Christians consider flying in the face of climate change
-11/09/06
Christians are to de
Christians consider flying in the face of climate change
-11/09/06
Christians are to debate whether they should continue to fly given the reality of climate change.
The Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility (ECCR) has announced it is to bring together speakers from the aviation, corporate and non-profit sectors and an audience of ethical investors, corporate responsibility practitioners, faith groups, NGOs, and other members of civil society to examine the issue.
The meeting follows controversial comments made by the Bishop of London who said recently that there was now an ìoverriding imperativeî to ìwalk more lightly upon the earthî.
He added that people needed to make lifestyle decisions with their environmental consequences firmly in mind.
ìMaking selfish choices such as flying on holiday or buying a large car are a symptom of sin,î he declared. ìSin is not just a restricted list of moral mistakes. It is living a life turned in on itself where people ignore the consequences of their actions.î
Schemes already exist which enable people to offset their carbon emissions from air travel.
In a statement the ECCR said; “The reality of climate change is no longer disputed in serious circles. Instead the debate now is how to reduce it. Initiatives abound ñ energy saving and efficiency, recycling, carbon trading, environmental design. Can we really make the changes needed?”
“Global travel has increased hugely, and growth looks set to continue as people travel for holidays, for business and to maintain family ties in a world of migration. Much of that travel is by air, stimulated by low cost airlines and favourable tax regimes. But what about the environmental cost and the impacts of CO2 emissions and vapour trails at altitude?”
“In the face of climate change, can we – should we – keep flying?”
Speakers at the meeting will include Colin Beesley of Rolls-Royce Plc who would look at the contribution of technical development to tackling climate change and Chris Goater from the Airport Operators Association, who will give an aviation industry perspective.
Peter Lockley of the Aviation Environment Federation will look at the possibilities surrounding achieving a sustainable future for aviation and Jason Torrance from pressure group Transport 2000 will discuss aviation and climate destabilisation.
ECCR is an ecumenical organisation and it includes within its membership representatives of many mainstream Christian denominations, corporate agencies of the churches, religious communities and orders, and many interested individuals.
ECCR seeks to foster a sense of corporate responsibility within the economic life of the churches and of the wider community.
You can offset your carbon emissions here.
The event ‘Flying in the Face of Climate Change?’ takes place on Thursday 28 September at Methodist Church House, London, 4.30 p.m. More details are available here
Christians consider flying in the face of climate change
-11/09/06
Christians are to debate whether they should continue to fly given the reality of climate change.
The Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility (ECCR) has announced it is to bring together speakers from the aviation, corporate and non-profit sectors and an audience of ethical investors, corporate responsibility practitioners, faith groups, NGOs, and other members of civil society to examine the issue.
The meeting follows controversial comments made by the Bishop of London who said recently that there was now an ìoverriding imperativeî to ìwalk more lightly upon the earthî.
He added that people needed to make lifestyle decisions with their environmental consequences firmly in mind.
ìMaking selfish choices such as flying on holiday or buying a large car are a symptom of sin,î he declared. ìSin is not just a restricted list of moral mistakes. It is living a life turned in on itself where people ignore the consequences of their actions.î
Schemes already exist which enable people to offset their carbon emissions from air travel.
In a statement the ECCR said; “The reality of climate change is no longer disputed in serious circles. Instead the debate now is how to reduce it. Initiatives abound ñ energy saving and efficiency, recycling, carbon trading, environmental design. Can we really make the changes needed?”
“Global travel has increased hugely, and growth looks set to continue as people travel for holidays, for business and to maintain family ties in a world of migration. Much of that travel is by air, stimulated by low cost airlines and favourable tax regimes. But what about the environmental cost and the impacts of CO2 emissions and vapour trails at altitude?”
“In the face of climate change, can we – should we – keep flying?”
Speakers at the meeting will include Colin Beesley of Rolls-Royce Plc who would look at the contribution of technical development to tackling climate change and Chris Goater from the Airport Operators Association, who will give an aviation industry perspective.
Peter Lockley of the Aviation Environment Federation will look at the possibilities surrounding achieving a sustainable future for aviation and Jason Torrance from pressure group Transport 2000 will discuss aviation and climate destabilisation.
ECCR is an ecumenical organisation and it includes within its membership representatives of many mainstream Christian denominations, corporate agencies of the churches, religious communities and orders, and many interested individuals.
ECCR seeks to foster a sense of corporate responsibility within the economic life of the churches and of the wider community.
You can offset your carbon emissions here.
The event ‘Flying in the Face of Climate Change?’ takes place on Thursday 28 September at Methodist Church House, London, 4.30 p.m. More details are available here