CLIMATE CHANGE AND the Church’s response to it are the themes we have deliberated upon in the past three weeks. The reasoning behind the special focus was simple: the planet is going through catastrophes of apocalyptic proportions. According to a US federal scientific and regulatory agency report, published on August 13, this July was the hottest month ever recorded on Earth. What is even more alarming is the absence of adequate responses to check the disaster of global warming.
As we have seen, despite the continuous appeals from Pope Francis, the response from our Church communities remains too little, too late. But among the numerous proposals, utilisation of alternative or renewable energy in our churches and other religious buildings deserves urgent consideration.
Many question how the warming of the Earth could be checked by the diocese’s adoption of solar energy. Installation fees are also seen as high.
A lot of these arguments arise from inadequate information. True, these installations do not come cheap. But they are not simply expenses; they are investments. Installing solar panels on church buildings would save money on utility bills in the long run. It could even make money. In Hong Kong, surplus electricity generated through solar panels can be sold back to the power companies—and at a much higher rate than which it is sold to consumers. This could help the Church by serving as a regular source of income to defray or meet energy expenses.
When churches go green, it encourages other businesses and organisations to switch to renewable energy sources. We set a good example for society by demonstrating that the Church cares about reducing its carbon footprint. In short, we don’t just generate electricity but goodwill also.
The experience of some of the religious communities in Hong Kong that have already gone over to solar power is that total investment can be recouped within three to four years. Some have made as much as HK$50,000 a year from generating surplus power. The installation of solar panels has also encouraged a few neighbours to do the same.
Of course, not all churches can install such panels. The structure of a roof, building regulations and exposure to direct sunlight are all factors to consider. However, given that solar energy is a gift of God, wouldn’t it be foolish not to opt for it where possible?
When churches go green, it encourages other businesses and organisations to switch to renewable energy sources. We set a good example for society by demonstrating that the Church cares about reducing its carbon footprint. In short, we don’t just generate electricity but goodwill also.
With the amount saved from electricity bills, and the additional amounts gained from the sale of energy, the Church can enhance its charity and outreach programmes too. We must encourage the faithful to become involved in climate action. We must stop the culture of waste: of energy, water, consumer goods and food. We must renew the call for abstinence from meat on Fridays, both for one’s spiritual growth and to cut the emission of greenhouse gases.
Installing renewable energy systems in churches, and creating proper climate awareness among the faithful, should become cornerstones of the Church’s campaign for climate action. jose CMF
