Low-carbon Africa: Leapfrogging to a green future by Christian Aid

Christian Aid's new report Low-carbon Africa: Leapfrogging to a green future, makes the case that Africa is able to deliver clean and sustainable energy to millions of energy-poor people across the continent without increasing greenhouse gas emissions – and for this renewable power potential to drive a green economic expansion across the region.

For further information or to download a copy click here.

Campaigning on Climate Change with Christian Aid and SCCS

Eco-Congregation Scotland works closely with Christian Aid. We are currently running a series of Eco Workshops together which highlight the effect that Climate Change is having on countries around the world as well as Scotland and what we might do in response.

Christian Aid is a member of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS). SCCS are currently trying to keep the Scottish Government on track regarding their momentous Climate Change Act Moment in 2009.


Why is it important?
Scotland ’s Climate Change Act is world-leading. With a 42% emissions reduction target by 2020, it's in line with scientists' recommendations if we want to protect people and nature from the devastating impacts of climate change. But while we're leading the way with our Climate Act, it'll be impossible to meet our commitments if there isn't adequate funding. We must make sure that our government takes action to create a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Scotland , and a better world for us all. The Scottish Government is planning next year's budget now for Parliament to consider - so please help us put the pressure on to ensure they allocate enough public funds for action on climate change - such as insulating housing and providing better public transport.


Send a special email to your MSP 
If one of your MSPs is listed below, you have an important role to play in helping Scotland move towards a low carbon future. The Scottish Government has published their draft budget, but it does not currently fund even the minimum activities required if we’re to meet the greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in our Climate Change Act. This group of MSPs has high influence when it comes to reducing Scotland’s emissions – if your MSP is listed below, please take action today.

If you’re not sure which constituency you live in, find out here.

Aberdeen South and North Kincardine
Maureen Watt MSP, Convenor of the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee

Airdrie and Shotts
Alex Neil MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment

Caithness, Sutherland & Ross
Rob Gibson MSP, Convenor of the Rural Affairs, Environment and Climate Change Committee

Clackmannanshire and Dunblane
Keith Brown MSP, Minister for Transport and Housing

Cunninghame North
Kenny Gibson MSP, Convenor of the Finance Committee

Lothians region
Gavin Brown MSP, Convenor of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee

Christian Aid - Bearing Witness - Day Of Action & Prayer On Climate Change

News from Christian Aid:

Bearing Witness - Day Of Action & Prayer On Climate Change, Manchester, Saturday 1st October, 12 – 7.30pm

On the eve of the Conservative Party conference, hundreds of supporters of Christian Aid, Cafod and Tearfund – along with other SCC charities – will be travelling to Manchester to take part in an inspiring day of campaigning and worship on the issues of climate change and global poverty.

We will:

• learn from overseas partners who are living on the frontline of climate change, 
• worship together at a special ecumenical service in the Anglican cathedral, 
• form a procession through the city to speak out for the world’s poor, who are already suffering first and worst from the effects of a changing climate, and
• call on our government to honour their promise to be the ‘greenest government ever’ and take strong action on tackling climate change.

Come and join us! For more details, contact Christian Aid on 0207 523 2264 or register online at http://www.christianaid.org.uk/bearingwitness

If you would like to travel down with our staff team leaving from Glasgow on the day, do contact dgreen@christian-aid.org who can make arrangements.  They are hoping to travel by train, on the day itself and have lunch together.  They would very much like to have you along with them.

Christian Aid and Eco-Congregation Scotland Roadshows

As part of our partnership with Christian Aid we will be undertaking a series of roadshows, hosted by local Eco-Congregation networks.

These roadshows will give local churches the opportunity to find out more about climate change and how they can combat it through  working with Christian Aid and Eco-Congregation Scotland. The meetings will include presentations from both organisations and short workshops. This is an opportunity to find out how your congregation can take part in Christian Aid's campaigns and take practical steps to reduce their impact on people living in developing countries.

The meetings are being hosted by local Eco-Congregation Scotland networks, but they are also aimed at churches who are not currently taking part in the Eco-Congregation programme. This is your opportunity to invite along other local congregations and get them involved. We will be posting details here of these roadshows as they are confirmed. Please help us publicise them and invite your neighbouring churches.

List of roadshows:

Saturday 12th November 2011, Inverness 10am–1pm (TBC) at Ness Bank Church

Friday 23rd September 2011, Perth (TBC)