faith in politics
environment
Background
- At the time of the last General Election in 2005, environmental issues and climate change were still regarded as a fairly low priority by both voters and the major political parties. Since then the topic has become much more urgent and important. In 2008 parliament passed a Climate Change Act, which commits future governments to reduce the UK's greenhouse gas emissions by 80% from 1990 levels by 2050.
- A major summit to discuss global efforts to tackle climate change was held in December 2009 in Copenhagen.
- Several mainstream Churches have published reports into climate change in the past few years. Operation Noah has said, "God's creation faces the most urgent peril, which, to be averted, requires a rapid and radical transformation of our economy and culture - towards liveable, supportable lifestyles."
Issues
- Greenhouse gases - There is general consensus amongst climate scientists and politicians that significant climate change is occurring due to human activity. Projections indicate that if emissions are allowed to rise at their current pace, the world would likely face a 2o - 4.5oC average temperature rise by 2100, with a 3oC increase most likely. If this happens the results could be catastrophic: many species would be at greater risk of extinction, sea levels would rise and severe weather (droughts and floods) may happen more frequently.
- Poverty and the developing world - Climate change cannot be dissociated from poverty. It is clear that the developing world is already suffering from the effects of climate change, such as droughts and floods, while not being responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. More than 20 million people were displaced by sudden climate-related disasters in 2008 alone. Christian Aid has called for justice and fairness to be at the heart of international climate agreements and policymaking; acknowledging and reflecting developed countries' historic responsibility for climate change and demanding they put in place significant cuts and finance for adaptation.
- Transport - 25% of carbon emissions in the UK are from transport. Road transport accounts for 92% of this, with 58% coming from passenger cars alone. Consecutive governments have prioritised road infrastructure over more equitable and sustainable methods of transport. Alongside this has been massive growth in aviation; based on the Department for Transport's projections, it is estimated that by 2050 aircrafts will account for 91% of all the greenhouse gases the country should be producing, according to the limits set by the 2008 Climate Change Act.
- Energy - Producing energy and consuming energy account for a high proportion of the UK's carbon emissions. There are two challenges here: decarbonising our energy supply and a step change in energy efficiency. Some parties support a new generation of nuclear power stations; some still want coal but with carbon capture and storage. Others argue that we can meet energy needs through renewables, both large scale and localised if investment and political will is there. The UK has signed up to the EU Renewable Energy Directive, which includes a UK target of 15% of energy from renewables (wind, wave, solar and biomass) by 2020. This target is equivalent to a seven-fold increase in UK renewable energy consumption from 2008 levels - the most challenging of any EU member state.
- Community involvement and lifestyle change - The challenges presented by climate change and our devouring of the world's natural resources requires a response from everyone. Churches have a presence in every community across the UK and through the eco-congregation movement have shown themselves to be agents of change and transformation. How can Churches and the government work together to combat climate change and shift our society and economy onto a more sustainable footing?
Questions
- How can government help individuals to reduce their use of energy and fossil fuels and increase their energy efficiency?
- Taxing big greenhouse gas emitters (such as ‘gas-guzzling' cars) is one way to deter people from polluting, but what more can be done to change hearts and minds?
- What can people in the UK do to ensure action is taken by other polluting countries?
Further information
Operation Noah
Contact: email 
Website 
Please note: the views and analysis outlined in this paper are those of the author alone and do not constitute a statement of policy on the part of the organisation the author belongs to.
Faith in Politics: Acknowledgement and thanks
