Climate-related views and action in the Australian Church
New analysis questions assumptions about Christian conservatism on climate
Common Grace is proud to present the first report in our two-part research series on climate change and the Australian church, conducted in partnership with NCLS Research.
This new analysis sponsored by Common Grace and conducted by NCLS Research, draws on survey data from the last 15 years, and shows that many Australian Christians are more concerned about climate change than public stereotypes might suggest.
This report analyses data from the most recent National Church Life Survey (2021) and the Australian Community Survey (2025) in examining climate-related views and actions among Australian church attenders, senior leaders, and local churches. It explores changes over time, sources of variation in views and actions, and in the case of church attenders, comparisons with the wider community.
Released at a time when some federal political leaders are walking away from climate commitments and national ambition is stalling, the research findings reveal that many church attenders are willing to support strong climate policy even when it comes at significant cost. As a whole, church attenders’ attitudes and actions on climate change are broadly similar to those of the Australian population at large.
Drawing on the National Church Life Survey, the research shows that around half of church attenders in 2021 believed climate change is largely human-caused, felt a moral responsibility to act, and supported strong national measures to address climate change. Concern rose by a small amount over the previous decade, even as many assume churches hold more conservative views on climate.
Yet the research also highlights a persistent gap between concern and concrete action, with many personal pro-environmental behaviours plateauing or declining a little outside of recycling and the uptake of solar energy.
On the other hand, church-level action such as including environmental concerns in worship and solar panel installations on church buildings increased.
Gershon Nimbalker, National Director of Common Grace, said the findings should shift the national narrative.
“There’s a widespread assumption that Christians are conservative on climate. This research shows the opposite for many Australian Christians – they care deeply about the climate crisis and want to see real leadership. And at a moment when some political parties are stepping back from their responsibilities, there is evidence that the church has increasingly stepped forward. Our faith calls us to protect creation and prioritise those most harmed by climate impacts. We need ambition from our political leaders that matches the moral urgency felt in our congregations.”
The report also finds clear denominational differences: Catholic and Mainstream Protestant churches tend to show the strongest pro-environmental engagement, while Pentecostal churches show the lowest levels overall.
Dr Miriam Pepper from NCLS Research, who led the analysis, said the research captures growing attention to environmental issues across Australian churches in recent years.
“We’ve seen a small increase in concern among both church leaders and attenders, plus higher levels of engagement at the local church level. Congregations and parishes are adopting practical measures - from sustainable purchasing to installing solar - but only a minority of people in the churches view earth care as core to the church’s mission. As political debate becomes increasingly polarised, churches have an opportunity to reflect on their priorities and model values-led, practical engagement with climate issues.”
With the window to avert the worst climate impacts rapidly narrowing, both Common Grace and NCLS Research emphasise that churches and leaders can play a critical role in driving constructive climate action grounded in faith, compassion, and care for those most vulnerable.
It is our hope and prayer that these findings will spark conversation, inspire prayerful reflection, and equip Christian leaders, communities, and individuals to act with renewed purpose.
Read the full report here - https://shop.ncls.org.au/products/climate-related-views-and-actions-in-the-australian-church
We also want to extend our deep thanks to all who completed our climate survey last month - your insights are helping shape the second report, to be released in early 2026.
Eliza Johnson is the policy coordinator for Common Grace. Eliza has more than a decade of experience working in advocacy across a range of international development and human rights organisations. Eliza has expertise in advocacy and campaigning, research and policy, and a particular passion for making policy and political systems accessible and meaningful for everyone. She is also passionate about helping people join the dots between their love for Jesus and the call towards justice. Eliza has degrees in law and politics and a Master’s in Human Rights Law and Policy. She lives on beautiful Wangal Country with her husband and young family.
