All Age Day – Goat Lane , Norwich – 23 rd October 2010
Felicity Cox

Living Witness Project – Living Adventurously in a Changing Climate

Lesley Graeme had contacted The Living Witness Project who sent us two presenters:

• Malcolm Quick, a member of Scientists for Global Responsibility, and
• Ann – from London , a teacher and woodcraft folk leader

We thought about how to respond personally as Quakers, and how to live faithfully in a changing world, to prioritise for ourselves and sift the rubbish in our own lives.

We had a quick run-through of the issues: increased temperatures, sea level rises, extreme storms and floods, draught and creeping deserts, loss of forests, loss of species and spread of tropical diseases.

We looked at what can be done. We discovered that China wants to be a world leader in renewable energy, but as America hasn't signed up yet to a reduced carbon emission agreement, China can't. There is a Conference coming up in Mexico in December. Let's send all the delegates some Light.

We looked at how our Quaker Testimonies come into it:

• Peace, potential and actual conflicts for our limited oil and gas resources, fresh water etc.
• Equality – biggest change will impact on poor countries as they suffer from the emissions of rich countries.
• Simplicity – Can Quakers give a lead on a good quality of life with low consumption.
• Truth – We have to know that the idea that the economy can go on growing for ever is a lie.

The world population needs to decline.

To help with this one we can: . . .

. . . Support charities which educate and empower women. For example, have a look at girleffect.org. I know, it's not a brilliant name but it is making a difference. Your meeting might like to collect for them.

Maybe reduce working week – more jobs for people, more time to grow food.

Be aware. Be consciously aware. Know that we have to live differently

During our closing Worship Sharing time, we heard this ministry from a young Friend.:– Man goes for walk by sea shore. There are lots of marooned starfish out of water. They can't live out of water. He comes across a woman walking along gently returning individual starfish to the sea. Says the man, “what's the point? you can't make much difference.” woman, “The ones I return get the point, it makes a difference to them! “

We can all make a difference.