“The Uniting Church views climate change as a most serious threat to humanity that must be tackled urgently,” said the moderator of the Uniting Church in Western Australia, Rev Steve Francis.
“The time has come to aim higher on climate change action. The Australian Government, along with global leaders, has a unique opportunity at the upcoming United Nations climate talks in Paris to commit to carbon emission reduction targets that prevent the worst impacts of climate change.”
At the Uniting Church’s 39th meeting of the Synod of Western Australia over the weekend, members of the Synod paused to make a symbolic action calling for stronger action on climate change.
“Western Australia is particularly exposed to changes in climate with noticeable impacts already being felt in our agricultural sector and urban water supply. The unique and vulnerable flora and fauna species of the South West are at particular risk and we feel a responsibility to advocate for this wonderful network of ecosystems,” Steve said.
“The health and safety of our community, through a likely increase in bushfires, cyclone intensity and heatwaves, is also of great concern to us. As West Australians, we want to see strong action on climate change so that future West Australians can be safe to enjoy the beauty and sustenance this special corner of the world provides.
The Uniting Church in Western Australia welcomes the submission made by UnitingJustice Australia, the justice unit of the Uniting Church National Assembly, to the to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s review of Australia’s post-2020 reduction target. It called for the reinstatement of a price on carbon and an emissions reduction target of at least 40% of 2000 levels by 2020. The President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Stuart McMillan, labelled the Government’s current targets “a failure of leadership” and “a failure to care for future generations and for creation.”