Ecological Justice
Quick links to sections on this page:
Committed to Climate Action | Upcoming Events | Resources | Staff
Committed to Climate Action
Recently we have watched disturbing weather patterns and witnessed horrendous storms that have devastated landscapes and uprooted whole communities. It has made us deeply aware of the climate crisis that we face and the call to take action.
This past summer, The United Church of Canada was challenged by the action of General Council to take more concrete action. We were invited and challenged to “amplify and integrate current initiatives in a bold, hopeful denominational climate strategy that accelerates reductions toward the goal of an 80% decrease in emissions by 2030.”
Committed to Climate Action: How to Reach 80% Emissions Reduction by 2030
On Monday, November 21, 2022, the Social and Ecological Justice Commission held the first of a series of Zoom gatherings. This information session was a shared discussion of realistic and practical steps, driven by expertise, that will enable us to meet this ambitious target. And we will remind ourselves of why these actions are absolutely necessary. Please see the recording of our first session, with accompanying resources below as they become available.
If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future climate action topics, please contact Susan Eagle at eagle.susan@ymail.com or Jeffrey Dale at jdale@united-church.ca
Near Net Zero by 2030? Retrofitting Church Buildings with Minimal Resources
On March 20th, 2023, we held our Near Net Zero by 2030 online event. At this meeting, we discussed retrofitting church buildings with minimal resources and how to find creative ways to reduce emissions in our church buildings without bankrupting our budgets. If you could not attend, you can check the video recording of the entire event on the left side. To download the PDF containing the content of the presentation, click here.
Near Net Zero by 2030? Green Design for a Sustainable Future
On June 21, 2023, we held our Near Net Zero by 2030: Green Design online event. At this meeting, we discussed installing renewable energy, adopting electric transportation, and waste reduction. If you could not attend, you can check the video recording of the entire event on the left side. To download the PDF and Power Point containing the content of the presentation, click below:
ESJ Committee Green Design Case Study 1
ESJ Committee Green Design Case Study 2
ESJ Committee Green Design Case Study 3
ESJ Committee Green Design JG EC
We apologize that we did not provide the registration link on the date expected for the June 21st (Green Design for a Sustainable Future) event. This was due to unforeseen circumstances and staff rearrangements. All should be good for future events. Thank you for your patience.
Near Net Zero by 2030?!: Harnessing Community Resources
Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 1 p.m. on Zoom
- Network with other Faith Communities as you access expertise on awakening climate action in your community. Help your Faith Community become a center for inspiring political change and ecological justice to create a sustainable future.
- NOTE: please invite the change makers in your Faith Community to attend this session.
- Registration will be available by October 1st. Send your questions in during registration to help guide the discussion.
Resources
The Social Justice and Ecological Commission recognized in 2021 that churches need support in light of the 44th General Council Resolution to … In light of this, the Commission is offering what we hope will be a series called Committed to Climate Action.
In our first meeting we discussed what is driving the need for the Council’s lofty goal. We also suggested a direction for churches that are striving to reach this goal, an evidence-based direction. While doing so, we also recognize that solutions must be place-based and inclusive and we will be spending time listening to you to find out what is working and what is needed as we plan for future installments.
At the meeting, expect:
- a short synopsis of the current climate situation from the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
– IPCC reports [ PDF | 23 pages ] - the General Council Resolution: GS08 Climate Justice Committment [ PDF | 3 pages ] and its background
- direction for churches striving to meet the bold 80% reduction targets, including ideas for thinking outside the church-building box and towards:
- encouraging community emission reductions that are inclusive and place-based and just
- advocacy initiatives
- travel
- food waste
- use of land for gardens and trees
- financing tips and unique solutions for retrofitting and renewable energy installations
- time to share your own ideas as we struggle to direct our efforts in the most efficient and evidence-based ways
We are working to generate ongoing resources for you as well. This information can be used as a starting point and we will work on updating it and correcting it as needed. Along with it, though, please take time to visit the Faithful Footprints website and particularly the page that includes this self-guided audit [ PDF | 62 pages ]
Encouraging Others
Communicating About Climate Change – [ PDF – 4 pages ] – How to have conversations with friends and family about climate change.
Targeting Climate Change – A Method for Mobilizing Communities – [ PDF – 2 pages ]
Personal and Institutional Climate Action Plans – [ PDF – 3 pages ]
Climate Crisis Urgency by Peter M DeVita from October 2019 – [ PDF – 5 pages ]
Researchers home in on 5 type of messages that focus people on climate action by Sarah DeWeerdt (Oct. 25, 2022) – article from Anthropocenemagazine.org website.
Top 50 Things to Do to Stop Global Warming – [ PDF – 7 pages ] – compiled by globalwarming-facts. info website.
Explaining Climate Change Science and Rebutting Global Warming Misinformation – Link to skepticalscience.com, a website that debunks climate misinformation by presenting peer-reviewed science and explaining the techniques of science denial.
Advocacy Initiatives
Rules of Engagement
- If you contact your MP, introduce yourself as a constituent—MPs tend to put much more stock in letters from inside their districts.
- Be brief and respectful.
- Try to ask a specific question.
Contact your Local Political Leader
Contact information for current members of parliament.
Contact information for current members of provinical parliament.
Contact information for your local town or city councillor will most likely listed on your town/city website.
Transportation
The Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule for Model Year 2021 to 2026 – [ PDF – 500 pgs ] – The draft environmental impact statement from the US Dept. of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, July 2018.
Plug’n Drive – A non-profit Canadian organization committed to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in order to maximize their environmental and economic benefits.
Top 20 Plugin Electric Vehicles in the World by Jose Pontes (Oct. 3, 2021) – article from CleanTechnica website
The Second-Life of Used EV Batteries by Hanjiro Ambrose (May 27, 2020) – article from Union of Concerned Scientists website
Five Innovators Making the Electric Vehicle Battery More Sustainable by Natalie Marchant (May 3, 2021) – article from World Economic Forum website.
Batteries Made from Recycled Materials “Better Than New” by Steve Hanley (Oct. 21, 2021) – article from CleanTechnica website.
Tesla Will Change the Type of Battery Cells it Uses in All its Standard-Range Cars by Michael Wayland (Oct. 20, 2021) – an article from CNBC.com.
Lithium Iron Phosphate VS Lithium-Ion: Differences and Advantages by Anton Beck (Sept. 20, 2019) – article on epectec.com website.
Food and Climate Resources
Food waste reduction plan for Senior’s Residence Dining Room service provider Sodexo – Sodexo Leanpath [ PDF | 1 pg ]
What I Eat in a Day | High Protein Vegan Easy Dinner Recipes – YouTube video by Andrew Bernard
RECIPES (Vegan and Vegetarian)
Land Use Resources
Mulching Landscape Trees correctly by David R. Jackson ( April 12, 2018) article from Pennstate Extension website
Excellent site for information on how to correctly plant trees and measure their carbon uptake: Association for Canadian Educational Resources
- Resources page
- Tree Identification
- Training Video
- Calculating the Carbon in your Tree
- Resources for schools doing planting
- Resources for teachers about trees and carbon uptake – curriculum based
Staff Support

JEFFREY DALE
Minister, Justice and Faith Formation
Phone: 416-231-7680 | 1-800-268-3781
Extension: 6773
Email: jdale@united-church.ca
Serves in: Shining Waters Regional Council and Canadian Shield Regional Council
Location: Teleworks and works in the Guthrie office
Role: Jeffrey encourages and connects communities of faith with matters of faith and justice and the regional council in youth and young adult ministry and matters of faith formation and liaises with the General Council in this regard.
Contact Jeffrey about: Affirming Ministry; Camping Ministries; Faith Formation; Guaranteed Income; Harm Reduction; Homelessness; Poverty; Social and Eco-justice; Worship and Music; Youth and Young Adult Ministry, United Church Women (UCW)

CELIO de ANDRADE SANTOS Jr.
Administrative Support
Phone: 416-231-7680 | 1-800-268-3781
Extension: 2020
Email: cdeandrade@united-church.ca
Serves in: Shining Waters Regional Council and Canadian Shield Regional Council
Location: Teleworks and works in the Guthrie office
Role: Celio provides administrative support to Shining Waters and Canadian Shield Regional Councils.