Many of us in wealthy or industrialized parts of the world are largely cushioned from the worst effects of climate change—for now. Yet scientific research continues to show that our planet is warming at a rate faster than anything experienced in recent human history. If left unchecked, this rising global temperature threatens ecosystems, livelihoods, and communities, particularly those already facing social and economic vulnerability.

Because we don’t always feel these impacts directly, it can be easy to ignore the need for urgent action. As we approach the season of Lent, however, we are invited into a different posture. What more fitting time to examine our lifestyles and to ask how we might love our neighbour more deeply—especially those most affected by environmental harm?

Lent as a Call to Sacrificial Service

The forty days leading up to Easter are a significant season for the Church, a time of preparation and reflection as we journey toward the celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection. Scripture reminds us that, “…the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)

During Lent, we are called to meditate on Christ’s example and to use it as a framework for honest self‑examination. Jesus did not cling to comfort or privilege, but lived a life of humble, self‑giving service. After washing the disciples’ feet, he told them, “…I have given you an example, that you should also do just as I have done to you.” (John 13:15)

This call to sacrificial service can take many forms. As you prepare for Lent, take time to pray and ask Christ to show you where you are being invited to grow in servanthood—to recognize others as more important than yourself.

For some, one tangible expression of this calling may be reducing their personal carbon footprint. This matters because the effects of climate change—extreme weather, food insecurity, displacement—fall most heavily on the poor and vulnerable. By reducing our contribution to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, we can participate in caring for both people and creation.

Practising Faithful Climate Action This Lent

If you feel called to engage climate action during Lent, the Living Net Zero guide offers a simple, week‑by‑week framework for the forty‑day journey. The guide includes practical challenges for people at different stages of their sustainability journey, paired with spiritual reflections to support prayer and discernment.

Areas explored include:

• Home energy efficiency
• Household waste
• Plastic use
• Transportation choices
• Advocacy and civic engagement
• And more

As you enter this Lenten journey, it is important not to separate climate action from worship. It can be tempting to focus on our good works in ways that become prideful or legalistic. Each week of the challenge includes Scripture to reflect on, pray through, and return to as the true “why” behind all our acts of service.

As you consider what net zero choices might look like in your own context, may everything you do be done as unto Him—our great and glorious God.

Putting Faith into Practice

Lent invites us to practice repentance, simplicity, and love in concrete ways. If you’re ready to explore how reducing your carbon footprint can become an act of worship and neighbour‑love, the Living Net Zero challenge offers a guided pathway for the forty days leading up to Easter. Engage Scripture, reflect prayerfully, and take practical steps toward faithful climate action—rooted not in guilt, but in grace.

Begin the Living Net Zero Lent challenge today.

Interested in going deeper? Visit our events page to learn about upcoming opportunities to engage, learn, and take action alongside others.