Norwich climate activist duo get on their bikes  

Two Norwich Christian climate activists will be riding their bikes between the dioceses of Norwich, St Edmundsbury & Ipswich and Chelmsford in early April to celebrate Norwich Diocese's recent decision to divest some funds they had in fossil fuels.

Riding their bikes in a call for divestment from fossil fuels, will be Jim Green ( Christian Climate action) and Chris Hull ( Christian Aid) to also call on other dioceses in the region to follow the Norwich example.  
 
Divestment is now gaining traction both across churches and in the wider community, as an important action which signals the urgent need to move away from fossil fuels in line with calls from many international organisations, including the International Energy Authority.
 
Jim Green said:  “I was inspired to organise this ride after COP 26, and the need for churches to show a lead commitment in divesting.  Last year the Southern African Bishops conference signed a detailed declaration calling for urgent action on oil and gas exploration, which is having a devastating direct effect across Africa, as well as fuelling climate change. The IEA have called for all investment in oil and gas exploration to cease this year.”
 
The ride will set off from Norwich Cathedral  at 9.30am on Monday April 4, with a blessing from Cathedral Dean, Very Rev Jane Hedges. They plan to arrive at Bury St Emunds Cathedral by 4pm, where a presentation of the African Bishops declaration will be made to Dean Joe Hawes.  The ride will then continue on to Chelmsford Cathedral on Tuesday April 5 where a similar presentation will be made at 4pm. 
 
The ride is supported by Operation Noah,  a Christian charity working with the church to inspire action on the climate crisis.   Others are welcome to join the ride for parts of the route if they wish. Later through the year further rides will take place between about 20 other dioceses throughout England. 
 
Chris Hull said:  “Christian Aid partners on the ground are witnessing first-hand the effects of climate change in the poorest areas of the countries in which we work - changes which are brought about predominantly in the richer countries through their addiction to using oil and gas products.  Everything from concrete to fertiliser, Cellotape to aspirin, is produced from oil.  We urgently need to shift our infrastructure away from oil as a source of so much production.”
 
Contacts:   Jim Green on 07742 032536 or at ccanorwich@posteo.net or Chris Hull on 07530 783709 or at chrishull@phonecoop.coop
 
Pictured above are climate activists Jim Green, left, and Chris Hull