It’s inspiring seeing members of CCA getting involved in campaigns in their local areas and making a difference. Sarah Frost from Derby explains below how she is involved in the Stop the A38 expansion campaign.

I have been involved in this campaign against a massive road expansion around Derby since it started about 5 years ago. We are told it will reduce congestion but of course all the evidence says the reverse. What we do know is that it will involve significant loss of public green space (incursion into a much loved and well used local park), major disruption to local traffic for 4 years during construction, loss of 1000s of trees including a 300 year old veteran oak, loss of biodiversity, increased noise and air pollution and 131,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from construction alone. The campaign is driven and supported by local people including some members of climate groups such as XR, JSO and CCA.

As a Paediatrician I have been asked to speak several times on behalf of the campaign on the impact of air pollution on health, traffic is the main cause of air pollution in the UK. There is ample evidence of negative and life long impacts of poor air quality especially on children even in the womb so something I feel very passionate about.

There are a number of Christians involved and a regular prayer group. We have held 2 multifaith vigils, and joined a local church in the park for a forest church service. 2 painting events were popular where we came together to paint the veteran oak with local artists. I actually managed to draw something that resembled a tree!

It has been a rollercoaster. We have been to court twice, the first time we won and the project was delayed 2 years before National Highways decided to push ahead again. We went to court again last year and this time lost. However we have not given up hope. The current government is reviewing all major infrastructure projects in view of financial constraints. You can support us from the comfort of your arm chair by writing to our representatives in government, there is full guidance and template letters provided here https://www.a38derbychaos.org/take-action and further general information on the website.

And please pray for a righteous outcome and a change of heart to envision a better world investing in sustainable transport rather than yet another massive road.

If you would like to get involved in this campaign along with Sarah, email christianclimateaction@gmail.com and we’ll put you in touch