"The sooner we realise there is no planet B, the better, and we must learn to live accordingly." What simple changes will you make?
"Temperature rise could reach a tipping point where the damage is irreversible. I want my grandchildren to have a sustainable future."
"This Loving Earth Project panel shows the interconnectedness of all our lives and the world around us." What we each individually do makes a difference to all of us.
How I minimise my own contribution to global warming
"This is my local beach. I am thankful for it every day when I walk my dog here. A wild, unspoiled beach, lots of space for wildlife and people to enjoy.
Tankers lay offshore, storing crude oil, waiting for the price to go up. Consumption of this oil fuels our transport, homes and industries. The resultant carbon emissions are a major factor in climate change, resulting in sea level rise. If we don't halt global warming, there will be no beach here in years to come, it will be inundated.
I minimise my own contribution to global warming by using a green energy provider and turning down the heating, a meat-free diet, growing some fruit and veg, shopping local, recycling, buying re-used items, composting waste-food and holidaying locally."
The effects of climate change are becoming clearly visible to IOW Quakers. As temperatures and sea levels rise, our meeting space at The Rope Store is increasingly at risk of flooding. And those in the Ventnor area are all too well aware of the impact as sections of the local landscape are quite literally sliding into the sea.
Our world needs more trees!
These trees were planted on the island by members of the meeting. We paid for 140 trees, stakes and biodegradeable guards and planted 200 in all in 2021, including 60 grown and donated by Fred Woodworth, on reserves belonging to the Wildlife Trust.
We have also planted an oak tree to commemorate the 400th birthday of George Fox in a public park, close to the library and bus station - see below.
Isle of Wight is declared a UNESCO Biosphere
The Isle of Wight and its surrounding waters were declared a Biosphere by UNESCO in 2019 to acknowledge their importance as a unique area for biodiversity and culture. This brings with it a desire to see these qualities used to support a sustainable and resilient way of life for the people who live and work on the island. This recognition is an outstanding achievement as it was only the seventh Biosphere in the UK.
IOW Quakers participated in the annual Festival of the Biosphere by holding an open house event, with displays of direct and practical actions undertaken by local friends working towards a sustainable future.
"We do not own the world and its riches are not ours to dispose of at will. Show a loving consideration for all creatures and seek to maintain the beauty and variety of the world. Work to ensure that our increasing power over nature is used responsibly, with reverence for life. Rejoice in the splendour of God’s continuing creation." - Advices and Queries
A Local Quaker's Response to Global Climate Change
The Area Meeting Sustainability Action Group (AMSAG) was formed in December 2021. Since then we have frequently invited guest speakers to our monthly meetings. We've covered subjects as diverse as energy, insulation, food, transport, ecocide, water, population, book reviews, energy use in our local meetings, personal sustainability, activism, coastal erosion, climate justice, river restoration, and the Quaker response to the the abuse of our planet.
David George, a member of the AMSAG group from IOW Meeting, produced this short film about ecocide, featuring a number of Quakers alongside experts from Stop Ecocide International. David is available on 01983 852540 - he would be happy to answer any questions about the group and welcomes suggestions for future discussion.
George Fox Commemorative Tree Planting
On 26 February 2025 Isle of Wight Quakers planted two English oak trees to commemorate 400 years since the birth of George Fox. They were planted in Church Litten a green space in the centre of Newport near the bus station.
Some time ago two oak trees were felled in the area where the new trees are planted. When IOW Quakers heard how friends in Jersey were planting a commemorative oak in their local park, they were inspired to follow suit!
After a very wet morning the planting took place on a dry sunny afternoon with a group of local Quakers and the Lord Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon and High Sheriff Graham Biss in attendance, together with IOW Council tree officers, Tony Gillingham and Dave Kalaker who dug the holes ready for the planting. Jane Edmunds, a long time member of Isle of Wight meeting spoke of her memories of the two previous oak trees and described how the former cemetery was transformed into a public park and play area.