Throughout history, Christians have recognised the splendour of the natural world and what it reveals to us about God.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has said that for the world to limit global heating to 1.5°C and avoid the worst impacts of the climate crisis, greenhouse gas emissions must be nearly halved by 2030. This will involve a rapid reduction in fossil fuel emissions – the driving cause of global heating – but also increased nature-based solutions in order to remove carbon already present in the atmosphere.

The Church must also do more to prevent the extinction of species, which scientists say is currently happening up to 1,000 times faster than expected, a trend that is particularly acute in the UK – one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

The Church can play a significant role in addressing these challenges, especially the Church of England, which is one of the largest landowners in the country. Our report, Church Land and the Climate Crisis, makes three key recommendations to Church landowners in addressing the climate and nature crises: growing more trees, protecting and restoring peatland and supporting tenant farmers to reduce emissions. Our Church Land Use Vision sets out 7 target areas – from protecting 30% of land for nature by 2030 to restoring 100% of degraded peatland by 2030. Check out our postcard campaign action to help you to engage local churches and regional church networks, including dioceses, in our church land use campaign.