Eco-campaigner tackles global warming and God

Edward Echlin, of Thornbank Crescent, spent two years researching and writing his latest work, Climate and Christ, which promotes sustainability and alternative lifestyles as measures for people to combat the effects of greenhouse gases.

"It's really a response to climate change," said Edward. "That's arguably the biggest challenge to our survival right now. I think everybody has different contributions to make to try to re-stabilise the climate and this is mine."

Dr Echlin and his wife Barbara are both well-known Bexhill figures - regulars at United Nations Association meetings, and members of Rother Environment Group.

The pair's open-garden surgeries help people to grow organic fruit and veg, and Edward pointed at the problems raised by Europe's airspace being shut down this week as an argument to get more Bexhill residents planting seeds this spring.

He said: "If we are sensible we would learn from the inconvenience how dependent we have made ourselves on important food.

"We import about 90 per cent of our fruit and about 50 per cent of our vegetables. We should be at least partially self sufficient in food growth."

The book's four chapters introduce the reader to the responsibility of climate change and its "anthropogenic" - created by humans - nature.

We are given an overview of the hows and whys, before spiritual themes are woven in to the writing.

For Edward, theology, and the Christian tradition, are inseperable from the ground. He introduces a historical account of Jesus' life, arguing it was his 30-odd years working in fields that gave him the imagery used in the religious teachings recorded in the bible.

Edward, who thinks climate change sceptics are "living in denial", hopes the book will appeal to atheists and sceptics as much as Christians and the already eco-friendly. Climate and Christ: A Prophetic Alternative, is available for 9,99 from WHSmith, Devonshire Road, or www.amazon.co.uk