This is good news!
The Church of Sweden is stepping up its climate action, and putting tougher environmental targets in place. As a part of this effort towards net zero, the Örebro Parish is now introducing a brand new environmental award.
As we are about to enter the second stage of our climate roadmap from 2019, the Church of Sweden has now set new, tougher environmental targets in place. The targets are both broader in scope AND more ambitious, covering everything from energy and biodiversity, to travel, consumption, finances, climate adaptation, and most importantly – what we do and say in our interactions with people in all our churches.
"The climate emergency is not only a question of the planet's survival but also an existential issue. The Church of Sweden has a particularly important role to play here," says archbishop Martin Modéus in a press statement.
The Church of Sweden aims to be carbon neutral by 2030 – this is a huge challenge that demands changes in all areas, by all of us together. But throughout the organization people have already been taking important steps: large-scale solar energy, wind power, electric vehicles, Pilgrim's Walk for Future, furniture reuse, phasing out fossil fuel in crematoria, cultivation of flowers and vegetables, climate adaptation for churches and churchyards, plant-based meals, integrating the climate perspective in education and services and much more...
And as a part of the effort towards net zero the Örebro Parish is now introducing a brand new environmental award "to highlight initiatives that create hope and lead to change," says Sara Bronner, environmental strategist at the Church of Sweden's Örebro parish. The Church of Sweden's environmental award in Örebro will be given annually to an individual or a group of people with a connection to Örebro whose ideas contribute to increased ecological sustainability. The prize sum is 10,000 SEK.
"The climate crisis is undoubtedly a spiritual and existential issue. The employees of the Church of Sweden are encountering more and more people who are concerned and anxious – but also burdened with guilt and shame – in relation to the climate. With the environmental award, we want to highlight hopeful examples and promote local initiatives," says Sara Bronner.
The prize will be given to "an individual or a group of people who contribute to increased ecological sustainability through their ideas, efforts, projects, businesses, or creativity." With the prize, the Church of Sweden hopes to contribute to the continued development of the receivers idea.
"The climate issue affects both those of us living today and future generations," says Anders Lennartsson, priest and vicar in Örebro. ”Working for sustainable development is christian faith in action. We do it out of love for God and creation – and because tangible action leads to hope.”
Martin Modéus, Sara Bronner and Anders Lennartsson
The Church of Swedens roadmap for the climate has three impact goals: net zero operations, changes in values and climate justice. The roadmap phase two with the new targets will be available in english during the autumn 2023 at:
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45 w
Very encouraging to all God's creation and to all brethren despite their denominations as we are all children of the universe 🙏
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45 w
This is commendable given the influence a single church has
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45 w
A beautiful step taken by this church. Good
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46 w
Everyone has a responsibility to step up and take care of the environment.
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46 w
👏👏👏👏this is good news,
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46 w
What a great way to highlight local initiatives driving positive change 👏 looking forward to following this journey!
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46 w
Great work. You are setting an inspirational example for others to follow.
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46 w
This is beautiful work by the Sweden church
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46 w
Really great to see the Church of Sweden stepping in stewardship of God’s beautiful creation 🙏
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46 w
Good work to the Church of Sweden