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Low energy lent

16th February 2008

Christian charity Tearfund urges good Christians to give up carbon for lent

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Instead of alcohol or chocolate, the Church of England is hoping that its followers will give up another vice this year for Lent: carbon. In association with the Christian aid charity Tearfund, the church has published a guideline on how to reduce carbon emissions, with one tip for each day of the 40-day fast, which began on Feb. 6. Tips include replacing inefficient light bulbs, installing insulation and taking public transit.

While some Christian evangelical denominations still cling to the notion that climate change is a myth, other religious orders have taken up the cause as a moral issue. “If we are Christians and we love our neighbours, then we need to take account for how our behaviours affect the world’s poorest,” says Peter Cook, head of policy for Tearfund. “Climate change caused by carbon emissions from rich countries is having a devastating impact on the world’s poorest countries.” He says that in the communities in Asia and Latin America where Tearfund operates, it is already witnessing more floods, droughts, storms and changes to traditional weather patterns in line with what climate-change scientists have predicted.

Although climate change is a reality, we are still capable of averting some of its worst effects, Mr. Cook says. He estimates that with their carbon fast guidelines, people could reduce their household carbon footprint by up to 50 per cent.

Published in The Green Report in The Globe and Mail

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• Tags:
• Carbon
• Climate Change
• Religion

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