image image image image image image
Legislation threat over plastic bag usage
Read the Full Story...
Chris Huhne: Green business is good business
Read the Full Story...
Demand for postgraduate degrees at risk
Read the Full Story...
One hour, no power; A dark city, a bright idea
Read the Full Story...
Nuclear power caution
Read the Full Story...
Give back to your community
Read the Full Story...
1 2 3 4 5 6

Issue Centre
Political issues at Rock the Vote

Read about the political issues affecting young people in Britain. Take action and have your say on political matters that
affect your future.

One hour, no power; A dark city, a bright idea

earth-hour-hg

On Saturday 27 March, Earth Hour 2010 became the biggest Earth Hour ever; Big Ben, Empire State Building and even the Las Vegas strip were among hundreds of landmarks switched off their lights for last year's Earth Hour, an effort joined by an estimated 50 million people in 4,616 cities, in 128 countries.


Launched by the World Wildlife Fund in 2008, inspired by efforts already underway in Australia, the annual event asks every individual, business and community in the world to turn off non-essential lights for 60 minutes.

This year, homes, businesses and landmarks in 130 countries are expected to switch off lights for an hour from 8.30pm in Saturday.

The Sky Tower in Auckland, New Zealand, the Sydney Opera House in Australia, the Queen’s Palace in Madagascar, Niagara Falls in Canada, Times Square in New York City, the Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the London Eye have all signed up to switch off in support of the planet.

Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns at WWF-UK has said: "The challenge for our future wellbeing could not be greater. WWF's Earth Hour is a unique opportunity to join up with millions and millions of people from every time zone on the planet. The result is an urgent message that we want to reduce the impact our energy system has on our planet - a message so powerful that governments and businesses cannot fail to take notice. By acting now we can keep the future bright."

David Cameron endorsed the cause with a YouTube message, in which he says “Sharing responsibility holds the key to fighting climate change."

Mr Cameron pledged to make the coalition Britain's "greenest-ever government" in the fight against climate change.

But he added: "It will be the choices we make as individuals which will mean the difference between success and failure.

"That's what Earth Hour is all about - millions of people all over the world coming together to switch off their lights, tackle climate change and protect our natural world.

"It is a huge symbol of global solidarity, an inspiring display of international commitment."

Mr. Butfield commended the PM’s support saying: "It's great to hear the Prime Minister reiterate an ambition to lead the UK's greenest-ever government. There is substantial and serious work to do if this aspiration is to become a genuine reality.

"The millions of people taking part in Earth Hour are not only demonstrating their personal commitment, but also sending a strong message to government to call for urgent and sustainable action on climate change."

Coca-Cola has also announced its support for Earth Hour by pledging to switch off its iconic Piccadilly Circus LED sign, making it the fifth time the sign has been switched off since World War 2.

WWF-UK CEO David Nussbaum said: “We are delighted that Coca-Cola is once again showing its support for WWF’s Earth Hour through a range of activity.

“Earth Hour has become a global event, with millions of people across the world switching off their lights to show they care about tacking climate change and protecting the natural world. Businesses, governments and charities all need to work together to tackle climate change and Coca-Cola’s support for Earth Hour is very welcome.”

A few days ago, MPs from across the UK showed their encouragement for WWF Earth Hour by pedalling bikes to power up batteries which will be used to project natural world images onto the Royal Albert Hall during Earth Hour.

MP Simon Wright who also got on his bike this week to pedal with a Panda for WWF's Earth Hour said, "Earth Hour is a great campaign which I've been very pleased to play a part in over the last few years. Millions of people across the world, from over 100 countries, will do their bit by saving energy at the same time. It's a reminder that if people collectively make a small change, together we can make a big difference."

Earth hour will take place this Saturday (26th March), between 8.30pm-9.30pm.

Click your light bulb to show your support.

Add comment


Security code
Refresh