Tackling Climate Change
Wednesday 3rd February 2021With young people leading the way in tackling climate change, Christian Aid has prepared lots of resources for your Company to find out more about climate justice.
Who are you and why are you here?
Hi! I’m David Paterson, Christian Aid’s Youth Development Coordinator for Scotland. I’m passionate about engaging young people with the challenges of global poverty, inequality and injustice, and empowering them to pursue change. I’m excited to share with you some of Christian Aid’s creative resources, activities and conversation starters for you to use with your Company!
On the frontline of climate change
In the UK, we are so fortunate to have water piped into our homes and schools. Onesmus is 15 years old and lives in Kenya. He hopes to become a teacher one day. At his school, pupils and teachers use rainwater from a tank. Because climate change generates more unpredictable weather patterns, there is often insufficient rain to fill the tank. When the water runs out, parents go to a dam to collect more water. Every day, after school, Onesmus walks for half an hour to collect water from the dam for his family. Can you imagine walking in the heat to collect water every day?
Christian Aid supports communities who do not have enough water. We help them to build dams closer to their communities, grow drought resistant crops and set up solar-powered irrigation systems so that boys like Onesmus can live life to the full.
How could your Company become champions for climate justice?
Across the world, young people are speaking up about climate change. While academics and scientists have long championed the need for urgent climate action, none have been as successful in achieving airtime as children and young people. Together, we can act in solidarity with people like Onesmus and his community to support their efforts for a better future for everyone.
Working alongside The Boys’ Brigade, Christian Aid is creating resources which will empower young people to learn about the climate crisis and to become even more passionate about climate justice. Our resources will enable your Company to explore the root causes of climate injustice and will support your members to creatively raise their voices.
Decades of inaction and the exponential increase in greenhouse gas emissions have fuelled a rise in average global temperatures and sea levels. Global communities are experiencing wildfires, floods and droughts. Cruelly, those communities least responsible for its cause are affected first and worst.
Our resources are designed to inspire Companies meeting in person or online. We hope to encourage you to give, act and pray with Christian Aid with activities such as:
- Window on the world – a look into the lives of those impacted by climate change.
- Thank you for the Rain – a superb film about one man’s journey from Kenya to the UN’s international climate conference, COP.
- Letters to the world – A creative reflection on young people’s hopes for the climate and vulnerable communities.
- An exploration of what the Bible has to say about justice.
How can you get involved?
Check out these ideas on how you could get involved…
Christian Aid Week 2021
Christian Aid Week (10th-16th May 2021) is a great opportunity for BB Companies to put their faith and knowledge into action. Discover how your fundraising can contribute to real change for those on the frontline of the climate crisis. You’ll find great fundraising ideas and resources on our website. And don’t forget to let us know what you get up to!
Profile: Dunblane BB
Every May, members of 25th Stirling (Dunblane) BB deliver Christian Aid Week envelopes around the streets of Dunblane. Last year, when the coronavirus hampered house-to-house fundraising, the boys found another way to look after their neighbours both near and far by creating a fantastic fundraising video which outlined the impact of coronavirus on the poorest and most vulnerable people. The boys explained how Christian Aid works with partners in local communities and they encouraged their own BB community to donate using the Christian Aid Week e-envelope. Their understanding, enthusiasm and compassion for global issues was evident and impressive.
In a tough fundraising climate, they raised over £600 for Christian Aid Week.
Check out the fundraising video at: facebook.com/dunblanebb
1. Get Learning
Windows on the World is a great way to introduce primary school children to global issues. This resource focuses on how young people around the world are tackling climate change.
2. Get into the Bible
What does the Bible have to say about justice? How might that relate to climate change? Exploring the Bible can be great way to explore why and how we can respond. We have pulled together a few starter ideas for different age groups to help get young people talking about faith and climate justice.
3. Get Creative
If you could write a letter to the world, what would you say? Find out how your Company can join young people across the UK writing messages of hope for the environment and for people struggling with climate change.
4. Get Involved
If you and your Company are passionate about climate justice and want to support those living in vulnerable communities, we would love you to fundraise with us. Your young people will have loads of creative fundraising ideas and you’ll find more inspiration on our website. We can’t wait to hear how you get on!
You can find all the resources and more ways to get involved at: caid.org.uk/youth-climate
