Manila archdiocese joins global call against climate change

With barely few days left before the world plunges into an hour of darkness, nations all over the world are gearing to link arms in a show of unity even just for an hour to fight a menace that threatens the life of mother earth.

In a show of solidarity, the Archdiocese of Manila will join the global community on March 28 in switching off electricity for an hour in a pitch against global warming.

Dubbed as Earth Hour, the worldwide activity aims to send out a strong message to humanity on the gravity of climate change and a challenge to every citizen to find solutions to the worsening problem.

The global event which was first initiated by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia two years ago calls on every individual to become responsible steward of creation and to work for its sustainability.

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, in a video message released by the Archdiocesan Ecology Ministry, urged all parishes and religious institutions to participate in the hour-long activity.

“Sa gabi ng 28 ng Marso, mula 8:30 hanggang 9:30 ng gabi tayo ay makisama sa pangangalaga ng kalikasan. Bigyan natin ng pahinga ang daigdig, kung maari lang at hindi makakapinsala sa kalusugan, isang oras tayong hindi gagamit ng elektrisida. Ito ay isang paalala at paghiling o isang tagpo sa sandali. Kaya makisama tayo at subukan kung kayang tiisin ang walang elektrisidad sa isang oras” (On March 28, from 8:30-9:30 p.m. let us join this activity and show our concern for Mother Earth. Let us give our world a respite. As long as it does pose danger to our health, let us refrain from using electricity for one hour. I urge that we participate in this worthwhile activity, and strive to sacrifice for one hour without electricity), the Cardinal said.

At 8:30 p.m. on March 28, all parishes are encouraged to ring their Church bells to call people’s attention on the significant event, said Lou Arsenio, coordinator of the Archdiocesan Ministry on Ecology.

“Part of the recommendation is for the parishes to conduct holy hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.,” added Arsenio.

The world wide activity is being spearheaded by WWF organization of which the Ecology ministry is a participant.

Arsenio said the event is expected to draw participation from 10 million Filipinos and 500 businesses nationwide.

The Ecology Ministry office has been distributing materials and mobilizing religious institutions as well as parishes in different Metro Manila dioceses, asking their commitment to participate in the event.

The occasion is the time to be in solidarity with the world to combat the problem of global warming before it becomes too late, Arsenio said.

Celebrating Earth Hour is one way of educating people to become responsible stewards of the environment, she added.

To lessen the emissions of greenhouse gases that cause global warming, people are encouraged to observed some mitigating actions such as unplugging appliances and switching off lights when not in use.

The first event held in Sydney, Australia in 2007 had 2.2 million homes and businesses put off their lights for one hour. The unprecedented action had delivered its environmental message and captured the imagination of the world. Last year, the event had gone global with more than 50 million people switching off their lights, literally plunging major cities around the world in darkness.

Count down to Earth Hour on March 28 will be held at the Mall of Asia, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.