Radical changes to tackle climate change were discussed by over 90 participants from Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant churches from 22 countries at the 9th Assembly of the European Churches Environment Network (ECEN) this week.
Held at Elspeet in the Netherlands, the theme of ”˜Eco-Justice, Growth and Hope’ concentrated on the tensions between the desire for conventional economic growth and the increasing ecological threats to Planet Earth.
Delegates spoke of difficulties and struggles in all their countries; a combination of the effects of climate change, environmental destruction with loss of biodiversity and resources such as water, and the ongoing global economic crisis is challenging people and communities across our whole society. And churches are encouraged to be stronger advocates for creative change in the face of these growing concerns.
I am assuming then, that none of the attendees to this event actually burned (oh, the horror) fossil fuels to voyage there? Or that they used electricity (primarily generated there by non renewable technology)? And on their return to their home they immediately destroyed all their air conditioning units and sold off their electric appliances and dirty, gasoline burning vehicles!
“Speakers referred to the need to move away from the current inequitable and unstable economic situation, towards a more just and sustainable economy.”
How does this statement tie in to green energy initiatives? For the forseeable future, only cheap(er) and more plentiful fossil fuels can provide a “just and sustainable economy”.