As some people tighten their belts and give up alcohol, meat or chocolate for Lent, the Bishop of Oxford is calling for a rather different sacrifice.

The Rt Rev John Pritchard is urging people to go on a ‘carbon fast’ in the 40 days leading up to Easter.

Bishop John said: “The impact of our changing climate can sometimes feel too big and too complicated to deal with, but we can all do our bit to help tackle climate change.

“Participating in the carbon fast can cut the average family’s emissions by a quarter during the 40 days of Lent alone – and lay the foundations for lasting changes and a lighter carbon footprint.”

During the carbon fast, which has been launched in conjunction with Christian development agency Tearfund, people are being encouraged to carry out a simple energy-saving action every day, such as removing one light bulb from a prominent place in the home and living without it for the whole of Lent.

The carbon fast is now in its third year and churches from as far afield as Honduras and Australia are among those taking part. Wim Mauritz, Tearfund manager for Southern England, said: “Climate change can mean that some of the world’s poorest people go hungry because of drought, or lose their homes to floods.

“They have contributed least to our changing climate but are powerless to bring about change.”

For more details about how to take part, go to tearfund.org/carbonfast fbardsley@oxfordmail.co.uk