environmental sustainability
The Environmental Sustainability program leads sustainability initiatives within Global Ministries, in collaboration with other United Methodist agencies and in support of churches and ministries throughout The United Methodist Church. Global Ministries, along with 11 other United agencies, plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 across ministries, facilities, operations and investments and to leverage the gifts of our connection, putting equity and justice at the center as we build a net-zero emission economy by 2050.
learn about our ministries
EarthKeepers training equips United Methodists in the United States to launch bold, antiracist, environmental projects in their communities. Projects include community gardens, energy initiatives, food security projects, reforestation efforts and more.
The Creation Care Network is an online community that helps members of The United Methodist Church and established ministry partners connect, share, and learn.
Global Ministries has installed solar arrays at hospitals, a migration center on the U.S.-Mexico border and a theological school, and has provided women’s enterprises, refugee communities and hurricane survivors with renewable energy equipment. The agency is exploring strategies to increase use of renewable energy in disaster response and health care.
Resources for local churches
- Energy Efficiency: Global Ministries supports local churches in increasing their energy efficiency through quarterly webinars and peer-to-peer support. Learn more by joining the Global Ministries Creation Care Network. For tools and resources that support your local church in wise energy stewardship, download the EnergyStar for Congregations Action Workbook.
- Earth Day: Global Ministries encourages congregations to observe Earth Day Sunday each April. View Earth Day resources.
become a GLOBAL MINISTRIES Earthkeeper
The next EarthKeepers training will be held completely online in March 2024, designed to support Global Ministries’ commitment to just and equitable net-zero emissions. United Methodist laity and clergy are encouraged to participate. Youth ages 13-18 may participate with an adult parent or guardian.
The spring 2024 application and connection form are now available.
Global Ministries commissions 57 new EarthKeepers whose projects include forest gardening, xeriscaping and transition to renewable energy.
57 new Global Ministries EarthKeepers will launch creation care projects in the U.S.
Atlanta groups unite to build solar power trailers for sustainable emergency relief.