Green Anglicans

What is COP17, and why does it matter? COP17 is the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. From 19–30 October, governments, civil society organisations, businesses and others are meeting in Yerevan, Armenia, to assess progress towards global commitments to protect the diversity of life on Earth. One of the most important is the 30x30 target: the commitment to protect 30% of the world’s land and sea by 2030. But ocean protection is falling behind. Only 8.4% of marine and coastal areas are currently protected or conserved, compared with 17.6% of land and inland waters. That is one reason the Anglican Communion delegation at COP17 is calling for governments to restore and protect oceans as one of the Lungs of the Earth. Oceans sustain an extraordinary diversity of life, help regulate our climate and connect communities across the world. Learn more about Lungs of the Earth: anglicancommunion.org/lungs-… #Anglicans #LungsOfTheEarth #WeAreTheOcean @Greenanglicans

🌍 Protecting the ocean can begin far from the coast. In South Sudan, Anglican churches are showing how local action on waste can help protect precious waterways and strengthen care for creation. Through the Episcopal Church of South Sudan Environmental Network (ECSSEN), churches across two dioceses have introduced practical waste-management measures including waste segregation, bins and environmental awareness in congregations. The work matters beyond church grounds. Poorly managed waste can enter drainage systems and pollute the River Nile, while plastic can block drainage channels and contribute to flooding. Kenyi Emmanuel Dube, a team leader for ECSSEN, says: ‘Caring for creation is therefore not optional but it is a core part of our calling… For us at ECSSEN, waste management and environmental conservation are not just technical concerns; they are spiritual, social and environmental responsibilities.’ Read the full story: bit.ly/4ztKNva #Anglicans #LungsOfTheEarth #WeAreTheOcean @Greenanglicans @DioceseofJuba

The ocean is one of the great life-support systems of our planet. But it is changing. More than 90% of the excess heat trapped by human-caused global warming has been absorbed by the ocean. As temperatures rise, marine ecosystems are being placed under extraordinary pressure. One of the clearest warning signs can be seen in our coral reefs. Between January 2023 and September 2025, around 84% of the world’s coral reef area experienced bleaching-level heat stress, making this the most extensive global coral bleaching event ever recorded. And warming is not the only threat. 🌊 Plastic pollution is damaging marine ecosystems. 🌊 Overfishing is placing additional pressure on ocean life. 🌊 Rising seas and coastal erosion are affecting communities around the world. For many coastal and island communities across the Anglican Communion, these changes are not a distant environmental problem. They are already affecting homes, livelihoods, freshwater and ecosystems. Through Lungs of the Earth, we are listening to these communities and sharing how Anglicans are working to restore and protect the ocean. Learn more: anglicancommunion.org/lungso… #CreationCare #Anglicans @Greenanglicans

Young Anglicans in Malawi have helped secure a nationwide ban on thin plastics after years of campaigning through peaceful demonstrations, petitions and sustained advocacy alongside churches and civil society. Led in part by Anglican climate advocate Charles Bakolo, Climate YES and the Malawi Creation Care Network, the campaign shows how action taken far from the coast can still help protect the ocean since every river is a road to the ocean. The story is reflective of three of the themes at the heart of Lungs of the Earth: 🌱 Restoration – cleaning waterways and stopping pollution at its source. 🌊 Resilience – reducing blocked drains and helping communities cope with flooding. 🤝 Relationship – churches, young people, civil society and government working together for change. Read the full story at: bit.ly/4ySL3Eh #Anglicans #LungsOfTheEarth #WeAreTheOcean @Greenanglicans

This autumn, governments from around the world will gather for two major UN meetings: COP17 on biodiversity in Yerevan, Armenia, and COP31 on climate change in Antalya, Türkiye. A new resource from the Church of England explains what is on the agenda and offers practical ways Christians can support the conferences through prayer. At COP17, Bishop Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich and the Church of England’s Lead Bishop for the Environment, will lead the Anglican Communion delegation. Anglican advocacy will include calling for Indigenous voices to be heard, for fair environmental finance and for the protection and restoration of oceans and waterways through the Lungs of the Earth campaign. Read the Church of England resource: bit.ly/4BbSrMs Find out more about Lungs of the Earth: anglicancommunion.org/lungs-… #Anglicans #LungsOfTheEarth #WeAreTheOcean @Greenanglicans

Anglicans are now taking part in COP17, the United Nations Biodiversity Conference in Yerevan, Armenia. The Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich and the Church of England’s Lead Bishop for the Environment, is leading the international Anglican delegation. Faith-based conversations have begun, including a seminar on the protection of grasslands and prairies led by the Rt Revd Cathleen Bascom, a member of the Anglican delegation. Over the coming days, the delegation will be meeting with partners and taking part in conversations about protecting biodiversity, sharing Indigenous and generational wisdom, ensuring environmental finance reaches those who need it most. Read more about the Anglican delegation and its priorities at COP17: bit.ly/3TXFvt0 Learn more about Lungs of the Earth: anglicancommunion.org/lungs-… #Anglicans #LungsOfTheEarth #WeAreTheOcean @Greenanglicans