Chichester Cathedral will be joining millions of other individuals and organisations around the world this Saturday night by switching off its floodlights as part of Earth Hour. This annual global event started as a symbolic ‘lights out’ event in Sydney in 2007 and is now the world's largest grassroots movement for the environment, inspiring millions of people to take action for our planet and nature.
The simple act of turning off the lights for an hour is a visual demonstration of the threat of accelerating climate change and biodiversity loss worldwide and endeavours to spark conversations and initiatives on the loss of nature and the urgent need to protect it.
The lights will go out on the Cathedral and across the UK at 8.30pm. The Cathedral is actively working towards an environmentally friendly approach, and last year was awarded Eco Church Bronze Status. This award scheme, run by Rocha UK, raises awareness of environmental impact and encourages churches to take vital steps not only to best look after buildings and land, but to engage with the local community in working to achieve this.
The Dean of Chichester, The Very Reverend Stephen Waine commented, “We are delighted to participate in this important global event: Earth Hour is a demonstration of our ongoing commitment to work towards sustainable practices across all aspects of Cathedral life.”