Sarah Giles gets switched-on to the ultimate turn-off 

God said 'Let there be light,' and there was light. But in 21st-century London, is there too much of it? That's what's being suggested by Workface Network and the Come Off It campaign, who have organised Blackout London - a 'night of non-power' on Saturday 4 November.

They've invited everyone in the capital - residents, businesses, churches, and public buildings - to take part in a demonstration of people power by turning off all their lights and switching off all their non-essential electrical equipment at sunset, from 4.30 to 7.30pm. The aim is to raise awareness of just how much energy is used unnecessarily every day, and how this contributes to our carbon emissions and therefore to climate change.

The Come Off It campaign is also encouraging people across the country to participate in the energy-saving day this weekend by fitting energy-efficient light bulbs and switching off televisions, computer monitors, microwave ovens and other electrical equipment that might otherwise be left on standby.

'We want the power demand in the United Kingdom to reduce so much that the newspapers are obliged to report it. We want the lights to go out in London, so that on the evening of 4 November, the dimming effect will be visible from space,' said Workface Network.

The blackout has been timed to coincide with the International Day of Climate Change Action and the I Count climate change rally in Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop Climate Chaos. CAFOD, Christian Aid and Tearfund are among the members of this growing coalition of many of the UK's leading environmental, development and women's organisations, activist and faith-based groups. There will be further demonstrations around the world as the United Nations Climate Conference takes place in Nairobi, Kenya during the next fortnight.

So where do Christians stand on the issue of climate change? The Bible makes our obligations clear, from the very first chapter: 'God blessed them [saying] "... Take charge! Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth"' (Genesis 1:28, The Message). God has clearly given us a duty: we are accountable to him for the state of the planet, including its rising temperature and the resultant destruction and loss of life.

Words like 'destruction' and 'loss of life' are not used lightly. The recently-published, Government-commissioned Stern Review shares an apocalyptic vision of a planet where carbon emissions are left unchecked. With a 75% probability of global temperatures rising by 2-3ºC within the next 50 years unless urgent action is taken, rising sea levels could leave 200 million people permanently displaced. Up to 40% of species could face extinction. A bleak future. For Christians, doing nothing can no longer be an option.

The Church of England are already addressing the issue with their Shrinking the Footprint campaign. As Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams comments, 'For the Church of the 21st Century, good ecology is not an optional extra but a matter of justice. It is therefore central to what it means to be a Christian.'

Switching off lights in unoccupied rooms and not leaving TVs on standby are small actions in themselves, but - as those behind Blackout London recognise - when they are joined with others they will make a big difference. The church should be at the forefront of campaigns such as this, because we have a relationship with the Creator, who has asked us to take care of his planet.

So, will you be reaching for the energy-efficient light bulbs, or the off switch rather than the standby button?

Photos: 'London by night' and 'Earth from space' images courtesy of NASA.
All rights reserved.

• Sarah Giles was until recently Deputy Editor for Kids Alive! and is now a freelance writer, copy editor and proofreader
• The opinions given are personal and may not reflect those of The Salvation Army.
• What do you think about the effects of climate change and our individual responsibility to make a difference? Have your say below...