Wales Climate Week kicks off with climate action boost for churches

It's the first day of Wales Climate Week 2022 today, and a panel hosted by A Rocha UK and Christian Aid will showcase how Welsh churches from different denominations are acting on the climate and nature crises.

They will share their experiences, the actions they’ve taken, and their achievements in addressing the climate agenda. Just a few days after COP27, the focus of the week will be climate choices and the important contribution that individuals can make to tackle climate change.

Delyth Higgins, A Rocha UK’s Eco Church Officer for Wales, said: ‘"There is so much activity going on around Wales from churches taking action on the climate and nature emergencies. I thought this would be a great opportunity to let people know about it and to inspire more people to do similar things. Our Eco Church award scheme offers churches of any denomination a way of reflecting on what they already do, and to think about what more they can do as a church community on this vital issue."

The virtual conference will focus on the challenges of tackling the continued threat of climate change alongside the cost of living crisis, and on how to deliver solutions to this twin challenge for households across Wales. The public are encouraged to join the national climate conversation and this session aims to inspire continued and further action from faith groups. The panel will hear directly from church representatives and from Lindiwe Ndebele, Christian Aid’s Emergency Project Officer in Zimbabwe, on how the climate crisis is impacting communities in Zimbabwe, and on how support from Wales is making a difference via the Welsh government’s Wales and Africa Grant Scheme.

Mari McNeill, Head of Christian Aid Wales, said: "With A Rocha UK and Wales Climate Week, we hope to share a snapshot of Church action to tackle the climate emergency in Wales. We will explore how practical actions in churches and our communities, coupled with campaigning, and support for communities globally who are disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis, make a huge difference.

"Support from the Wales and Africa Grant Scheme is playing an important role in strengthening the resilience of 10,500 women farmers in Hwange District in Zimbabwe as they face the challenges of the climate crisis. This exciting project will increase access to sustainable livelihood opportunities through climate- resilient farming, the improved management of natural resources, environmental rehabilitation, planting 20,000 trees and providing 1,000 households with clean renewable energy."

A Rocha UK and Christian Aid work to widen and deepen churches’ response to the climate emergency in Wales. Wales is home to large churches in growing cities as well as small, rural, traditional chapels and parishes – many of whom are already on a journey towards climate justice. The Eco Church scheme includes a whole range of actions accessible to churches of different sizes and denominations – including practical actions that limit church carbon emissions, establishing homes for nature, campaigning on issues such as ‘Loss & Damage’, prayer, and acting in solidarity with communities on the frontline of the climate emergency.

You can find out more here.