Christians to Explore Lifestyle Choices and Climate Change

Christian eco experts are to gather at Swanwick in Derbyshire later in the month for a major consultation on the impact of individual lifestyle choices and habits of consumption on Global South countries.

The Ecumenical World Development Consultation 2007 will take place at the Hayes Conference Centre from 21 to 23 March 2007 under the theme "Lifestyles". Delegates will discuss the impact of the lifestyle choices of those living in affluent countries like the UK on the lives of those living in the Global South.

They will also address the impact of our lifestyle choices on climate change and explore the possibility of Gospel-based alternative lifestyles.

"This year's theme emerges from the growing awareness within the churches of our choices' impact on the world, and addresses the relationship between care for creation and care for humanity," said organisers.

A number of talks, theological reflections, workshops, discussion groups and worship delegates will take conference members through the impact of our use of natural resources, our spending power and attitudes to growth and wealth.

"The object of the conference is to help churches respond practically to these concerns," said organisers.

Confirmed speakers include Peter Heslam, director of Transforming Business at Cambridge University and editor of "Globalisation and the Good"; Sir John Houghton, former chair of the Scientific Assessment Working Group of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; Rev Joe Kapolyo, author of "The Human Condition: Christian Perspectives through African Eyes"; Andrew Simms, policy director of the New Economics Foundation; and Elaine Storkey, president of Tearfund.

The conference is aimed to educate Christians of all levels of knowledge on climate change and sustainable living and a number of workshops will be led by eco experts including Paula Clifford from Christian Aid, David Pickering from Operation Noah, Jo Rathbone from Eco-Congregations, and Benedict Southworth of the World Development Movement.

Staff from CAFOD, the Fairtrade Foundation, MRDF, Tearfund and Tourism Concern will provide additional support and expertise at the conference.