English bishop welcomes climate change report

Salford, England, May 7, 2019 / 10:56 am

The English and Welsh bishops' lead on environmental issues welcomed Thursday the publication of an advisory group's report encouraging the British government to cut greenhouse gas net emissions to zero by 2050.

"In achieving this target, we must all play our part, and I'm proud that the Catholic community has taken a leading role in showing what can be achieved. Thousands of our churches are running on renewable energy and schools and parishes in dioceses around the country have committed to living simply and sustainably," Bishop John Arnold of Salford said May 2.

He called 'net zero' an "ambitious target which will be welcomed by the thousands of Catholics in this country who have responded to Pope Francis's call for us to protect our common home."

Bishop Arnold said that "we look forward to seeing the government embracing its role in delivering this agenda urgently and enthusiastically."

"The report represents a welcome recognition that as a country we must be a good 'global' neighbour and must think about the millions of our brothers and sisters around the world who already face danger and suffering, and the millions more who will increasingly be affected by climate change."

The Committee on Climate Change, which issued the report, said the 2050 goal is possible to meet through lowered costs of renewable energy.

Net zero emissions would be achieved by reducing, storing, and offsetting emissions.