Anglican Church of Canada Advances Climate Action Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

On June 28, the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada passed two significant motions aimed at accelerating the church’s response to climate change. These actions strongly align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Motion One: Commitment to Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

The first motion requests the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada to endorse a letter from the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. This nonprofit organization mobilizes global civil society to phase out fossil fuels in a just and equitable manner. The faith letter calls on governments to:

1. End the expansion of coal, oil, and gas production.
2. Phase out existing fossil fuel production fairly, considering the needs of developing countries and vulnerable regions.
3. Ensure a global just transition to 100% renewable energy access, enabling all communities, including those in the Global South, to thrive.

Bishop Helen Kennedy of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle emphasized the church’s baptismal covenant to respect, sustain, and renew the life of the Earth, underscoring the importance of every individual action in combating climate change.

Challenges and Regional Concerns

The motion faced opposition from members representing dioceses in Alberta and Newfoundland, where many parishioners depend on fossil fuel industries for their livelihoods, highlighting the socioeconomic complexities involved in transitioning to sustainable energy. Additionally, Indigenous representatives and northern dioceses raised concerns about the practical limitations of renewable energy in remote regions. For example, Bishop Ann Martha Keenainak of the Diocese of the Arctic noted that solar energy is ineffective during prolonged winter darkness and that fossil fuels remain essential for transportation and supply logistics in these areas.

Despite these challenges, the motion was approved with a vote of 140 in favor and 76 against.

Motion Two: Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Church Buildings

The second resolution initially aimed to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from all Anglican Church buildings by 2035. After extensive debate, the resolution was amended to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by remote communities, especially in the North. It also encourages dioceses with historic wealth derived from fossil fuel investments to support the transition to sustainable energy in less advantaged regions.

• The amendment recognizes economic disparities and regional dependencies on fossil fuels, promoting solidarity within the church community.
• However, no formal criteria were established to identify dioceses with fossil fuel-derived wealth.

The amendment received mixed reactions. Youth member Logan Liut from Toronto supported the change, citing increased realism and actionability. Conversely, Amy Collard, a lay member from the Diocese of Niagara, expressed concern about asking communities facing job losses in fossil fuel sectors to share their historic wealth, noting that average parishioners are not wealthy.

Bishop Mary Irwin-Gibson of the Diocese of Montreal, who moved the resolution, argued that the amendment diverged from the original intent, but the General Synod’s Chancellor confirmed the amendment was procedurally valid.

Final Outcome and Broader Implications

The General Synod debated the resolution and its amendments for approximately 45 minutes, addressing environmental, economic, Indigenous, and regional equity issues. The amendment passed narrowly with 109 votes in favor and 103 opposed, and the amended resolution was approved overwhelmingly with 177 votes in favor and 34 opposed.

These motions demonstrate the Anglican Church of Canada’s commitment to advancing Sustainable Development Goals by:

• Promoting climate action through fossil fuel phase-out (SDG 13).
• Supporting equitable access to renewable energy (SDG 7).
• Addressing social and economic inequalities within and across communities (SDG 10).
• Engaging Indigenous perspectives and regional realities in climate strategies.

The church’s decisions reflect a holistic approach to sustainability, balancing environmental stewardship with social justice and economic realities.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses the transition to 100% renewable energy globally, emphasizing the need for equitable access to clean energy, especially in developing regions and remote communities.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The motions passed by the General Synod focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and phasing out fossil fuels, directly addressing climate change mitigation.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article highlights concerns about the differing impacts of fossil fuel phase-out on various communities, including Indigenous peoples and regions dependent on fossil fuels, pointing to the need for a just transition.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The call for ending fossil fuel expansion and transitioning to renewable energy aligns with promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The baptismal covenant mentioned calls for respecting, sustaining, and renewing the life of the earth, which relates to protecting terrestrial ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 7 Targets
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
2. SDG 13 Targets
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education and awareness on climate change mitigation.
3. SDG 10 Targets
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote social, economic, and political inclusion of all.
4. SDG 12 Targets
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
5. SDG 15 Targets
   • Target 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 7
   • Proportion of population with access to electricity and renewable energy sources.
   • Share of renewable energy in total final energy consumption.
2. Indicator for SDG 13
   • Greenhouse gas emissions per capita and per unit of GDP.
   • Number of policies and plans integrating climate change measures.
3. Indicator for SDG 10
   • Measures of economic and social inclusion, such as employment rates in transitioning industries.
4. Indicator for SDG 12
   • Efficiency of natural resource use and reduction in fossil fuel consumption.
5. Additional Implied Indicators
   • Progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from church buildings by 2035.
   • Extent of financial support and wealth redistribution from fossil fuel investments to support just transition in remote and Indigenous communities.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: anglicanjournal.com