GREEN LINKS.

Byline: By Janis Irvine

IN last month's issue of Link, Bishop Martin wrote about the effects of climate change on the vulnerable regions of the world and how, for people living in areas such as Africa, Asia and the Middle East, every aspect of life will be affected, quoting food, health, water, energy and infrastructure. He highlighted the fact that, because of our global interconnectedness, many other countries will experience secondary effects by way of conflict and migration.

In the same week as Link, an article appeared in a national paper quoting record temperatures in the Arctic of above 20 degrees, which is 15 degrees higher than the long term average. This has caused mud slides as the permafrost on hillsides has melted. A scientist is quoted as saying "The ice cover of the North Polar Sea is dwindling; the ocean and the atmosphere are becoming steadily warmer; the ocean currents are changing".

Christians can no longer "walk by on the other side". It behoves each of us to reduce our energy usage, however difficult. And while every individual action counts, we could accomplish so much more if we worked together as a body. Congregations, acting together, can offer help and encouragement to each other so that no-one feels they are having to carry this load alone. Standing Committees and PCCs could put a high emphasis on carbon footprint reduction within their agendas. Church groups such as Mothers Union, Bible Study, Social Events, churchyard work parties and even evangelical or ecumenical outreach can all show their concern and implement action plans. Energy awareness and reduction should become a natural part of life. With every church (of every denomination) in every town and village engaged in green awareness, we really could be a force for change.

FURTHER ACTION

November is traditionally the start of the tree planting season. Trees are the oldest and biggest living things on Earth. Trees are part of our heritage; they offer shelter, food, wood for buildings and furniture and they are an intrinsic part of our surroundings whether in city park, urban street or as part of our precious countryside. Trees are one of our greatest friends; they help to make our surroundings healthier. They trap carbon dioxide, thus slowing global warming, and they help to replace oxygen in the air we breathe. One mature beech tree produces enough oxygen for the needs of 10 people! Trees support much of our native wildlife as shelter or food. An old English oak can provide potential habitat for more than 240 species of insect.

Trees need our protection; it may take two centuries for a tree to reach maturity but no more than two minutes to cut it down. We also need to replenish our tree numbers when they die or are felled. If your garden will permit it, do consider planting a tree this winter. This can be purely ornamental or productive, such as an apple or plum tree. If space allows, perhaps you could plant a hedge which would provide food and shelter for birds, insects and other wildlife such as hedgehogs. When looking at what type, please consider planting a native British species. These will support the greatest number of wildlife which also deserve our protection. Churchyards, too, can play their part. When choosing and planting, consider the tree's best interests - is this an appropriate place to site one, is this the right size of tree for the space available? Now go out and hug a tree, they really are one of your greatest friends!