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General Assembly 2008: Energy and transport: 'change your lifestyle choices and change the world'

Last year's Assembly, recognising that transport is responsible for one-third of the world's total energy use, commissioned additional research in this area. As such this year's annual gathering will see the Church & Society Council lay out the key alternatives for the future of energy and transportation.

The Report will recognise that there is no easy or quick technological solution to the problems that transport causes the environment but that transport is essential and brings substantial benefits for society in both social and economic terms. "There is a fundamental tension between the legitimate use of transport and the damage that it causes. There is no simple - or quick - technological fix to replace liquid petroleum and diesel; our primary response must be based around our lifestyles as this is the most effective place where we can make a difference." (1.5)

The Report looks at various approaches to transport: economic, international, sociological and theological. It also looks at the technological solutions that are being developed to try to minimise the environmental effect of transport and replace our dependence on liquid petroleum and diesel. It concludes that, with the exception of aviation, significant reductions can be made in emissions through technological approaches but that these also require lifestyle choices. "With the exception of aviation, it seems quite feasible to secure significant reductions in transport emissions, provided the public are willing to accept the new designs and their limitations and to adopt more fuel efficient motoring practices. Rail electricification is an established technology and, so long as the shift is allied to renewable energy development (or as a last resort nuclear or fossil fuels with carbon capture), it reduces emissions. Hydrogen fuelling and biofuels from agricultural and other wastes offer a route forward for road transport, but only if developed carefully with global sustainability at their centre." (3.10)

The Report addresses itself directly to the difference that individuals can make through their lifestyles and concludes: "The energy aspects of transport are critical factors in both our economy and in addressing the dangerous aspects of climate change. Technology and public policy have a strong role to play in bringing about change, but the key dimension is that of lifestyle choice and public expectations. For us, as Christian people, discipleship and mission, including priority for the poor and stewardship of Creation, will drive our actions:" (9.1)

Thus the Church & Society Council will ask the Assembly to recommend:

Personal action through lifestyle choice, recognising the impact of such aspects of our life such as choice of home, workplace, commuting patterns, holidays, food and leisure.

And to urge:

Government policy to continue to promote measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, linking them to the necessity for widespread lifestyle changes.

All levels of Government to approach all planning issues with climate change in mind.

All levels of Government to fulfil their existing commitment to establishing a thoroughly integrated and affordable public transport network.

Ends.

Note to Editors:

2. For further details, please contact Morag Mylne, convener of the Church & Society Council, telephone 07789 484096 or, alternatively, email moragmylne@aol.com. David Sinclair, secretary of the Council, can be reached on 0131 225 5722 or dsinclair@cofscotland.org.uk.

A full copy of the report is available on our General Assembly pages online here.

GANR/12/04/2008

Sunday, 4 May 2008

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