We’re marching for climate justice

The state and national councils of the Uniting Church in Australia will officially support the People’s Climate Marches taking place around Australia and the world in November.

“I’m delighted that our Church is getting behind this important global campaign,” said Uniting Church in Australia President Stuart McMillan.

“Since our foundation almost 40 years ago, we in the Uniting Church have repeatedly voiced our concern for the wellbeing of the planet and the rights of future generations to enjoy our natural environment.

“Uniting Church members will join others marching to express our concern for the whole creation. This is also for us an important action we take in solidarity with our Pacific and other international partner churches.”

The People’s Climate Marches are scheduled for the weekend of 27-29 November 2015. They’ll highlight public concern about climate change as world leaders gather for UN climate talks in Paris.

The Uniting Church declared climate change a serious threat to the future of life on earth in 2006, and in the years since most national and state councils of the Church have divested from corporations engaging in fossil fuel extraction.

National Director of UnitingJustice Australia Rev. Elenie Poulos has urged the Australian Government to lift its commitment to global efforts to address climate change.

“Australia’s announced emissions reduction target of 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2030, remains well short of the level experts say is required to reverse the effects of climate change,” said Rev. Poulos.

“There’s still time for the Australian Government to put a more ambitious target on the table in Paris, and we should be doing what we can to encourage our Government to aim higher.”

UnitingWorld National Director Rob Floyd says partner churches across the Pacific will welcome the support for a stronger global response.

“The message to the world by Pacific leaders is clear. It is our responsibility as custodians and stewards of the earth to respond responsibly and ethically,” said Mr Floyd.

“Small island states are already suffering the impacts of climate change and we need a concerted international response to address this very real threat to humanity.”

Sydney’s rally will take place on 29 November. For details of the rallies taking place across Australia, visit https://peoplesclimate.org.au/