04/04/2025
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and churches have a unique role to play in addressing it. The Church of England has set an ambitious target to reach net zero carbon by 2030, and every church can contribute to this goal. Here are some tips and inspiring quotes from our new “Practical Guide to Help Your Church Reach Net Zero Carbon" to help you engage your congregation with the Church’s goal to care for God’s creation.
1. Highlight the Importance of Climate Justice
Climate justice is a hot topic right now, but not everyone sees it the same way. As someone who has worked on Christian Aid climate campaigns, I've found that talking about climate justice can be tough. But once people understand the faith-based reasons behind it and how they can help, it becomes easier to talk about.
"Climate change is having a devastating effect on communities all over the world, especially the poorest countries and poorest people. By tackling climate change, we support our local mission and witness to our communities that we are people who care about climate justice, now and for the future." - Practical Guide to Help Your Church Reach Net Zero Carbon
Content ideas
Facebook/Instagram: Share posts with stories and statistics about the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. Use images and infographics to make the content more engaging.
X, Threads, BlueSky: Post facts or quotes related to climate justice. Use relevant hashtags like #ClimateJustice, #NetZero, and #ChurchesForClimate.
YouTube: Create videos talking about how your church is working towards our net zero goals
2. Share Practical Steps for Reducing Carbon Emissions
Reducing your carbon emissions is a practical way to help with climate action, but it can sometimes feel like a big task. Communicating to people with clear, simple steps can make a big difference. Break down these steps and make them easy for everyone to follow.
"There are many simple actions nearly all churches can take to lower carbon emissions. Many are low-cost options and can help you begin your journey to net zero carbon." - Practical Guide to Help Your Church Reach Net Zero Carbon
Content Ideas:
Blog: Write detailed posts about specific actions like maintaining roofs and gutters, replacing lightbulbs with LEDs, and installing smart meters. Include step-by-step guides and personal anecdotes
Instagram Stories: Share quick tips and before-and-after photos of energy-saving projects your church has been involved in
Facebook Groups: Create a group for your congregation to share their own tips and progress on reducing carbon emissions
3. Promote Energy Efficiency Projects
Energy efficiency is key to cutting down our carbon footprint, but it can be a bit confusing to get to grips with. Through my work with Christian Aid, I've seen how promoting energy efficiency projects can inspire and motivate communities. Sharing updates and success stories about these projects can help your congregation see why energy efficiency matters and how it benefits everyone.
"Heating typically makes up over 80% of a church’s energy use. Decarbonising this heat is critical in cutting your carbon footprint." - Practical Guide to Help Your Church Reach Net Zero Carbon
Content Ideas:
Facebook Live: Host a live session to discuss ongoing energy efficiency projects and answer questions from the congregation
Instagram Reels/TikTok: Create short, engaging videos showcasing the progress of energy efficiency projects at your church
Newsletter: Include a section in your monthly newsletter highlighting updates and success stories
4. Encourage Community Involvement
Getting your community involved is crucial for making progress, but it can be hard to recruit volunteers. From my experience with Christian Aid, I've learned that encouraging community involvement needs clear communication and support, as well as opportunities that reflect the capacity your congregation has to get involved. It's important to create opportunities for your congregation to join in initiatives that will build a sense of shared responsibility.
"Find some people to work together; this is a big challenge to do alone. Maybe you could team up with another church in your deanery or get a keen volunteer from the community."
Content Ideas:
Website: Create a dedicated page for climate action initiatives, including volunteer opportunities and upcoming events
Email Campaigns: Send regular emails to keep the congregation informed and motivated to participate
Social Media Challenges: Launch challenges on platforms like Instagram and Facebook to encourage community involvement (e.g., a week-long challenge to reduce energy use), perhaps around key days like World Environment Day or during Creationtide.
Posting Frequency:
Website: Update as needed
Email Campaigns: Monthly
Social Media Challenges: Around key dates
5. Address Concerns and Provide Support
Addressing concerns and offering support is really important when talking about climate action. It can sometimes seem like it’s hard to make a difference or to know where to start, so it's important to reassure people and offer guidance. Through my work with Christian Aid, I've found that creating a supportive environment where people can ask questions and share their experiences is key to overcoming these challenges.
"Try not to feel overwhelmed or fearful of change. If there are unfamiliar terms or things to learn, investigate what you can and ask others for help. Remember, the only silly questions are the ones you don’t ask."
Content Ideas:
FAQ Section: Add a frequently asked questions section on your website addressing common concerns about climate action.
Facebook/Instagram Stories: Use the Q&A feature to answer questions from your congregation in real-time.
Webinars: Host discussion webinars to provide guidance and support.
Example:
6. Celebrate Progress and Success
Celebrating progress and success is vital for keeping up the momentum in climate action. Recognising the efforts of individuals and groups within your congregation can inspire ongoing commitment. Celebrating milestones and sharing achievements can create a sense of collective accomplishment and motivate further action.
"By 2030, our churches will be bright, warm, and welcoming, consuming much less energy and emitting less carbon than they do now. And that will be good for the people in our churches, and good for the whole of creation." - Practical Guide to Help Your Church Reach Net Zero Carbon
Content Ideas:
Social Media Posts: Share regular updates on your church's progress towards net zero carbon. Use photos and testimonials to highlight successes
Blog: Write monthly posts celebrating milestones and recognising the efforts of individuals and groups within your congregation
YouTube: Create a video showcasing the journey and achievements of your church in reducing carbon emissions
Finally, there are many young people who are passionate about climate issues. If you are finding that there is a challenge with creating this content yourself, maybe think about creating a climate working group in your church and see how your congregation can support with creating content. We look forward to seeing what your church is doing towards being good stewards of the earth and working towards net zero carbon.
- Ruvimbo Makumbe, Digital Labs Manager
