Living the Change
A global multi-faith initiative that encourages people to make lifestyle changes to reduce their personal greenhouse gas emissions!
Living the Change is based on two deep convictions:
That the earth is a gift from God
That each of us has a responsibility to live in a way that supports and sustains our common home
The program asked us to consider, and make changes, in three areas:
- Reduced use of transport based on fossil fuels
- Shifting towards more plant-based diets
- Getting our energy from renewable sources
While world leaders have agreed we must strive to limit global warming to 1.5oC, scientists tell us current trends have us heading to at least twice that level of emissions. The consequences of a global rise in temperature of that scale would be increasingly harmful for current generations and devastating for future ones – more intense and frequent droughts and fires, more damaging storms, the Barrier Reef destroyed, declines in animal and insect species, reduced food production and across the world, tens of millions of people displaced as climate refugees
Clearly, strong government policies and decisive changes by corporations are needed to cut our emissions and change our trajectory. But private individuals and families can make a significant contribution. It is estimated that Australian households are directly responsible for between 12% and 20% of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions. This comes mainly from transport and different forms of electricity use.
UCAN Collaborations
Uniting Climate regularly hosts information forums to highlight ways individuals can reduce and address their personal greenhouse gas emissions. You can access summary information developed from the series below!
Living the Change
As well as contributing to overall reductions, my actions to limit carbon emissions may challenge or encourage others to make changes. If culture is defined by what is accepted as normal in any given society, then enough people acting differently can begin to change that culture.
Living the Change Resources
More resources will continue to be added
Emissions Reduction Booklet
An information booklet outlining why and how we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our homes and churches. Created by the ‘Church and Individual Emissions’ Task Group as part of the Uniting Church of Australia NSW/ACT Synod Climate Strategy.
Synod Climate Action Strategy and Living the Change
As part of the Synod Climate Action Strategy adopted in 2019, the Synod is encouraging Uniting Church members, households and communities to take part in the Living the Change initiative.
Food for Thought Pt 1
Our Food System and Why it Needs to Change
Food and the way we consume it has a direct contribution to climate change. But how did we get here? Read more about our food system and why it needs to change. This is part one of a two part series and it explores the evolution of our corporate food system and the issues with it.
Diet and Meat
Reducing the amount of meat we eat – particularly red meat – and replacing it with healthy plant- based alternatives has been shown to help climate change through a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate Conversations With Your MP
Climate change is a national and global issue. We want to know our political leaders have a plan for how to respond and address it. Learn how to have effective conversations with your MP about climate change.
Transport Information Sheet
This sheet provides information on the carbon emissions that result from different types of transport.
Transport methods we use can have a real impact on our total emissions, at an individual and national level It describes ways we can make different choices.
Food for Thought Pt 2
Eating for Climate and Health
Eating for climate also means eating for health. It isn’t a solely individual challenge and we need to challenge the power status quo for meaningful change. Find out how you can be part of that change in part two of the Food for Thought series on our food system.
Electric Vehicles
People switching to electric vehicles will play a critical role in Australia reaching its climate goals including reaching Net Zero. Find out more and decide whether an EV is the right option for you!
