Methodist Conference agrees Net Zero update

The Methodist Conference has received an update on the Methodist Church’s Action for Hope work and aspiration to become net zero by 2030. 

Representatives heard that progress has been made across the Connexion, but parts of the Church have struggled to develop a robust strategy to meet the target. The report concluded that it would be better to move from the 2030 target while also noting all the progress that has been made. 

In an associated report, the Connexional Council advised with lament that retaining the 2030 target would risk undermining credibility and invite accusations of ‘greenwashing’ and therefore recommended its withdrawal. Instead, the Conference was asked to adopt a more flexible, ongoing approach to carbon reduction that prioritises sustained progress over a fixed deadline. 

This includes developing tools to support voluntary carbon footprint measurement, encouraging engagement at every level of the Church and focusing on practical actions such as property reviews, reducing travel emissions and increasing participation in schemes like Eco Church. The Conference heard that while this represents a step back from a time-bound ambition, it reflects a more honest and sustainable pathway – one that maintains both inspiration and a sense of urgency while focusing on long-term carbon reduction.

The report to the Conference reads: “While the reality of the scale of decarbonising the Church has meant that the aspirational target of net zero by 2030 will not be reached, this must be viewed as one stage of the journey and not the end of it. The scale of the challenge ahead, alongside the worsening situation and unjust impacts of the climate crisis on God’s creation, requires us to increase our efforts rather than lose focus or momentum.

“As we consider the work of Action for Hope to this point it is important to hold both the lament that the Church will not reach its aspirational target and the celebration of progress which has been made as a result of setting the goal. Both the lament and celebration must be used as motivation to further effort.”

Dr Hamish Leese, Director of Environmental Engagement at the Methodist Church, said: “In 2021 the Methodist Conference agreed and affirmed that the global climate emergency is a crisis for God’s creation and a fundamental injustice. It is, therefore, not only a practical issue but a deeply spiritual one, which is inextricably linked to discipleship and God’s mission which we are called to join. At the same Conference, an aspirational target was agreed for the Church to aim to become net zero by 2030. 

“In the years since 2021 a great deal of work has been undertaken by churches, circuits and districts all across the Connexion, and I want to say a big congratulations to all those who have made progress. We have seen churches all over the country making environmental concerns part of their worship and teaching life and reduce the amount of energy they are using, as well as sourcing it from renewable sources. Many churches have added solar panels or heat pumps, and many more have taken the first steps that will enable them to travel further on their sustainability journey. Over 1,300 Methodist churches in Great Britain are now registered with Eco Church, and this number is growing all the time. 

“While progress has been made which wouldn’t have happened without this target, it is important for us to recognise and acknowledge with lament that we will not be a net zero Church by 2030. The target was an aspirational one precisely because we knew the scale of the challenge in achieving it, and it is one which the Church has not had the capacity to achieve. To retain a target we know we are unable to achieve would undermine our credibility on this incredibly important issue and would open us to accusations of ‘greenwashing’.

“Although the Church is moving away from the time-bound target, this is in no way an indication that these issues are any less important to the Church. Climate change is inherently and inescapably an issue of mission, discipleship  and justice. Indeed, this proposed change is a recognition that an issue of this importance requires a realistic and practical approach which moves beyond an aspirational target which is out of reach. 

“As we move into a new phase of our journey towards net zero it is critical that we maintain momentum, inspiration and a sense of urgency, where all Methodists and Methodist churches are called to act as swiftly as possible to reduce our emissions and, in doing so, promote climate justice and enable the flourishing of God’s creation.”