This year Earth Hour is at 8:30pm on 25 March 2017. All over the world, millions of people, businesses, and landmarks set aside an hour to host events and to switch off their lights. Moreover it shines a light on the need for climate change action. All individuals, communities, households, and businesses are encouraged to turn off all non-essential lights for an hour. This is seen as a symbol for their commitment to help save our planet.
What is Earth Hour all about?
Earth
Hour is an engagement platform for climate change. Through this campaign, the
WWF strives to “make climate action understandable, relatable, and accessible
to all”. It has the power to inspire and empowers people from all over the
world to, instead of being passive bystanders, to actively participate in
global efforts to fight climate change successfully. It reminds us that
we can all be heroes for our planet.
Earth Hour is not about how much energy is saved during the hour, but about focusing the attention on the issues facing the planet and inspiring people to live more sustainably. The whole idea about the campaign is that the choices people make and the actions they take after the hour is up can help reduce the impacts of climate change on the planet, its wildlife, and future generations.
From helping shape climate-friendly
policies to powering the transition to renewables and protecting our forests and
wildlife from the worst impacts of climate change, Earth Hour empowers every
individual and communities worldwide to be a part of the future we desire and
that our children truly deserve. Earth Hour ensures each and every one of us
plays our part in creating a better future for our planet and generations to
come (WWF Earth Hour Report 2016).
The ‘Plus’ sign
was integrated into the Earth Hour logo to indicate the campaign’s evolution
beyond the hour.
History
WWF’s
Earth Hour commenced as an idea intending to unite Sydney-siders to take a
stand for climate action in 2007 and it was celebrated for the first time by
2.2 million people. Countries
from around the world are experiencing the impact of climate change and our
precious planet needs urgent climate action, so, thus, this valuable campaign
was launched. Since them Earth hour has been the “force behind numerous
environmental outcomes including helping to drive legislative changes,
promoting individual actions to protect forests, oceans and wildlife,
encouraging sustainable behaviour and lifestyles, and helping spark global
awareness and momentum on climate”.
#ChangeClimateChange
The Paris Agreement marked the
first step toward the climate action our planet needs today. 2015 was both the
year the world celebrated the first universal climate deal. “This is our time
to #ChangeClimateChange”. Changing climate change
necessitates innovation in ambition, vision, and collaboration, starting with
all of us. Emphasis is placed on the transition to clean, green renewable
energy as it’s a cornerstones of building a climate-safe future.
Successes
In
2009, Earth Hour broke all records of mass participation, and also becoming the
world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment. In 2009, there were 88
Countries & Territories and in 2016 a whopping 178 Countries &
Territories! This unequivocally serve as reminder of the globe’s determination
to tackle our planet’s biggest environmental challenge yet. It is much more
than simply an hour: It has assisted in
changing laws and fund solar-powered homes, thereby making a real, positive
impact on the planet. Earth
Hour continues to remain the key driver of the now larger movements.
Earth
Hour Report 2016
Here
are some interesting facts revolving around Earth Hour 2016. According to the
Earth Hour Report (2016):
·
78
countries and territories participated in Earth Hour.
·
12 700
landmarks and monuments switched off their lights
·
2,
426, 929 actions were taken during Earth Hour
·
2.5
billion impressions on Earth Day
The Report notes that “our actions today
will define what tomorrow will look like for generations to come and every one
of us must be a part of the climate action our planet urgently needs”.
Participation
·
Use
the hashtags #changeclimatechange and #EarthHour to show your support digitally
or share the official Earth Hour poster. Our actions today can invariably
change our tomorrow - collectively, let's #ChangeClimateChange
·
Sign
up and send a strong message that you want action on climate change right now
·
Switch
off your lights in a symbolic show of global support to protect our amazing
planet
·
Bring
your friends, family, or community together and organise a special Earth Hour event.
·
Share
your plans on our Earth Hour map
·
Fundraise
for our vital work to tackle pressing threats like climate change and help us
to protect our amazing planet.
·
Take
a look at our range of fantastic Earth Hour events – get involved!
The
WWF’s message is crystal clear: Earth Hour belongs to you.
References
