More than 120 people working to look after the environment across the Church of England gathered at the headquarters of the British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge for two days to share ideas and learnings.
A Connect 2025 conference, sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance, was held to bring together more than 120 people from all 42 dioceses plus other denominations to share expertise on climate change, net zero and the theology behind caring for God’s creation.
From the Diocese of Leeds, Beth Maclean, Diocesan Carbon Net Zero Programme Manager, and Fran Taylor, Carbon Net Zero Fundraising Officer, attended.
Of the conference, Beth said: “Attending the conference was a fantastic opportunity for passionate, motivated net zero specialists across the Church of England to come together and share ideas.
“We heard inspiring success stories from dioceses across the country and learned valuable lessons from each other’s challenges.
“Achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2030 is no small task, but I’m feeling optimistic that we are moving in the right direction and excited to see what we can accomplish in the years ahead.”
Speakers included the Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich and the Church of England’s Lead Bishop for the Environment; Beatrix Schlarb-Ridley, Director of Innovation and Impact, British Antarctic Survey; the Revd Preb Dr Isabelle Hamley, Principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge and Alex Randall from Climate Outreach.
Speaking at the event, Bishop Graham said: “Acting to prevent global warming and biodiversity loss is the right thing to do and a sign of Christian compassion for those who are suffering as a result of the climate crisis.”
Bishop Graham thanked parishes and staff for their ‘hard work and commitment’ towards net zero carbon by 2030 and their support for churchyards to become havens for biodiversity.
Pictures credit Brendan Foster.