Climate Justice stories from Hamilton East Methodist Parish

Delwyn White (Adult)

1. What does climate change mean to you?

Climate justice affirms God's love for the whole of creation and acknowledges that climate change is causing many housing, social, health, economic and other problems for vulnerable communities that have contributed least to our climate crisis e.g. the Pacific Islands. As well, droughts and floods are causing major problems throughout the world. The consequences of a warming climate are not felt equitably.

2. Which church initiatives have you participated in to support climate justice?

At St John's last year, our Climate Justice Group set monthly initiatives and we were encouraged to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Our 'Give and Take Box' outside the front of the church is very popular as it helps church members and the wider community to ‘reduce’ unwanted clothing and household items and share surplus produce, thereby supporting those who are less well off.

We have been encouraged to walk or cycle when possible and carpool and use public transport to reduce the use of fossil fuel. We have also been encouraged to make compost. This reduces plant and vegetable waste and provides natural soil enrichment. Our donated compost bin is an asset. Establishing a home garden is rewarding, budget-helpful and nutritious. (inse Photo 1.)

3. Why is it important for you to engage in these initiatives?

We are reminded almost daily of the harm that plastics are doing to our environment and to us. We must be more mindful of how products we purchase are packaged, how we use plastics in our homes and be conscientious about recycling appropriately in the council bins collected fortnightly.

We all have a very real part to play. God's world is ours NOW and we need to do all we can NOW for future generations.

Amanda Williams (Adult)

1. What does climate change mean to you?

The poor and vulnerable around the world will get knocked down once again. It means more weather which is less predictable and more drought, rain and storm events.

2. Which church initiatives have you participated in to support climate justice?

I brought seedlings for sale, recycled items through the 'Give and Take Box’ and jumble sales, entered competitions for green householding, took photos of our recycling habits at home, bought a calendar and I helped at a parish presentation about Green Initiatives.

3. Why is it important for you to engage in these initiatives?

Because historically, significant change for society often began in the church, eg. abolition, etc.

Because small lifestyle changes can make a big difference collectively.

Because I want to develop good habits that make the world better when I am gone.

Because I want to set a good example for the next generation.

Ma'ata Pouono (Age: 17)

What does climate change mean to you?

The change in our environment. We can see how it changes throughout the year and the way it's impacting people's lives.

Which church initiatives have you participated in to support climate justice?

I have participated in the MCNZ Climate Justice Group where we focus on creating a more equitable and sustainable world for future generations.

Why is it important for you to engage in these initiatives?

I care about the effect of climate change and I fear that it may worsen in the future.I recommend everyone participates in activities in regard to climate change and do a little bit of research on climate change.

Mele Pouono (Age: 17)

1. What does climate change mean to you?

When the earth's weather changes and gets messed up, it's because people are not looking after the environment and that could be burning stuff like fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas). For example, releasing greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere traps heat from the sun causing the global temperatures to rise which then leads to climate change.

2. Which church initiatives have you participated in to support climate justice?

Programmes I participated in included no food waste, less transportation and recycling. For no food waste, I made sure to take a portion size I can consume and for recycling, I use an old shoe box to store my old stationery.

3. Why is it important for you to engage in these initiatives?

Participating in these church initiatives allows me to understand my religious beliefs in a way that supports our climate justice group. I know that I can help reduce the risk of climate change and advocate for policies that promote sustainability.

My advice for everyone is to be informed about the issue. Take time to learn about climate change, its effects and how social, economic and environmental issues are all related.

Eslet Pelenaise Aloua-Carter (Age: 10)

1. What does climate change mean to you?

The weather will be heating up and as it gets hotter, the icebergs will melt and the sea will rise which means that small islands can get flooded. I am from Pangaimotu, Va’vau, Tonga and Pangaimotu (my village) could get flooded as well as other islands!

2. Which church initiatives have you participated in to support climate justice?

Every combined service, someone from the climate justice group talks about what we can do for climate justice. In January we were encouraged to buy used clothes from the Op Shop. Mum and I already do that. A lot of the stuff I wear to church, school or at home is from the Op Shop. At school I am in the Eco/Enviro Team.

3. Why is it important for you to engage in these initiatives?

To help in a small way to reduce waste. My advice is to recycle paper and plastics and put food scraps into the scrap bin or a worm farm like me and my parents.