Australian Religious Response to Climate Change or ARCC is a member-based organisation of people from around Australia who are committed to taking action on climate change. Our members represent a variety of religious traditions. We believe that as people dedicated to the common good, inspired by our beliefs and energized by our spirituality, people of all faiths can and should be at the forefront of creating a safe climate. While celebrating the uniqueness of our different traditions, we stand together in working for an ecologically and socially sustainable future.
ARRCC acknowledges the special place that Aboriginal culture and spirituality have in upholding care for the Earth. We have much to learn from the intimate connection our Aboriginal brothers and sisters have to country.
ARRCC’s mission is twofold: to promote ethical, environmentally sustainable, healthy and contented lifestyles which respect the Earth’s precious natural resources, and to advocate, from a faith perspective, for public policies which contribute to climate justice.
Eat less meat campaign Invites faith communities to learn about the effects of meat consumption on the planet and on its people, and encourages them to take steps to reduce their meat intake. This is part of a bigger push to reflect on how everyday choices are related to climate change and sustainability. The campaign aims to:
educate individuals and faith groups, including schools, on the benefits of reduced meat consumption
encourage faith-based groups and organisations to reduce meat consumption through initiatives like 'meat-free meals' and 'meat-free days'
provide resources including vegetarian recipes and cooking workshops to help people increase their enjoyment of meat-free food.
Walk or ride to worship This campaign works to increase the use of cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable transport (e.g. car sharing, public transport) in faith communities. The campaign:
Holds an annual Walk or Ride to Worship Week to encourage transport behaviour change and to engage faith communities in an enjoyable activity
Disseminates educational resources to help faith-based groups and individuals switch to sustainable transport
Engages with and supports existing cyclists and 'sustainable travellers' in faith communities.
Religious Leaders Ambassadors Participants are from different faith backgrounds, and some represent peak religious bodies in Australia. Together, they:
Help provide moral and spiritual impetus to address climate change
Help faith communities make the link between their religion and caring for the environment
Present a unified voice among leaders from various traditions
Undertake advocacy activities including meeting with politicians to speak out for stronger action to mitigate Australia's emissions and for climate justice.
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