Posts

Emissions per flight

Image
Many of us travel for business, some for pleasure. In both cases the flights have a climate impact, as calculated "by the Federal Ministry for the Environment and a joint initiative by the travel industry association forum anders reisen and the environmental and development organization Germanwatch." ( LINK ) Here are some sample results for round trip flights in kg of CO2: Berlin (BER) to London (LCY):   Climate impact: 477 kg  Berlin (BER) to Paris (CDG): Climate impact 424 kg   Berlin (BER) to Newark (EWR): Climate impact: 3,182 kg Berlin (BER) to Beijing (BJS): Climate impact: 3,792 kg Readers can check other results with this  LINK .
Post a Comment
Read more

A storm attacks

Image
A violent storm alert went out "at  6.45pm on Friday to 3 million people in areas covered by the Met Office’s rare red warning for wind in parts of Wales and south-west England."  (Guardian, 7 Dec 2024 LINK )   (PHOTO SOURCE LINK) The Guardian does not say so explicitly in the article, but we know that violent weather of this sort is a consequences of environmental change. The website "Earthjustice.org" ( LINK ) warns that " Human activity is causing rapid changes to our global climate that are contributing to extreme weather conditions".  (Earthjustice,org, 1 October 2024).  In order to protect God's creation, we need to remind people that reliable scientific evidence links the causes of violent storms to environmental changes that are not inevitable if people reduce pollution. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Connections

Image
Our planet needs help. Those of us with concerns need to work more closely and actively together. Several parishes in the UK, Germany, and France have shown an interest in sharing information and initiatives.  Neal Whitaker (Manchester) writes: "The Manchester diocese has an Eco-Diocese Facebook group where people can share things that have been happening in terms of Eco Church and action towards climate justice."  Here is the LINK .  Rev Canon Andy Salmon ( Salford ).  writes: "One of the things we’re looking at across our Mission Community is doing “Eco Stepping Stones” ( LINK ) with 4 sessions in 4 of our churches.  Alison Wale from Christ Church Episcopal Church in Clermont Ferrand, France, also writes that that parish has a FaceBook page ( LINK ) We must all work together to save God's creation! (Photo credit: m.seadle)
Post a Comment
Read more

Natural Christmas decorations

Image
 Plastic is everywhere in our lives, but it is not necessary to use plastic for Christmas decorations. Prior centuries enjoyed many degradable ornaments for their Christmas trees. Perhaps the most common natural ornaments are made from popcorn strings with dried fruit such as cranberries or cherries for colour. Candles were traditional lighting decorations too, but anyone using candles needs to be aware of the fire danger. A dry tree poses special risks, and a nearby fire extinguisher is a good precaution, but proper care reduces the risk: spraying the needles of the tree with water can help, and placing the candles away from other boughs. Above all, care is needed, but the effort is well worthwhile to help to preserve God's creation.  Thanks to Oskar and Rachel for the suggestion!  
Post a Comment
Read more

Stop Norway mining the Arti

Image
Dear readers, here is a link from Greenpeace to a serious problem in the artic: " Norway is planning to start deep sea mining in the Arctic. We can’t let them destroy one of the world’s most remote, ancient and untouched ecosystems for profit." The article is a available HERE .  Image courtesy of  © Markus Mauthe / Greenpeace Thanks to Robyn M. for bringing this to our attention.
Post a Comment
Read more

Clean water in Malawi

Image
 St. George's Parish sponsored a well in a village in Malawi to bring clean water to a village. Here is a photo of the well: The person in the photo is Mada Daniel (who has given permission for us to use his photo and name). Previously the village had no nearby clean water source. He well has made a real difference to their quality of life.  This is only one of several well-projects the Parish has funded to help to preserve God's creation. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Naming Heatwaves

  Many climate disasters have names, but heatwaves do not.  Hurricanes are just one example of named storms. Eric Klinenberg wrote in the New York Times  (7 September 2024):    " Generations of anthropologists have demonstrated how naming not just people but also pets, places and prized objects can imbue the world with meaning. When an object receives a human name, that act of anthropomorphism elevates its social importance." ( LINK )  Naming hurricanes began in the US in 1953 as a way to improve communication. Klinenberg continues: The problem with heat is that it is " a silent and invisible killer." Nonetheless heat kills and the problem is real:  "More than 47,000 people died in Europe last year due to extreme heat, according to a new report.  The figure comes from modelling by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health that was published on Monday." (DW, 08.13.2024 LINK )  The idea  of naming heat waves is not totally new....
Post a Comment
Read more