Environment & Climate
The natural world is God’s creation, and its care is our calling.
As climate and ecological crises intensify, justice, stewardship, and intergenerational responsibility are non‑negotiable.
This page equips you to think deeply and act decisively across all dimensions of caring for creation.
Climate & Nature Bill 2024
Introduced via Private Members’ Bill (Roz Savage MP), passed second reading 24th January, adjourned the 11th July . It seeks legally binding targets covering UK emissions, including international trade, shipping, aviation, and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030. The government has stalled it, promising a public statement but no firm legislation
Planning & Infrastructure Bill 2024
Part 3 proposals drew alarm as a “licence to kill nature”— development bypassing impact assessments by paying a levy. NGOs (RSPB, Wildlife Trusts) oppose it; government is offering patchy amendments
Climate Finance Bill 2025
Labour MP Burgon’s private member’s bill proposes taxing super yacht/private jet owners and fossil-fuel firms to fund flood defences and home insulation. It's a prompt to policy debate, though unlikely to pass
ULEZ & congestion charges
London expanded ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ), with low-mileage vehicle exemptions; central London congestion charge continues, running public health & air‑quality benefits.
Green spaces & recycling
New standards under the Environment Act tightened recycling targets. Local councils are increasing funding for tree-planting, community gardens, and green corridors.
Transport & air pollution
PM2.5 decreasing, yet NO₂ and surface ozone occasionally breach WHO standards; respiratory issues are rising, especially among children.
Food & climate
Agriculture—including meat/dairy—accounts for ~25% of UK emissions. Domestic measures support low-carbon farming; international shipping restrictions under debate.
Fast fashion & supply chains
New regulations target textile waste; aim to curb over-production and encourage the circular economy in clothing.
What’s Happening in UK Policy
Why It Matters
Present impact, future cost: Increased respiratory illness, flood damage, heatwaves, biodiversity loss, and agricultural productivity decline, especially in vulnerable communities.
Biblical stewardship: We are called to “tend and keep the Garden” (Gen 2:15), and to uphold justice for those most affected (Prov 31:8-9).
Holistic duty: Environmental care ties to economic resilience, public health, and our faith commitments.
Biblical Principles
A. Stewards of Creation
Genesis 2:15 – God placed humanity in the garden “to tend and to keep it.”
Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
Revelation 11:18 – “The time has come… for destroying those who destroy the earth.”
→ This is not just a poetic statement — it’s a prophetic warning that God takes environmental destruction seriously. Environmental neglect is not morally neutral; it’s spiritually indictable.
B. Justice for the Vulnerable
Proverbs 31:8–9 – Defend the poor and voiceless—including those first and worst affected by ecological collapse.
Isaiah 24:4–6 – The earth suffers because of human lawlessness and broken stewardship.
C. Planning for the Future
Proverbs 21:20 – Wise people plan and prepare; fools squander what they’ve been given.
James 4:17 – Knowing the right thing to do and not doing it is sin. Inaction is not innocence.
Mini Reflection
Creation is not neutral—it’s sacred. Each storm surge, each sweltering summer day, stands as a ripple of moral consequence. As believers, we are called to build, not destroy; to restore, not erode. Until we treat Earth as God’s gift—not our property—our faith remains incomplete.
Morally Conservative & Socially Liberal
Moral foundation: Protect God’s creation and defend the vulnerable.
Social vision: Embrace clean energy, low-carbon transport, recycling, and breathable air across demographics.
Policy priorities:
Pass and strengthen the Climate & Nature Bill → binding emissions + biodiversity targets
Amend the Planning Bill to restore full environmental assessment
Support the Climate Finance Bill → polluter‑pays principle
Tighten recycling rules; support textile circular economy reforms.
Promote meat/dairy reduction, incentivise regenerative farming.
Align infrastructure plans with both climate and nature goals.
What You or Your Group Can Do
Individuals
Contact your MP: urge support for the CAN Bill, Planning law reforms, and polluter‑pays measures
Reduce footprint: insulate your home, cut meat consumption, recycle, choose sustainable clothing.
Join local eco-initiatives: litter-picks, tree-planting, community allotments.
Churches & Communities
Retrofit buildings: install LED lighting, insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps.
Form Eco‑Teams: guide the congregation on lifestyle stewardship, organise green events.
Partner with councils: advocate for local recycling, green spaces, and air‑quality monitoring.
Host educational sessions: combine biblical teaching with environmental science.
Pray and stand witness: create eco-focused services and prayer events, aligning faith with climate action.