Resolution Number: C001
Subject: Targets for Reducing Green House Gas Emissions
Moved by: Mr. Neale Adams, Diocese of New Westminster
Seconded By: Mr. William Mous, Diocese of Niagara
Note: The mover and the seconder must be members of the General Synod and be present in the House when the resolution is before the synod for debate.
BE IT RESOLVED:
That this General Synod:
- Call upon all Anglican churches in every diocese and all Anglicans to set targets for reducing green house gas emissions by curtailing their energy consumption.
- Request the EcoJustice Committee (or its successor) to:
- Identify theological themes pertaining to the stewardship of creation
- Develop and promote educational resources to raise awareness in Anglican dioceses and parishes about the issue of climate change as a spiritual issue
- Identify and compile educational resources from diocesan, governmental and environmental organizations for individual churches to help them set and achieve lower green house gas emission targets
EXPLANATORY NOTE/BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
According to Environment Canada climate change “is a shift in long-term average weather patterns, which can include changes in temperature and in precipitation amounts.” There is agreement within the international scientific community that there has been a significant change in global climate in recent years. Climate change is the most pressing ethical, moral and spiritual issue of our time.
Canada is experiencing climate change as temperatures are rising, particularly in the Arctic, where permafrost is thawing and the ocean’s ice cover is diminishing. Even greater changes are expected in the future, and as a cold northern country, Canada will be one of the most greatly affected countries in the world.
Greenhouse Gas emissions, largely due to the burning of fossils fuels for transportation and industrial purposes, trap heat in the atmosphere thereby contributing to global climate change. The key to reducing green house gas emissions is using less energy. Most churches can reduce energy consumption from 10- 20% through low cost retrofits such as storm guard, caulking of window and door frames, insulating hot water pipes, programmable thermostats and replacing incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient lighting. The retrofits are paid for with reducing utility bills.
Many Canadian Anglican organizations, for example the Provincial Synod of British Columbia and the Yukon and the Diocese of Ottawa, have developed resources for both parishes and parishioners to use to reduce their green house gas emissions. Using such resources, it is easy for churches to calculate their green house gas emission and to set reduction targets. Since many resources are available, this motion calls on the EcoJustice committee to compile existing resources so that all Canadian Anglicans can have access to such resources.
Sources: Greening Spirit (www.greeningspirit.ca)
Ecology and Theology Working Group, Diocese of Ottawa
Source:
(name of committee, diocese, etc.)
Submitted by:
A) Does this motion contain within it any financial implications?
Yes ______ No ______
B) If yes, has the General Synod Expenditures Committee considered the implications?
Yes ______ No ______