[Anglican Communon News Service] “Lungs of the Earth” is a call for environmental action and advocacy, shared Sept. 16 from the Anglican Communion Office. The initiative will invite Anglican churches to “restore and protect the lungs of the earth” with a focus on three vital ecosystems: cceans, forests and ice caps.
The initiative will amplify environmental and advocacy work from Anglican provinces around the world and celebrate the work of Anglican environmental activists, including Green Anglicans and the Anglican Communion Environmental Network.
It invites Anglicans to become involved in reforestation initiatives like the Communion Forest, to cut emissions and reduce plastic usage, to advocate and lobby governments for environmental justice, and to support Anglican environmental networks worldwide.
The advocacy focus on oceans, forests and ice caps has been developed with Anglican environmental advocates around the world, particularly Indigenous Anglicans. It will reflect the wisdom, traditions and sustainable practices of Indigenous communities in caring for the planet.
Creation is struggling to breathe
The “lungs of the earth”— our planet’s most vital ecosystems — are facing unprecedented threats that demand urgent global attention. These irreplaceable systems sustain life by generating oxygen, storing carbon and supporting biodiversity through oceans, coral reefs and forests. Meanwhile, ice caps regulate global temperatures by reflecting sunlight and driving ocean currents, helping slow climate change.
However, mounting environmental damage is putting these critical ecosystems at severe risk, creating cascading effects that threaten not only countless species and natural habitats but the health, security and survival of human communities worldwide.
In many parts of the world, Anglican churches are responding to these crises on the front lines. For example, the Church of Pakistan (United) provided relief through the Dioceses of Peshawar and Raiwind in the floods of late August, and the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles addressed wildfire impacts in January 2025.
Anglicans at COP30
“Lungs of the Earth” will tie into the advocacy aims of an Anglican delegation attending this year’s COP30, which will take place in Brazil. The chosen city will provide the world with a unique platform to discuss climate solutions, firmly rooted in the heart of the Amazon, one of the lungs of the earth.
The primate of the Amazon, the Most Rev. Marinez Bassotto, will lead dialogues around COP30, with many other Anglicans and environmental activists from around the world. They will advocate for a nature-first response to climate change, including through the protection of marine life, forests and frozen landscapes, as well as changes in how much we consume and produce.
Martha Jarvis, the Anglican Communion’s permanent representative at the United Nations said, “The U.N.’s climate change negotiations have delivered change, but not quickly enough. More action is needed and that can feel overwhelming and disheartening because of the scale of environmental crisis.
“The good news is that when we care for creation, recognizing that as an expression of justice for our brothers and sisters locally, internationally and in future generations, we are responding to God’s call on humankind, not only political processes. We are not alone in our action, because we are joining in with Jesus’s restoration of all things. ‘Lungs of the Earth’ highlights some of the amazing ways in which Anglican churches are showing that restored future is possible now, often following the lead of indigenous Anglicans.
“Together, the worldwide church’s actions and voice adds up and can show that more is possible. I pray it gives your church ideas for action and advocacy, whatever your location and political context.”
Anglican response and restorative action
Anglican churches around the world are already working to protect the Lungs of the Earth. Recent examples include:
Oceans: The Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia has consistently called for urgent ocean restoration, emphasising that Pacific futures are inseparable from the health of the seas. Furthermore, it advocates for a fossil-fuel-free Pacific, protection of at least 30% of the ocean and a global ban on deep-sea mining.
Climate Change Commissioner for the Anglican Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia, Fe’iloakitau Kaho Tevi, says “The ocean is not just our highway or our source of food — it is the heart of our identity and our survival… We must end plastic pollution, reject destructive practices like deep-sea mining and act with courage to protect the blue Pacific for generations to come.”
Forests: The Anglican Church of Kenya is actively involved in projects like protecting and restoring parts of the Karura urban forest in Nairobi. They have adopted 3,000 hectares and aim to plant 15 million trees in the coming years. Kenya Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has encouraged involvement in the Communion Forest, saying, “The Communion Forest is not just a physical forest; it is a spiritual act of worship, where every seedling planted symbolizes a step toward reconciliation with the earth. By planting trees, restoring ecosystems and educating communities about the importance of sustainability, the Communion Forest exemplifies the church’s commitment to honouring God’s creation.”
Ice Caps and Climate Action: The Church of England is pioneering ambitious climate action with its drive to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. The Rt. Rev. Graham Usher, lead bishop for the environment, reported in March that the initiative is already reducing energy bills and making churches fit for the future. Speaking to diocesan environment officers at the British Antarctic Survey, he emphasized that tackling climate and nature crises demonstrates Christian compassion and is simply”‘the right thing to do.”
Building on the momentum of the Season of Creation
The initiative will seek to complement and build on the momentum of the Season of Creation.
Director of Green Anglicans, the Rev. Rachel Mash, said, “The theme for this year’s Season of Creation is ‘Peace with Creation’, based on Isaiah 32:14–18. Isaiah describes a desolate world, lacking peace because of broken justice and humanity’s fractured relationship with God and Creation. Peace will only return when justice is restored. We are called to help ‘restore peace’ with creation. Oceans, forests and ice landscapes — the ‘lungs of the earth’ — are under threat. Churches must act to restore eco-systems and advocate to protect those under threat — for both present and future generations. Biblical hope is not passive waiting, but faithful action — praying, reconciling with Creation and the Creator, and living in unity, repentance and solidarity.”