Kirk steps up engagement with climate change issues

The Church of Scotland has appointed a climate change project officer to help expand and develop the Kirk's contribution to the climate change movement in Scotland.

The decision follows the debate on climate change at the General Assembly in May 2007, during which members accepted the Church paper "Energy for a Changing Climate" and its call to make the lifestyle changes necessary to reduce energy use and consumption of the Earth's resources.

Adrian Shaw, a member of the Scottish Council of WWF, will work with the Councils of the Church to identify the impacts of climate change and help Councils to address these impacts.

He will also support eco-congregations and work with them in their efforts to respond effectively to climate change

The Church of Scotland recently joined the Stop Climate Chaos Scotland coalition of NGOs and charities lobbying the Government to step up its response to climate change.

Shaw will help the Church of Scotland to contribute to the wider debate on climate change in Scotland through its membership in the coalition.

Welcoming the appointment, the convener of the Church and Society Council, Morag Mylne, said: "The Church of Scotland is concerned that climate change poses a serious and immediate threat to people everywhere, particularly to the poor of the earth; and that climate change represents a failure in our stewardship of God's creation.

"We accept the need to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases urgently to avoid dangerous and irreversible climate change; and to promote a more equitable and sustainable use of energy."

The work of the climate change project officer falls under the remit of the Church and Society Council but is jointly supported by the World Mission Council and Mission and Discipleship Council.