Lights out

Earth Hour 2009: sign up, switch off and see the difference we can all make!

Earth Hour is an annual international event, which encourages us all to take action in creating an awareness of the effects of climate change. Created by WWF, Earth Hour is held on the last Saturday of March and encourages all households and businesses to unite and switch off non-essential lights and electrical appliances for just one hour.
          This annual movement started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, where 2.2 million homes and businesses were inspired by WWF Australia and the Sydney Morning Herald to extinguish their lights for one hour. Worldwide participation was achieved in 2008 with global landmarks such as San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, Rome's Colosseum and the Coca-Cola billboard in Times Square following suit - all standing in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause which grows more urgent by the hour.
          This year, Earth Hour 2009 aims to encourage more than one billion people living in 1,000 cities across the globe, to switch off their lights for one hour at 8:30pm (local time) on Saturday March 28. For the first time, Singapore has officially joined this global climate change movement. And it's hoped one million Lion City dwellers will participate, effecting a "partial blackout" as lights are turned off in homes, communities and businesses for one hour.
          WWF is optimistic Earth Hour Singapore will inspire individuals to create a wide range of events, as it done in other countries. From candlelit parties and picnics, to bicycle-powered concerts and iconic buildings and landmarks plunged into darkness, the opportunities for spectacle and celebration are endless.
          Businesses which have confirmed their commitment to Earth Hour Singapore include South West CDC, National Parks, Microsoft, the National University of Singapore, Meritus Hotels & Resorts, Leo Burnett, Starcom Media Worldwide and Weber Shandwick. You too can get involved. Join people across the world in turning lights and appliances off and show you care about the future of our precious planet.

What you can do

• Sign up now Visit www.earthhour.org/singapore to sign up for Earth Hour and you'll discover useful tips and tools for reducing your carbon footprint.

• Tell a friend Mobilise even more people by emailing the above hyperlink to your friends, family and workmates, encouraging them to sign up.

• Tell your story Is climate change affecting your family and community? WWF wants to hear how you're becoming part of the solution!

• Host your own Earth Hour Put 8:30pm on March 28 in your diary and download WWF's quick guide to hosting your own Earth Hour.

Text: www.earthhour.org, www.earthhour.org/singapore

Posted Feb 09