Tearfund has called for a cut in personal carbon use for the 40 days of Lent because of the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and protect poor communities, who contribute least to climate change, yet bear the brunt of its impact. The development organisation hopes that after cutting carbon consumption for Lent, people will be inspired to continue on a low carbon path after Easter.
Launching the Carbon Fast in London on Ash Wednesday (February 25th), the Energy and Climate Change Minister, Ed Miliband MP, said, “Scientists warn that climate change could hit all countries hard and fast, but by taking part in this carbon fast we can all reduce the size of our carbon footprints and make a difference. This initiative shows that there are plenty of ways we can make a difference that might seem like a sacrifice to begin with but can easily become part of everyday life that will help tackle dangerous climate change.”
The Carbon Fast was the brainchild of The Bishop of Liverpool and Vice President of Tearfund, the Rt Rev James Jones. In 2008 people across the UK joined in the fast while this year individuals, churches and organisations around the world have signed up to take part.
“God calls us to be stewards of the earth He created and to take care of the poor and vulnerable,” he said. “With this in mind, there is a moral imperative for those of us who emit more than our fair share of carbon to rein in our consumption. The Carbon Fast is a fun and simple way to do this.”
The Carbon Fast is a 40 day journey through Lent towards a lighter carbon footprint, with a simple energy saving action per day. Participants are asked to begin by removing one light bulb from a prominent place in the home and live without it for 40 days – as a constant reminder during Lent of the need to cut energy. Taking part in the Carbon Fast will result in an estimated 727kg C02 of saved energy per household over the 40 days. This results in a 25 per cent cut in average emissions over this period.
To find out more about the Carbon Fast 2009 go to tearfund.org/carbonfast.