Survey

Output of Justice in a Changing Climate survey assessing CUCC interest and activity in Climate Change issues today.

In October CUCC conducted a congregational survey to determine our current status on Global Warming/Climate Change – Justice in a Changing Climate.

There were 40 respondents; the collated results are below in table and graph format. (The numbers in the table along the left side of the questions represent the number of people who responded with that particular answer; thus for question 1, 31 respondents gave E as an answer. Some questions had multiple answers, and not everyone responded to every question.)

The results are quite exciting and indicate that CUCC is interested, involved, and wants to learn and do more.

84% of respondents think Global Warming is “… a major challenge of our time, and we should work together to address it”, and 70 % either said, “I’m ready to get involved” or “I’m a true believer, sign me up”

When asked what they were most skeptical about, 80% responded that “We need to work on this, but I doubt our nation has the political will to make real change” or “I’m not skeptical; we can beat this, and it’s time to get started”. We may be saying that we want act but are not completely hopeful yet.

The responses to “What potential impact(s) of climate change worries / interests you most?” and “What kinds of climate-related activities would you be most inclined to participate in?” were quite diverse. They seem to indicate that we have a breadth of climate change concerns and places where we desire to act.

Importantly, individuals and families are already doing a variety of energy conservation things now and there is a desire to have opportunities to share best practices.

Finally, it is important to note that none of the responses were 100%. We must keep this in mind, and as we move forward we must remember to listen to and learn from the voice of Christ one another.

In response to these results and those from the Education Sampler Potluck, the steering committee is now working to plan education and action opportunities for 2008. Your input is welcome at all levels. Please feel free to contact Pastor Steve, the church office or any steering committee member.

CUCC Justice in a Changing Climate Survey

responses	1. What statement best reflects your feelings about global warming?
0	A. Global what?
3	B. I feel powerless and unmotivated to do anything about it.
2	C. I don’t know much about it, but would like to learn more.
1	D. It sounds bad, but I’m focused on other issues.
31	E. It’s a major challenge of our time, and we should work together to address it.

	2. When CUCC picked “Justice in a Changing Climate” as a focus, what was your reaction?
2	A. Oh no.
3	B. I’m not very interested in this, but it doesn’t have to involve me.
6	C. I’m glad someone else is working on this.
14	D. I’m ready to get involved.
11	E. I’m a true believer, sign me up.

	3. What potential impact(s) of climate change worries/ interests you most?
19	A. drought/ flooding/ stronger hurricanes.
19	B. effect of higher temperatures in summer or winter.
26	C. loss of plant and animal species.
30	D. economic and social impacts to most vulnerable people.
17	E. economic and social impacts of misguided government regulations.
13	F. abrupt and runaway climate change.
1	(G) Air quality impacts of summer temps

	4. What aspects of climate change are you most skeptical about?
1	A. Isn’t climate change just a natural cyclical pattern?
3	B. Scientists disagree so much, who knows what to believe?
4	C. Can CUCC really do anything that will make a difference?
22	D. We need to work on this, but I doubt our nation has the political will to make real change.
10	E. I’m not skeptical; we can beat this, and it’s time to get started.

	5. What kinds of climate-related activities would you be most inclined to participate in?
17	A. studying and discussing our spiritual/ theological response to climate change.
27	B. learning about and making personal lifestyle changes to reduce carbon emissions.
11	C. direct service to help low-income families reduce their electricity bills.
21	D. advocating with city and state government for policies to reduce carbon emissions.
8	E. organizing or volunteering at CUCC climate celebrations and events.

	6. What potential policy solutions/ responses to climate change interest/ excite you most?
27	A. Promoting energy efficiency locally and nationally.
15	B. Improving climate-friendly transportation options locally and nationally.
15	C. Building international institutions to protect peace in a climate-stressed world.
20	D. Reforming land use policy to reduce carbon emissions and prepare for an altered climate.
20	E. Supporting sustainable and local agriculture.

	7. What changes have you already made to reduce your energy use or carbon emissions?
	CFL	composting	recycle	Efficient car
	Energy star Appliances	canvas shopping bags	thermostat low in winter / high in summer	Rain barrel
	organinc food	Small house and car	carpool	reduce water use
	planting trees	reading more about "it"		clothes line
	reduce unnecessary driving	Efficient car	Several destinations in one errand trip	turn off lights

	8. What activities or ideas would you like CUCC’s Justice in a Changing Climate initiative?
	Workshops
	Sharing ideas on how to reduce energy use at home and church
	Coalition with other churches
	Generate and act on a list specific things we could do locally.
	Hands on activities to help low income people
	Research on what is effective

CUCC Justice in a Changing Climate Survey