PRESS RELEASE - 8 November 2008

CHRISTIAN ECOLOGY LINK HOLDS SERVICE FOR THE CLIMATE

Christian Ecology Link is holding a service to pray for crucial United Nations climate talks next month. It will take place at 11.30am on Saturday 6 th December 2008 at Hinde Street Methodist Church, 19 Thayer Street, London W1U 2QJ . Mark Dowd, Campaign Strategist of Operation Noah will speak. After the service the congregation will join the March on Parliament for the Climate which is due to leave Speakers' Corner at 1pm .

The service falls midway through the United Nations climate change talks in Poznan, Poland. CEL supports global and national efforts to combat the causes of climate change, which is already wiping out species and affecting the world's poorest people. The UK government is now committed to a reduction in UK greenhouse gas emissions of 80% by 2050. CEL does not consider this target adequate if the UK is to play its part in a global agreement to avert climate chaos. CEL sees the government's backing for a new round of coal-fired power stations as making a mockery of its 80% commitment.

The proposals for new coal plants is just one of a whole set of current government plans which make achieving even this target impossible. Christian Ecology Link supports the four main demands of the 2008 March on Parliament for the Climate:

• No to a third runway at Heathrow and the escalating expansion in aviation.
• No to new coal-fired power stations as planned at Kingsnorth in Kent without coal sequestration.
• No to the expansion of agrofuels which have negative impacts on forests, the climate and world food supply.
• Yes to a renewable energy revolution and green jobs.

ENDS

NOTES

More information on CEL's Service for the Climate, which is led by Church of England parish priest Revd Paul Trathen, at www.christian-ecology.org.uk/climate-service-2008.htm

Hinde Street Church will be open for coffee beforehand from 10.30am .

Mark Dowd was presenter of the Channel 4 documentary 'God is Green'.

More information on the March on Parliament for the Climate at www.campaigncc.org

CONTACTS:

Ruth Jarman ruth@sjarman11.wanadoo.co.uk Tel. 01252 849904 Mobile 07970 907784.