Christians are more likely than the general public to believe that climate change should be a top priority for the next Prime Minister, a new survey has revealed.
72% of active Christians polled by ComRes on behalf of Christian Aid agreed that it should be a top priority for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, compared to 66% of UK adults, a new survey has revealed.
The survey also found the majority of UK adults (71%) see climate change as more important than Brexit in the long-term and three in five people (61%) say that the UK Government is not doing enough to prioritise climate change.
Young people aged 18 to 34 are significantly more likely (60%) to say they care more about climate change than Brexit than the over-55s (43%). Women are more likely to believe this – 55% say so, compared to 44% of men.
Christian Aid’s coordinator for Cheshire and North Staffordshire Jude Limb, said: “As I travel around the region’s churches meeting with supporters I am keenly aware of the increasing sense of urgency to address climate change.
“It’s encouraging to see that this is mirrored right across the UK with churchgoers feeling strongly that the new Prime Minister should focus on tackling climate change. This is exactly how it should be. Because climate change is hitting the poorest hardest, for Christians now is the time to fight for climate justice.
“Our emissions are their drought, so we can’t sit back and let them face the full force of climate change alone. The time is now to stand together for action which allows every single person to flourish.
“As Prime Minister Boris Johnson gets his feet under the table at Number 10, there are many immediate priorities, including Brexit. However, it’s clear that beyond the present turmoil facing our country, Christians – and the UK public as a whole – know there is a bigger crisis which is potentially catastrophic for us all.
“It has been heartening to see church denominations and Christian groups in recent months declare a climate emergency. I hope the Prime Minister will hear the challenge from the majority of the UK public to do more to tackle this existential threat urgently and justly.”
Villagers struggle to recover following floods that have caused severe damage in Telahi village, following torrential rains in Lakhimpur District, Assam, India
ComRes interviewed 2,072 UK adults online between 19 and 21 July 2019. Data were weighted to be representative of all UK adults by age, gender, region and social grade. Active Christians are defined as those who call themselves Christians and attend a religious service at least monthly.
The next Bishop of Chester
The Vacancy in See Committee has launched a consultation which asks for people in the diocese to share their views on who the next Bishop of Chester should be and what qualities he or she should have. Everyone is invited to take part.