In 2008, 50 million people in 370 cities and towns, in more than 35 countries worldwide switched off their lights for Earth Hour. KAIROS invites you to participate in Earth Hour 2009: as a symbolic pause to reflect on our use of fossil fuels, to think about the impact of our activity on people and ecosystems around the world, and most importantly, to pledge to make a difference – as individuals, communities, and as a nation.
Our dependence on fossil fuels is fueling climate change, deepening human rights abuses around the world, and contributing to conflict and economic inequality. It doesn’t have to be this way - a more just and sustainable energy future is possible. But we must act now.
Leading climate scientists assert that that we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to at least 25% below 1990 levels by 2020 to avert global climate disaster. The Canadian government’s current targets fall far short of this recommendation, and if unchanged will lead to only a 3% reduction below 1990 levels.
Historically, we in the industrialized North bear responsibility for most greenhouse gas emissions, and we should be first in line to make significant reductions. It’s a question of global equity.
What Can I Do to Make a Difference This Earth Hour?
Hold a service at your church during Earth Hour, Saturday March 28th at 8:30 pm. If that’s not possible, observe Earth Hour at home with your family, or as a neighbourhood event. You can also incorporate material from our Earth Hour resources into your church service on Sunday March 29th.
You can follow the worship service guideline, Earth Hour 2009 – Life is Worth More Than Oil (PDF format) and get organizing ideas from our “Different Kind of Oil Crisis” education and action guide. You can order a copy for $6.00 or download it free.
As a part of the service, make sure you collect signatures on our Re-Energize: Time for a Carbon Sabbath campaign action cards. You can order free copies of the action cards -- we will charge for postage only.
Let us know about your event! Contact Campaigns Coordinator Sara Stratton at 1-877-403-8933 x 241 or sstratton[at]kairoscanada[dot]org and we’ll post your event on the KAIROS website.
As a lead-in to Earth Hour, host a PowerDown Day at your Church. As a group, commit to going without using fossil fuels or fossil fuel powered electricity for one 12 hour day. You can download a free copy of the PowerDown Day Guide from the Re-Energize campaign website (PDF format).
Raise awareness in your community with our series of ads highlighting the need to take action now on climate change. You can download PDF versions here (please note that these are large files of 1 to 4 MBs):
Small-format ads, black and white
Large-format ads, black and white
These are designed for you to place in community papers, church newsletters and bulletins, to use in email, blogs, and social networking sites, or to be postered throughout your community.
Check out the new KAIROS resource “Our Oil Dilemma: Reflections and Queries” – a collection of stories offering insight into our role in the fossil fuel crisis, inspiration for change, and questions for reflection. This book can be used in your family, youth group, outreach study, bible study, or to stimulate congregational response. 76 pages. Available to order for $10.00 per copy, $6 per copy for orders of 4 or more.
Keep Us Posted! Remember to let us know about any events or actions that you are taking in your community by contacting Campaigns Coordinator Sara Stratton at 1-877-403-8933 x 241 or sstratton[at]kairoscanada[dot]org . We’ll post your events on the KAIROS website.
Local KAIROS groups hosting Earth Hour events are welcome to contact Communications Coordinator Adiat Junaid at 1 877 403 8933 ext. 223 and ajunaid[at]kairoscanada[dot]org for an information package of tips and media samples for publicizing your events.
Dig Deeper! If you want to go even further and contribute to a more equitable global climate by reducing your own emissions, consider taking part in our Carbon Sabbath Initiative – a way for individuals and groups to track and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Information is available on this site, or at http://www.re-energize.org/En/ChangeYourself.html
If you want to collaborate with some other churches in your community, we can even help with a training workshop!
Want to bring your church along on the journey? See if you can get a policy resolution on fossil fuels and climate change passed through your church’s structure. When a resolution is adopted by the national structure of the church, it often becomes a point of public policy on which the church will intervene for the common good.
Recent examples have included resolutions against the use of bottled water, and calling for the cancellation of debts in the Global South. We are currently at work on text for such declarations and would love to help: contact Campaigns Coordinator Sara Stratton at 1-877-403-8933 x 241 or sstratton[at]kairoscanada[dot]org
