"We invite you to join our efforts to promote social and climate justice, renewable energy, intergenerational equity, and ecological renewal. It is God's charge to all of us to 'till and keep' Creation."
Pastor Jennifer Castle, Congregational Church of Mercer Island
The members and friends of Congregational Church on Mercer Island believe climate justice...
Is our first calling! In the opening pages of Genesis, we learn that the first job that God gives to us humans is to care for God’s creation (Genesis 2:15).
Is what Jesus would do! The apostle Paul spells out how Jesus sought to put right the broken covenantal relationship between God and all of creation (Romans 8:20-24).
Clean air, clean water—those are good things! If there is something that should bring together Christians in common cause, it is protecting the gifts of creation. Who doesn’t want clean air and water?
Is about justice! As Christians, we seek justice—to be in right relationship with God, our neighbors, and all of creation. From racial inequities to the ongoing legacy of colonialism, creation justice is deeply intertwined with multiple matters of justice. The current climate crisis gives matters of justice utmost urgency.
Is in our DNA! The UCC’s Commission for Racial Justice was the central organization in the watershed events of the environmental justice movement. It is one of the most significant parts of our denominational heritage, and every UCC church has the opportunity to continue this powerful legacy.
Our CCMI stand at Leap For Green 2024 focused on more sustainable transportation.
Below are some interesting facts regarding electric vehicles as well as how much of our emissions come from what mode of transport.
Key strategies for More Sustainable Transportation
Encourage reductions in personal travel—encourage people to work at home to the extent possible; live near their work; combine trips; take vacations close to home; and learn to appreciate local environments and community.
Improve public transportation—Increase public sector support so as to provide more frequent, better networked public transit for longer trips.
Ensure inclusive communities—Reduce travel distances for disadvantaged populations by requiring all jurisdictions to accept a fair share of the region’s affordable housing, funding and upgrading affordable housing, prohibiting discrimination within housing markets, and incentivizing employees to locate jobs in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Meet the needs of diverse populations—Design transit, bike, and pedestrian systems to better meet the needs of differently abled individuals, seniors, children, parents with infants, and other groups.
Source:
Wheeler and Rosan (2021). Reimaging sustainable cities. Oakland: U. California Press.
2019 U.S. Transportation sector GHG emissions
Sustainable Travel International (2024). Carbon footprint of tourism. Sustainable Travel International. This source can be accessed at: https://sustainabletravel.org/issues/carbon-footprint-tourism/ (based on UK conversion factors)
Rivero, Nicolas (3/18/24). It’s never been cheaper to buy an EUV. Here’s why. Washington Post. This source can be accessed at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2024/03/18/electric-vehicle-price-drop/