to celebrating registration 500 with Faifley Parish when COVID-19 local protection levels allow. A special welcome and thank you to all subsequent new registrations in recent months, taking us to 508 eco-congregations:

If your church is concerned about the environment and wants to get involved, please join our movement today. It’s free to register.

We also encourage membership for your church, to become more active in the charity and support our Local Networks. Membership is again free for smaller churches and up to £100 per year for congregations with the highest incomes, that’s only £8 per month or less than £2 per week.

All membership fees go directly to support Local Network activities through our Programme Coordinator work. It’s easy to join online or print a form and post to us. Please also consider making a one-off or regular donation to support our work as an individual too.

Inspired by our A Sanctuary for Swifts event two weeks ago – which you can watch again online – Central Borders Local Network coordinator Ian Skinner informs us Holy Trinity Melrose is installing a nesting box for swifts on the Trinity Centre. Specially designed for swifts, the box will be placed near the top of the north facing gable with a clear outlook towards Gattonside Hill on the far side of the Tweed. Another two boxes designed for house martins are being placed on the Centre’s east side. Ian adds: “We are looking forward to welcoming new visitors in the spring of 2021!”

A Just Transition for Scotland’s Housing is also available to watch online, our major open event with the Just Transition Commission and the Methodist Church in Scotland hosted by Stirling Methodist Church. Commissioners positively engaged with the well-attended event and points made throughout were recognised in their ongoing work, emphasising the importance of housing for Scotland to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045.

Well done and thank you all Kinross Parish Church Eco-Congregation group volunteers who picked up a “terrifying” amount of litter pictured above last Saturday in the space of about an hour. We also congratulate St Mary’s Eco-Congregation TOA (Take One Action) Local group in Dalkeith, holding another successful film evening to watch and discuss “Catching the Sun“, exploring workers and business leaders racing to lead the clean energy future.

These are just some of the diverse environmental activities and interesting events across individual congregations and our Local Networks. Thank you again for your continuing support and that of every church volunteer and all our supporters. It is always appreciated, even more so this challening year. Happy St Andrew’s Day!

Isaiah 64: Ripping open the sky – We fade like leaves

An appropriately scary start to the Christian season most concerned with what is to come. Many thanks Scottish writer, academic and activist Alastair McIntosh on the first Sunday of Advent followed by Rev Julia Meason today, minister of Kirkwall East linked with Shapinsay, and to all opening our alternative Advent Calendar.

The Judge to Cheer the Forest is our ecumenical and varied video Advent Calendar online, offering a 1-2 minute reading and reflection until Christmas Eve. Please view and share the items daily at Eco-Chaplain online and Eco-Congregation Scotland, on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube every day of Advent.

Financing Climate Justice
Monday 30th November 2020, 12.00noon
https://climatefringe.org/sccs-live-events/
Rich nations like ours have a duty to deliver a fair share of support for poorer countries on the front line of the climate crisis. Tune in to this Climate Fringe event to find out more.

Let’s talk about the climate emergency – Our Global Connections
Monday 30th November 2020, 7.30pm
https://www.ecocongregationscotland.org/event/ourglobalconnections/
How we live impacts on climate change and the lives of others. Join us to talk, pray and reflect on Our Global Connections, the November theme in our “Let’s talk about the climate emergency” resources.

Restraining Climate Change: What is the Role of Faith Communities?
Tuesday 1st December 2020, 7.30pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x18cxZxSS_yyGZ6_bkEVWQ
Climate emergency, coronavirus and Brexit. How can we as faith communities work with others to build a just and green future? These are moments of great opportunity but also significant challenge. Hosted by St Columba’s-by-the-Castle Episcopal Church in Edinburgh, join the discussion with:

The first Change in a Time of Chaos science and faith webinar, a series of talks hosted by St Columba’s towards COP26 next November.

Glasgow City Region Climate Adaptation Strategy
Wednesday 2nd December 2020, 2.00pm  East and West Dunbartonshire
Thursday 3rd December 2020, 7.00pm  Young persons event
Climate Ready Clyde is consulting until Christmas Eve on the draft Glasgow City Region Adaptation Strategy, seeking to ensure the region’s society, environment and economy are prepared and can flourish in the future climate.

Join us to pray, share and act

By Aberdeen, Award, CoP26, News, , , , , , ,

We appreciate this is a challenging time for many across all churches and communities due to COVID-19 restrictions. We are delighted to share good news over coming weeks from local eco-congregations, this weekend celebrating Eco-Congregation Scotland Award success in Aberdeenshire.

We value the excellent participation of so many volunteers and supporters in recent interfaith events and a range of meetings as we look forward to welcoming the COP26 climate conference to Scotland next November. We invite you to join a wide variety of online events and activities through the remainder of this November.

Thank you for all your efforts and continuing support as we pray, share and act together, caring for our common home.

Today we acknowledge the wonderful work of Inverurie West Parish Church. Congratulations to enthusiastic environmental team leader Joy Doorghen and all at Inverurie West on achieving our Silver Award recognising their commitment to caring for creation. You can read more about their Silver success on our website. 

We will share more Award success stories in coming weeks and encourage every eco-congregation to apply, affirming your church’s environmental activities through online assessment. You are also welcome to join Inverurie West and our Eco-Chaplain this Sunday for a live at home service on the Church website and YouTube.

Inverurie West Parish Church service
Sunday 22nd November 2020
11.00am
Website http://www.inveruriewestchurch.org/westcast.html
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_eaGG76yKpRzSAhvOLleLQ

Many Christians mark this Sunday as the feast of Christ the King. Eco-Chaplain Rev David Coleman will be reflecting on Matthew 25:31-46:
“A masterpiece of ‘end-time’ writing, the ‘sheep and the goats’ is perfectly directed at those who look to God for hope in a time of global crisis.”

Service of Prayer for Climate Justice
Sunday 22nd November 2020
2.00pm – 3.00pm
https://prayerforclimatejustice.eventbrite.co.uk

Join a service of prayer, reflection and action on climate justice organised by Christian Aid, Tearfund, Anglican Communion Environmental Network, CAFOD, Lutheran World Federation, ACT Alliance, European Christian Environmental Network and other friends around the world. Look ahead to COP26 next November and reflect on our push for more ambitious climate action in the coming year. Register now and commit to joining in prayer and action through 2021 with the Prayer Chain for Climate Justice.

Out of Africa…Into Malta
Monday 23rd November 2020
7.30pm – 8.30pm
https://www.ecocongregationscotland.org/event/outofafricaintomalta/

Hear about the varied work of Out Of Africa…Into Malta as it aims to relieve humanitarian need and provide hope to a displaced people. Rev Doug McRoberts, former minister of St Andrew’s Scots Church in Malta, will share how the project founded in 2010 grew from offering prayers and second-hand clothes to becoming a major life-changing presence, partnering with the Red Cross and becoming a Church of Scotland Guild Partner Project.

Just Transition: a fairer, greener Scotland
Wednesday 25th November 2020
9.00am – 11.00am
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/just-transition-a-fairer-greener-scotland-tickets-128768970457

Just Transition Commission members will share some of the emerging themes from their work to date, ahead of delivering their final recommendations to Scottish Ministers in early 2021. This will be your opportunity to explore and discuss their findings, and the solutions proposed to deliver a just transition in Scotland. The Commission was set up last year to give practical advice on how Scotland can meet ambitious climate change targets in a way that is fair for all.

Trees, Community & Climate
Thursday 26th November 2020
4.00pm – 5.00pm
https://climatefringe.org/sccs-live-events/

Chaired by Kat Jones of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, join Alan McDonnell of Trees for Life, Veronique Walraven of Morvern Community Woodlands and Madagascar-based Bangor University research fellow Sarobidy Rakotonarivo to explore how forest conservation and woodland restoration can best deliver climate mitigation, the co-benefits that arise and the role of local communities in delivering them.

Climate Challenge Fund Gathering and film event
Thursday 26th November 2020
9.00am – 4.00pm Gathering 2020 Programme
7.00pm – 9.00pm Evening Film and Discussion
https://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/ccfgathering

The Climate Challenge Fund Gathering provides opportunities to learn, network and share experience on tackling climate change, bringing together over 200 CCF Grant recipients and local community-led groups including churches and faith projects. The evening will explore how community film nights can get people thinking about climate change, followed by the opportunity to watch and discuss a challenging film. Find out more and book Gathering and film tickets here.

Financing Climate Justice
Monday 30th November 2020
12.00noon – 1.00pm
https://climatefringe.org/sccs-live-events/

Stop Climate Chaos Scotland and Jubilee Scotland report ‘Financing Climate Justice’ outlines the need for increased climate finance to global south countries hit hard by climate change and Scotland’s role in creating such change. Hear from International Centre for Climate Change and Development director Saleemul Huq, Anne Funnemark of Jubilee Scotland and Loss and Damage Youth Coalition co-founder, activist and researcher Sadie De Coste.

Let’s talk about the climate emergency – Our Global Connections
Monday 30th November 2020
7.30pm – 8.30pm
https://www.ecocongregationscotland.org/event/ourglobalconnections/

The November theme in our “Let’s talk about the climate emergency” resources is Our Global Connections. How we live has a direct impact on climate change and the lives of others. Join us to talk, pray and reflect on thoughts about Our Global Connections to ensure a fairer world for current and future generations. Please register here.

This Sunday 22nd November, please join us and Christians across Scotland in prayer at 7.00pm.

Good Shepherd,
Speak once more to our hearts
And offer us vision and hope for days to come.
Go before us Shepherd King
And lead us into the future that you hold in your hands.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us

Caring for Creation

By Aberdeen, CoP26, East-Lothian, Edinburgh, Glasgow, News, West-Lothian, , , , ,

Climate action, discussion and prayer

Eco-Congregation Scotland is inviting church volunteers in our Local Networks and supporters across the country to our online events and activities over the next fortnight. We are also pleased to share partner organisation events including the Prayer Service for Climate Justice and Just Transition Commission update.

A Sanctuary for Swifts
Monday 16th November 2020
7.30pm – 8.30pm
https://www.ecocongregationscotland.org/event/a-sanctuary-for-swifts/

Swifts are ancient and fascinating birds. Sadly their populations are on the decline and are now regarded as Amber conservation status. RSPB Scotland is encouraging Edinburgh as a place of sanctuary for these amazing birds – with support from the Scottish Power Foundation – and looking for churches to host swift nesting boxes. We will also hear from Huntly & District Swift Group, working hard to protect these wonderful birds in their local area. Wherever you live in Scotland, come and find out more about these amazing birds and the work being done to care for them.

The Big Debate – Politics & the Climate Emergency
Wednesday 18th November 2020
5.20pm – 7.20pm
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-big-climate-debate-politics-the-climate-emergency-online-tickets-126416351711

Hosted by ELREC (Edinburgh & Lothians Regional Equality Council), hear political parties’ proposals to tackle the climate emergency and questions answered by Sarah Boyack MSP, Deidre Brock MP, Finlay Carson MSP, Alison Johnstone MSP and Christine Jardine MP. Please email potential questions for selection before the event on themes: energy, transport, waste, food, governance/politics and finance.

Sacred People, Sacred Earth Kickoff – Anglophone Africa and the UK
Wednesday 18th November 2020
6.00pm – 7.00pm
https://actionnetwork.org/events/greenfaith-international-launch-day-of-action-anglophone-africa-and-the-uk

In a series of TEDxCountdown multi-faith events around the world, join UK hosts Faith for the Climate, Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute (SAFCEI), GreenFaith Nigeria, GreenFaith Kenya, and the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda. GreenFaith International Network founding partners plan a global, COVID-friendly, multi-faith day of climate action on 11 March 2021. The launch of spoken word, music, prayers and dynamic speakers will share bold demands that grassroots faith communities have developed and provide opportunities for diverse faiths to get involved.

Spaces for Change – Community Venues & COP26
Wednesday 18th November 2020
6.00pm – 7.30pm
https://climatefringe.org/glasgow-venues-cop26/

We are encouraging Scotland’s churches, faith groups and local communities to offer hospitality and welcome for COP26 next year. Join this Climate Fringe gathering if you are interested in hosting events during COP26 or just want to find out more about opening your doors as a church, hall or local venue. Speakers at this meeting will take us through what we can expect, sharing previous COP experiences.

Faith and civil society groups from all over the world will need space for meeting, holding events and floor space for sleeping. This meeting is for those who manage venues, large or small, within an hour’s commute from Glasgow including places of worship and community halls or any group that has a meeting room that can be booked externally.

Prayer Service for Climate Justice
Sunday 22nd November 2020
2.00pm – 3.00pm
https://prayerforclimatejustice.eventbrite.co.uk

Join a service of prayer, reflection and action on climate justice organised by Christian Aid, Tearfund, Anglican Communion Environmental Network, CAFOD, Lutheran World Federation, ACT Alliance, European Christian Environmental Network and other friends around the world. Marking the original COP26 dates, we look ahead to next November and reflect on our push for more ambitious climate action in the coming year. Register now for joining details and commit to joining in prayer and action through 2021 with the Prayer Chain for Climate Justice.

The Global Compact on Refugees, adopted by an overwhelming majority at the UN General Assembly in December 2018, directly recognises that ‘climate, environmental degradation and natural disasters increasingly interact with the drivers of refugee movements’.

Out of Africa…Into Africa
Monday 23rd November 2020
7.30pm – 8.30pm
https://www.ecocongregationscotland.org/event/outofafricaintomalta/

Hear about the varied work of Out Of Africa…Into Malta as it aims to relieve humanitarian need and provide hope to a displaced people. Rev Doug McRoberts, former minister of St Andrew’s Scots Church in Malta, will share how the project founded in 2010 grew from offering prayers and second-hand clothes to becoming a major life-changing presence, partnering with the Red Cross and becoming a Church of Scotland Guild Partner Project.

Just Transition: a fairer, greener Scotland
Wednesday 25th November 2020
9.00am – 11.00am
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/just-transition-a-fairer-greener-scotland-tickets-128768970457

At this online public event, members of the Just Transition Commission will share some of the emerging themes from their work to date, ahead of delivering their final recommendations to Scottish Ministers in early 2021. This will be your opportunity to explore and discuss their findings, and the solutions proposed to deliver a just transition in Scotland. The Commission was set up last year to give practical advice on how Scotland can meet ambitious climate change targets in a way that is fair for all.

Thanks to Anne Currie of Craigsbank Church Eco-Group in Edinburgh, sharing Autumn colours from Glencruitten, Oban.

This Sunday 15th November, please join Christians all over Scotland in prayer with Church leaders at 7pm.
Faithful God and giver of all good gifts,
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(Swift photographs courtesy of RSPB images, David Naylor and Huntly & District Swift Group.)

Connecting for climate action

By Aberdeen, CoP26, Glasgow, News,
Eco-Congregation Scotland is delighted to support Interfaith Scotland and Scottish Interfaith Week (photograph courtesy of Interfaith Scotland)

Supporting Scottish Interfaith Week

Connecting for climate action

As a Christian charity, one of our purposes is the “promotion of religious, racial and social harmony through a demonstration that care for creation is an essential part of all faiths and by working with other faiths and groups to promote this understanding”.

Eco-Congregation Scotland is delighted to support Interfaith Scotland and local interfaith groups along with the UK Faith for the Climate network in all our combined efforts towards the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow next year.

We thank those who are already active through their own church connecting with other faiths – particularly at this time of year – and encourage our volunteers and friends to join events connecting faiths during Scottish Interfaith Week from 8th to 15th November.

COP26 Interfaith Evening of Reflection
Monday 9th November 2020
8.00pm – 9.00pm
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cop26-interfaith-evening-of-reflection-tickets-122376061093

Hosted by Hope for the Future and Faith for the Climate, bringing together constituents and Members of Parliament from across the UK, marking the previous start date of COP26 before it was postponed due to the pandemic. Please join us to reflect on the potential of this coming year, in the run up to the new conference start date in November 2021.

This event welcomes people from all faith traditions and backgrounds – as well as MPs from across the political spectrum – to reflect, share and consider the vision of this year as the UK prepares to host the UN’s annual climate negotiations, with contributions from:

  • Kate Hughes, Director for International Climate Change at BEIS (UK Government Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)
  • Jonathan McAveety, Senior Campaigns Officer at SCIAF (Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund)
  • Isabella O’Dowd, Senior Climate Change Specialist at WWF
  • Dr Shanon Shah, Network Coordinator for Faith for the Climate

Hope for the Future
Tuesday 10th November 2020
4.00pm – 6.30pm
https://scottishinterfaithweek.org/listings/hope-for-the-future

Join the final of three global sessions organised by the Interfaith Liaison Committee to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). Reaching the time of what should have been the COP26 in Glasgow, this session offers a space for dialogue on faith-based climate action.

Stories of hope in action from faith communities around the world are shared and reflected on. The session offers interactive opportunities for participants, facilitating connections and raising motivation for the year ahead. Join friends around the world to learn, discuss and explore climate action with opening speakers:

The moderator is Brussels-based Chiara Martinelli from CIDSE, the international family of Catholic social justice organisations including SCIAF. This interactive meeting hosted by Interfaith Scotland and Interfaith Glasgow includes a breakout session enabling all to participate fully. Please join us to help share your own hopes for the future from Scotland.

Carbon Footprint Workshop
Tuesday 10th November 2020
7.00pm – 9.00pm
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/carbon-footprint-workshop-tickets-123344969123

Workshop organised by Deeside CAN, formed out of representatives from four Aberdeen Local Network eco-congregations in Banchory and Torphins, including Eco-Congregation Scotland depute chair Richard Murray:

“CAN stands for Climate Action Network; it also means Care And Nurture. We are a group of people living on Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire, who want to do something to minimise climate change, reduce waste and decrease the loss of biodiversity.”

“Do you want to know how your lifestyle impacts the environment – or what to do to reduce your carbon footprint? Our lifestyles are impacting the environment and causing climate change. We need to change! The Scottish Government has set a Net Zero target for 2045. This means we must all reduce our carbon footprint by 4% every year. Come and join our free Zoom workshop.”

A wee reflection on bare trees, vulnerability and beauty shared on Duffus, Spynie and Hopeman Parish Church YouTube channel by Rev Jenny Adams, Church of Scotland Minister and Eco-Congregation Scotland trustee:
https://youtu.be/bwY_J-yf-Dg

This Sunday 8th November, as we begin the season of Remembrance, please again join Christians across Scotland in ecumenical prayer with Church leaders at 7pm.

Ambition for COP26

By CoP26, News, ,

Local transformation and global action

Ambition for COP26

Eco-Congregation Scotland is encouraging churches to consider local transformation addressing the climate crisis, supported by the new Community Climate Asset Fund – and global engagement by our volunteers as we build towards next year’s COP26 climate talks in Glasgow, supporting action by all faiths, wider civil society and governments.

Community Climate Asset Fund
Tuesday 3rd November 2020
11.00am – 12.00noon
https://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/events/keep-scotland-beautiful/community-climate-asset-fund-webinar-3-november/

Please join Eco-Congregation volunteers at the third and final Keep Scotland Beautiful webinar on the Community Climate Asset Fund (CCAF), providing £3.5 million Scottish Government funding for local churches and other community-based organisations to tackle climate change.

The aim is to reduce usage of petrol and diesel cars, cut waste, grow local food and decrease emissions from community buildings. Fundable items include electric vehicles, bikes, energy efficiency measures in community buildings, polytunnels and raised beds, community fridges, tools or repair equipment and wood fuel equipment.

Grants range between a minimum of £1,000 and maximum of £100,000. Match funding is required for grants over £10,000. The application deadline is Monday 9th November 2020 at noon, but early submission is encouraged as funding will be allocated to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Find out more at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/ccaf

COP26 – Ramp up ambition!
Tuesday 3rd November 2020
4.00pm – 6.00pm
Register here

Join the second of three global sessions organised by the Interfaith Liaison Committee to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) – organisers of COP26 – bringing together representatives from the scientific, policy and faith communities engaged in climate change. This open discussion on the agenda for COP26 and what this means for climate action now includes panelists:

Bonn-based Lindsey Fielder Cook, Quaker United Nations Office Representative for Climate Change, is moderator for the meeting which is hosted by the Lutheran World Federation.

ACT Alliance, Lutheran World Federation and World Council of Churches participants at COP25 illustrate the lack of balance in finance of the global climate response, where most of the finance is put into mitigation, some into adaptation, but very little into loss and damage, even though “that’s where the people are.” They chanted: “What do we want? – Climate justice. When do we want it? – Now!” Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

This webinar will discuss what needs to be on the agenda of COP26 and what does it mean for climate action now. The postponement of COP26 creates a challenge to keeping up the tempo on climate action. States’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are not even close to ensuring global temperature rise remains below 2°C, let alone the necessary 1.5°C.

Inaction from governments is no longer an option. 2020 is the year when the greenhouse gas emissions curve must begin to fall in order to have a chance of attaining the Paris Agreement goals. Climate actions undertaken by states must contain a mechanism to compensate for loss and damage. Finance, technology transfer and capacity building for adaptation must be made available to least developed and climate vulnerable countries. COVID-19 has shown the world that there is finance available to respond to an emergency. The climate emergency needs to be met with the same determination. There is no real alternative – continuing to stall action will eventually lead to catastrophic loss and damage.

Thoughts for Sunday 1st November for Crown Church Inverness from Rev David Coleman on harvest and the work of Eco-Congregation Scotland: https://fb.watch/1tmUFLRwXQ/

We are again encouraging Christians across the country to join Church leaders in ecumenical prayer at 7pm this Sunday.

Our Eco-Chaplain also has his own take on Halloween!

Open event encouraging views on Just Transition for housing

By CoP26, News, Stirling, , ,

Just Transition Commission and Church groups team up to plan a socially inclusive path to net-zero for Scotland’s housing

Scotland’s Just Transition Commission, established to make recommendations to ministers on how Scotland can transition to a net-zero economy by 2045 in a way that is fair for all, has teamed up with the Methodist Church in Scotland and Eco-Congregation Scotland to host an online event on Saturday 17 October 2020, from 10am until 12.30pm.

Scotland’s ambitious climate change targets will require the housing sector to radically transform itself at a pace previously unseen. Making homes more energy efficient and heated from low carbon sources presents an opportunity to improve the quality of our housing stock, tackle fuel poverty and create jobs. Concerns have also been raised about how this is paid for, and whether the shift to net-zero in the housing sector could risk sliding more households into fuel poverty.

We have to find ways of meeting our climate targets which make lives better not worse for the least well off in our society.

Attendees to the open online discussion will hear speakers from the Just Transition Commission, Warmworks, Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, Existing Homes Alliance Scotland and Power Circle who will share their thoughts on how we can combine meeting our climate targets with improving energy affordability and lowering fuel poverty. Discussion will then open up to all participants, able to contribute their own ideas on how Scotland can reach net-zero emissions in housing.

Just Transition Commissioner, Norrie Kerr says: “We need to put an end to fuel poverty with bold action to make people’s homes warmer and cheaper to heat. Equity considerations must be central to climate action, if we are to make the transition to net-zero in a way that improves the lives of the most vulnerable. This event will provide an opportunity to hear from experts and ordinary people on these issues and contribute ideas on how Scotland can achieve this.”

Rev Mark Slaney, Chair of the Methodist Church in Scotland, who will be chairing the event, said: “We have to find ways of meeting our climate targets which make lives better not worse for the least well off in our society. I look forward to an imaginative and stimulating discussion which will contribute both to the work of the Commission and to Scotland’s preparation for the COP26 climate summit next year.”

There is still time to register for this free event, pre-registration is highly recommended. Further information and registration can be found here: 

A Just Transition for Scotland’s Housing

This event has been arranged by Stirling Methodist Church and Eco-Congregation Scotland, in collaboration with the Just Transition Commission.

Presentations will focus on the key challenge: how do we combine meeting our climate targets with improving energy affordability and lowering fuel poverty?

Speakers:

Adrian Shaw, Church of Scotland climate change officer, will also outline how churches can meet the opportunities and challenges presented by Glasgow hosting the COP26 United Nations climate talks being held in November 2021.

Eco-Congregation Scotland will be encouraging all Scottish churches to become more focused on addressing the climate crisis over the coming year. Eco-Congregation Scotland is an ecumenical environmental charity supporting over 500 local churches of all denominations across Scotland, committed to environmental activities in their life and mission, with Stirling Methodist Church one of the most active eco-congregations.

CoP26 postponed

By CoP26, Glasgow, News

 

 

 

 

 

Glasgow's SECC and Hydro campus will host CoP26

As a consequence of the Covid 19 pandemic, the CoP Bureau of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) and the UK and Italian governments have agreed to postpone the CoP26 climate change conference, due to have been held in Glasgow in November 2020.

Responding to the news, Eco-Congregation Scotland chair Mary Sweetland said: 

"We understand absolutely the need to postpone the climate conference in the face of a dire emergency but strongly support the conference being held in Glasgow as soon as is possible in 2021." 

"Churches and other faith groups around the world have responded to the immediate crisis with practical action, compassion and love. We must build on this to ensure that after the pandemic we work to build a country and a world where we care for each other and for creation. The UN climate conference is a critical part of that response." 

"Eco-Congregation Scotland will continue to work positively with churches and other faith groups across Scotland and around the world to make the climate conference in Glasgow a success in 2021." 

Eco-Congregation Scotland is already linking regularly with local and national partners, to encourage hospitality with a warm welcome for visitors attending CoP26 and a legacy of transformational change to tackle the climate emergency at home and around the world.

Key partners include: Glasgow Churches Together, Church of Scotland and the Presbytery of Glasgow, Archdiocese of Glasgow, Scottish Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway, United Reformed Church Synod of Scotland, Methodist Church, Baptist Union of Scotland, The Salvation Army; Christian Aid Scotland, SCIAF, Tearfund Scotland, Justice and Peace Scotland, The Iona Community; Interfaith Scotland, Interfaith Glasgow, Edinburgh Interfaith Association, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, Action of Churches Together in Scotland.

Please get in touch to join our work towards making CoP26 a success in Glasgow.