26 June 2007
Giant 'carbon footprint' to spark debate at Methodist Conference
The Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF) will be
using a red, two metre high 'carbon footprint' at this year's
Methodist Conference to highlight the danger to developing
countries posed by climate change. The charity will be challenging
Conference representatives to measure their own carbon footprints
and to act to reduce them. As more people commit to action
throughout the Conference, the footprint will gradually turn
green.
MRDF Director Kirsty Smith said: "The average Briton is
responsible for ten times more carbon emissions than someone in El
Salvador, and up to a hundred times more than someone in parts of
Africa like Mali or Niger. Poor countries, where MRDF partner
organisations work, are already feeling the impact of climate
change: rainfall patterns are changing, drought is increasingly
severe and extreme weather is more likely. This Conference, we must
face up to the impact that our lifestyles and decisions have on the
world's poorest people and take positive action."
The Conference will debate a resolution entitled 'caring for
creation in the face of climate change' which encourages every part
of the Methodist Church to monitor and reduce its carbon emissions.
"MRDF believes that by working together Methodists can take a lead
in tackling climate change through political action and personal
choices," continued Ms Smith. "It's time we stood up and were
counted." To help Conference representatives get started,
energy-saving starter kits will be available from MRDF in a limited
edition bag made from re-used Indian newspapers.
MRDF will also be launching its Harvest Pack at the Conference,
which shows how MRDF is helping farmers in El Salvador to achieve a
Harvest, despite widespread environmental damage and the increasing
effects of climate change. The free pack includes all-age
activities, colour posters, worship materials and stories of
'Harvest against the odds'. Alejandro Martinez is pictured with his
tomato crop on the cover. He is one of the many small-scale farmers
who have been trained by MRDF in low-cost, environmentally friendly
farming techniques. Although he is now able to reap an improved
harvest without harming the environment, disrupted rainfall
patterns caused by climate change continue to threaten his
livelihood in the future. MRDF hopes that churches across the UK
will use this pack at Harvest for fundraising events, special
services and to raise awareness about environmental damage and
climate change.
Outgoing Vice President of Conference, Dudley Coates, will also be
lending his support to MRDF at Conference. He will arrive in his
walking boots, fresh from completing a sponsored 100-mile trek
along the South West Coast Path.
MRDF will be thanking Conference delegates for making small
miracles possible in the world's poorest countries over the past
year - by offering chocolate, vanilla and lemon thank you cup cakes
- kindly donated by a Trustee.