“This time let's go beyond the light switch!”
The 100-day countdown to Earth Hour 2011 has begun.
Earth Hour is about turning off the lights for one hour. It is a global event organized by WWF (World Wildlife Fund). WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environm
ent and build a future where people live in harmony with nature. It hopes to bring community together to acknowledge the importance of reducing consumption of earth’s natural resources.Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the Sydney Harbor Bridge, CN Tower in Toronto, Golden Gate Bridge in Sa
n Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.In March 2009, hundreds of millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2009 the world’s largest global climate change initiative.
On 27 March, Earth Hour 2010 became the biggest Earth Hour ever. A record 128 countries and territories joined the global display of climate action. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet.
Earth Hour 2011 will take place on Saturday 26 March at 8.30pm (local time). This Earth Hour we want you to go beyond the hour, so after the lights go back on think about what else you can do to make a difference.
Earth Hour will be carried out in practical ways moving forward, as cities and landmarks apply the core principle of turning off the lights to their everyday routine. In Chicago, BOMA (Building Owners and Management Association) developed lighting guidelines to reduce light pollution, and reduce the carbon footprint of downtown buildings. Mount Rushmore in South Dakota will now start powering down each night around 9 p.m. instead of 11 p.m.
Turning off the lights on March 26 is just a step to recognize that mother earth needs our help. Together we can protect earth’s precious resources by conserving, developing, and spreading the word. Flipping the switch for one hour on Saturday will be your vote for mother earth.
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