AN eco-warrior church elder is leading a campaign to stop the government funding the extraction of fossil fuels overseas.

Seonaid Knox, an elder at St John’s in Gourock, is one of five young people across Scotland campaigning through Christian Aid to prompt the government to 'Stop Fuelling the Fire'.

The 26-year-old activist is hoping members of the Inverclyde community will get on board with the nationwide Church of Scotland campaign and support her plea by signing the group's petition.

Seonaid, who works as a researcher, said: "Climate activism is a central part of how I live and act out my faith.

"We've launched this petition as investing billions in fossil fuel extraction goes against our aim of being greener.

The petition calls on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to end the UK financing of fossil fuel extraction overseas by 2021.

Seonaid said: "It is hypocritical of the government to be promoting clean energy while funding communities who are already being treated poorly as a result of the climate crisis."

The group have been meeting virtually throughout the coronavirus crisis as they plan their next steps and spread the word about their campaign.

Seonaid said: "We had our first residential meeting in Derby in February, but since Covid-19 we've had to move everything online, which has actually brought the campaigners closer together.

"We want this change to be implemented sooner rather than later.

"Climate justice is a very serious issue - what we do in the west has detrimental effects on people in poorer countries who will have to face further ramifications from the increased fossil fuel extraction.

"As well as launching our petition, we've been reaching out to MPs and raising awareness in our own churches, who have already been extremely supportive.

"We plan to team up with other organisations such as Friends of the Earth, who are campaigning for a similar outcome, to strengthen our case.

"It's something I care about a lot so I want to reach as many people as possible."

To sign the 'Stop Fuelling the Fire' petition visit www.bit.ly/2FwHgXd