A question asked by every generation with regard to the notion of legacy and its validity is, “What kind of footprint would we like to leave behind for the next generation?” This rhetorical question has a major implication for the wellbeing of those who are following. It has prompted those who are leading or going before to be responsible for their actions and to assess their behaviour.

Any behaviour, whether good or bad, has a major implication on those who are around and come after. Within this framework, we need to think about the footprint we leave behind with regard to climate change. Our behaviour and its result are inseparable and therefore we must assess the issues seriously. If we are not responsible people then we are likely to ignore the crying of our mother earth for justice. In the climate justice workshop at Conference last year, we saw images of human activities that have contributed to the groaning of our earth. Industries, plastics, dairy farms, transport systems and more, pollute our earth. Our environment is crying for justice. How can we do justice to the extreme changing of the climate? Where can we find assistance to mitigate climate change?

I was one of those people waiting with anticipation for the announcement of the government budget on 19 May 2022. The government announced that they are willing to invest $2.9 billion in their plan to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere that causes the increase of global warming, which evidently affects the weather pattern and cycle of nature. I am very pleased to see that the government is committed to mitigating climate change and confronting human activities that damage the sanctity of our natural environment. Those who are polluting our environment must take account of their irresponsible behaviour.

A comment from the Minister of Climate Change, James Shaw, highlights the government’s attitude toward polluters, “The Climate Emergency Response Fund is a game-changer that will provide billions of dollars over the next four years to help meet our Government’s climate goals. It has been made possible only because of the changes we made to the ETS that now mean our largest polluters are finally paying a proper price for their climate pollution.” I think this comment is relevant and true to those who are facing the worst effects of climate change. They are the lowest emitters of carbon dioxide but they bear the devastating impact of climate change. These communities are desperate for justice. They are longing for a kind of footprint that would give life and hope to their generations to come.

Whatever the reaction was to the government budget, I am impressed with their commitment to climate justice. This budget might not resolve every problem that contributes to climate change but at least we can see the government is taking a step forward. However, the questions remain: How can the government distribute this money to implement climate justice in our communities?

Should our church have a share of this money to assist us in our endeavour to mitigate climate change? We are part of the wider community and therefore not separate from the government’s investment for the reduction of carbon dioxide emission. As partners in building resilience in our communities with regard to climate justice, we should have a share of this investment. Our church is already responding to the challenge of climate change through various activities. The Climate Justice Working Group organised a workshop on climate justice and we have heard the voices of our people. A few of the suggestions that came out of this workshop were that we should have a Green Sunday, a Ten-Year vision on let the planet live, a climate justice guideline for our church properties and a policy on climate refugees. Some parishes and congregations are already engaged in activities that are aiming to mitigate climate change. Our church is proactive in campaigning for climate justice and therefore I believe the government should recognise our effort and be willing to collaborate with us in this mission. Our efforts prove that we are all determined to leave behind a footprint that would give hope and life to the generations to come.