Environment Sheffield

In a report out today, Sheffield is listed as the 12th noisiest city in England. The report demonstrates that urban noise levels cause permanent damage to the ears, resulting in hearing loss – as well as having a detrimental impact on mental and emotional wellbeing of city-dwellers. Ranking 12th while being England’s fifth largest city, the good news is that Sheffield is a better sound environment than it might be; but noise pollution is a quality-of-life issue (“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus, John 10:10) that gives plenty of scope for missional imagination.

How might churches – communities of believers, and properties – create spaces in the city that enable those around us to step out of noise pollution, and experience sound as a means of healing? And might the accumulation of such spaces alter the overall noise pattern of the city?


Sheffield lays claim to being one of the ‘greenest’ cities in Europe – at least in terms of the number, and percentage area-coverage, of parks; and the number of trees lining residential roads. This month will see the city host a major environment conference, with a combination of public and by-invitation events taking place, and Inconvenient Truth-teller Al Gore as keynote speaker. If you live in or near Sheffield, and are interested, the list of events is here.



Sheffield , noise pollution , environmental issues , Al Gore , missional church