GVAT’s Second Climate Conversation Well Received by the Parish of St. John the Divine Social Justice and Action group

Scientists and climate experts tell us we have all the scientific information we need to know we face catastrophe if business as usual continues and we also know we have technology to make the transition. What is missing is sufficient engagement from the population at large.  GVAT has started hosting conversations so we can reflect together on what we can do, and are doing, to save our common home.

On March 31 , as part of these conversations, Climate ART Co-Lead Jane Welton facilitated a wide-ranging Zoom conversation with members of the Social Justice and Action group of the Parish of St John the Divine and some valued guests who have some historic tie to the congregation, including the Very Reverend Harold Munn and a long time parishioner Liam Maclure.  This is a group very much focused on support for a just transition and we are all a bit too knowledgeable for our own comfort about the issues. It was helpful to be asked to respond in supportive community to a series of questions about the personal impacts we have faced to date from a changing climate and our understanding of the science. Many of us felt less than hopeful but were inspired to lean into the work required of Good News people and to hear about the work being done by the GVAT Climate Justice Action Research Team in the areas of Transportation, Forestry, and Food and Agriculture. The 1 ½-hour long session concluded with participants committing to further climate justice actions in the next month and a stronger sense of community.

Patricia Lane