WWF Earth Hour – 28th March 2009
Since it’s humble beginnings in Sydney, Australia in 2007 – the Earth Hour has been gaining ground – and fast.
This year – the 3rd Earth Hour – is planning to cover the entire globe in swathes of darkness around it’s width – like a global Mexican Wave. This will convey the huge statement that there are thousands of people in every country joining together in support of making a difference.
People in every country across the globe are signing up to say that they agree with the Earth Hour aim to ‘send a message to World Governments that they must take action to help avoid Climate Change’. And they are hoping to unite 1 billion people with this single purpose.
Why So Important?
The UN Climate Change Summit takes place in Copenhagen at the end of the year, and WWF are hoping that this event will have an impact on topics raised and policies discussed by the heads of nations. This Summit is going to decide on future International Climate Policy – so really it is the planets ‘Moment of Truth’.
We have read reports from well known scientists that we are really at a great tipping point with the destruction we are a part of, and that if things are not turned around very quickly with regards to emissions and draining of resources, we may never return to the life we knew. Everything could change.
We are already seeing signs of that change across the world in the flooding and diseases affecting corners of the globe – freak weather, sea-level rises and warming temperatures are all impacting on peoples lives, and it will only get worse.
What Can You Do?
If you plan to take part, make sure you register and get everyone you know to register too. Although just turning out your lights for the entire hour will show others you are involved, you will not count towards the actual recorded movement as the WWF will not know that you took part. There will be no written record of the part you played.
Last year 50 million people signed up, but many more joined in, but went uncounted. If this years Earth Hour is to reach 1 billion, you must sign up and be counted.
Planning an event for the hour will also involve many others – as if they are at your house enjoying a candle-lit dinner, a home movie watching session or a ghost story telling group at the local church hall – then all their lights will be out anyway as they are not at home (but make sure they sign up online first). So by arranging an event – the bigger the better – the more supporters you will be creating – the bigger the impact!
There are national and local events being organised if you’d rather head into town with your friends – and you might get to see a famous landmark plunged into darkness!
There may be outdoor concerts or theatre performances at local stately homes on offer, or walks in the local woods for the more adventurous – and everything will look so different in the true darkness – look up to see the stars where-ever you are as they will certainly be shining more brightly than before!
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Tags: 2009, climate change, climate summit, copenhagen, earth hour, eco friendly, march 2009, world event, wwf