Bishop of Norwich on top-100 climate leaders list
The Bishop of Norwich has been named one of the 100 most influential sustainability and climate leaders in the UK.
The ‘edie 100’ is a new list of 100 exceptional UK environmental leaders, honouring people who are demonstrating environmental leadership and inspiring positive change.
The names on the first annual ‘edie 100’ list are being announced through February and range from directors of major companies to charity campaigners and innovators.
Bishop Graham Usher is the Church of England’s lead bishop for the environment and lead bishop for biodiversity in the Anglican Communion.
He said: “This recognition is for everyone in the Church of England working to protect the natural world and reverse biodiversity loss. It is part of our duty as Christians to care for and celebrate God’s wonderful creation – and speak up when we see it being harmed. Thousands of people in parishes across the country are seeking to reduce the carbon footprint of their churches, encouraging wildlife in churchyards, and ensuring recycling is part of church activities. We are working together to protect our God-given planet.”
The bishop regularly uses his platform as a leader in the Church of England and a member of the House of Lords, to advocate for the protection of the natural world, and to champion nature recovery.
He highlights the deep connection between Christian mission and ministry and caring for God’s creation.
He helped shape the Church of England’s ambitious Net Zero Carbon 2030 programme and his work includes championing biodiversity recovery in churchyards and the national Eco Church initiative, as well as contributing to and scrutinising proposed environmental legislation as part of his role as a member of the House of Lords.
With degrees in ecology and theology he has written books exploring how people encounter the sacred through the natural world.
The first edie-100 list was picked by the edie editorial team and a panel of independent judges. Edie (named for the organisation’s former tea-lady) promotes sustainability and Net Zero Carbon initiatives, with a particular focus on businesses, and is part of the media group Faversham House.
The 100 people named are driving sustainability improvements in businesses, shaping green policies, leading climate campaigns and pioneering ways of accelerating the transition to a sustainable future. They include heads of sustainability for Aviva, Google, NHS England, Chanel, the BBC, Network Rail and the Crown Estate; and chief executives of the RSPB, WWF UK and Surfers Against Sewage.
Picture of Rt Revd Bishop Graham usher by the Diocese of Norwich