C of E ‘to Be Carbon-Neutral by 2030’, After Synod Rips Up Original Target [UK]

Church Times (UK) ^ | 2/12/20 | Adam Beckett

[marshmallow]

Synod votes to throw out more cautious 2045 net-zero target

THE General Synod on Wednesday set a 2030 target for net zero carbon emissions for the Church of England, rejecting the recommended target of 2045.

Members of the Synod voted narrowly for the more radical proposal for the C of E to be carbon-neutral in just ten years’ time. The proposal came in an amendment by Canon Professor Martin Gainsborough (Bristol), carried by 144 votes to 129, with ten abstentions.

Canon Gainsborough said that he wanted to push the Church harder. His diocese had already committed itself to the 2030 date.

The seriousness of the situation facing the earth could not be overstated, he said, especially across the world, away from the UK. He argued that there were theological reasons for the move as well. Christianity was about sacrificial life: “Faith is risky.”

Canon Gainsborough admitted: “There are challenges, but let’s not overestimate them.” The target of being net zero by 2045 was not acceptable. “There is nothing more important than this.”

The Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, the C of E’s lead bishop on the environment, resisted the amendment to his original motion, arguing that 2045 was five years ahead of both the Paris Agreement and the Church’s earlier goal. He feared that pushing parishes around the country to be net zero by 2030 would cause resentment.

[fproy2222]

The carbon we breath out feeds the trees.

We go carbon free and the trees will die. ;>)

[trebb]

Yep - and if they go far enough, maybe scientists can figure out how to make us Silicon-based....I haven’t heard any cries against Silicon ... yet... God may have something to say about it though..

[BRL]

CE....Isnt that craps-eleven?