The United Church of Canada, together with other churches in Canada and around the world, is deeply concerned about climate change. This issue has profound ethical and moral dimensions: climate change is being caused largely by the polluting emissions from richer, over-developed countries but the consequences will be suffered disproportionately by poorer developing nations, vulnerable ecosystems, and future generations.
United Church Work on Climate Change
The United Church began work on climate change issues in 1988.
In 1992, the 34th General Council adopted the policy statement One Earth Community, which affirms 12 key ethical principles that guide the church’s work on ecological issues. These principles include economic justice, human responsibility, sustainable lifestyles, the protection of biodiversity, and ensuring the rights for future generations.
In 2000, General Council adopted Energy in the One Earth Community, which calls us to move beyond dependence on fossil fuels and other technologies that produce emissions leading to climate change.
In 2009, General Council adopted “The United Church of Canada and Global Warming—The Unavoidable Challenge,” which was taken as a priority in The Moderator's Plan for Participating in God's Abundant Healing of Creation (2009)
Current church work—much done ecumenically through KAIROS and the World Council of Churches—includes advocacy on implementation of the Kyoto Protocol, energy conservation and retrofits for church buildings, and linking to global efforts of solidarity with those already being affected by climate change.