| | |  Editorials | Environmental | December 2008 
Earth Hour Participation Could Reach One Billion in WWF's Call to Action on Climate Change
 WWF-Canada
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Launched today against the backdrop of United Nations climate negotiations in Poland, Earth Hour 2009 aims for one-sixth of the world's population to participate in its global lights-out event next March.
With 74 cities in 62 countries already committed, the WWF-sponsored global campaign to highlight the need for action on climate change is already on track to surpass the astonishing success of 2008. In Canada alone last year, nearly 10 million people and more than 150 towns and cities took part.
Canadian municipalities from coast to coast will join Toronto, Vancouver, and more than 1,000 other cities across the globe in dousing their lights for one hour on March 28 at 8:30 p.m. sharp.
Conceived just three years ago as a means for ordinary people around the world to simultaneously demonstrate their concern about climate change, Earth Hour has grown so rapidly in international support that its advocates now hope as many as one billion people will take part in the global call to action next Spring.
"Earth Hour is a powerful signal for governments all over the world," said Gerald Butts, President and CEO of WWF-Canada. "In December, 2009, Canada's Prime Minister will meet with world leaders in Copenhagen, Denmark to frame a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, which expires 2012. When Canada's Prime Minister goes to Copenhagen to negotiate a new deal on climate, he should be aware that not only are the eyes of Canadians upon him, but those of the whole world."
According to the mayor of Toronto David Miller, "It's crucial that cities and the public come together to take action against climate change." Miller is chair of the C40 Large Cities Climate Leadership Group, an international association of major municipalities working together to drive down greenhouse gas emissions. "As Chair of the C40," said Miller, "I support Earth Hour."
Toronto's CN Tower will be one of many of the world's most recognizable landmarks to go dark at 8.30 p.m. on Saturday, March 28. Australia's iconic Sydney Opera House, Auckland's Sky Tower, the Burj Dubai (under construction as the world's tallest tower), Moscow's Federation Tower, and Quirinale-official residence of the President of the Italian Republic-all will turn their lights out at the same time.
"2009 is the year we decide the future of the earth," said Andy Ridley, Executive Director of Earth Hour Global. "It can be the year the world finally agrees on a plan to massively reduce carbon emissions across the globe. The sum of our actions today can change history and secure the future of our planet."
About Earth Hour
On March 29 2008, millions of people around the world united for one hour and switched off their lights to show support for action on climate change. More than 370 towns and cities took part including Toronto, Dubai, Tel Aviv, Sydney, Rome, Copenhagen, Manila, Bangkok, Santa Cruz, Christchurch and Chicago. Earth Hour is the highlight of a major campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the steps needed to cut their emissions on an ongoing basis. It is about simple changes that will collectively make a difference - from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty, to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby. Earth Hour is a message of hope and action.
About WWF
WWF-Canada is part of the WWF International Network, the world's largest and most experienced independent conservation organization. It has close to five million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. This is achieved by working on the ground with local communities, and in partnership with government and industry, using the best possible science to advocate change and effective conservation policy. For more information visit wwf.ca.
What is it?
Earth Hour is a global WWF climate change initiative. Individuals, businesses and governments will turn out their lights for one hour to show their support for action on climate change. In 2009 Earth Hour aims to reach 1 billion people in 1,000 cities.
When is it?
Saturday March 28, 2009 from 8.30pm - 9.30pm |
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