UAE | Environment
Earth Hour 2009 likely to attract 1b participants
It's lights out on Saturday night across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah for Earth Hour during which it is hoped 1 billion people around the world will switch off their lights as a gesture of good will to stop wasting energy.
- By Emmanuelle Landais Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:17 March 25, 2009
Dubai: It's lights out on Saturday night across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah for Earth Hour during which it is hoped 1 billion people around the world will switch off their lights as a gesture of good will to stop wasting energy.
Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007 and annually aims to mobilise as many people as possible to turn off non-essential lighting and other electrical appliances. In 2009, the target is set at involving 1 billion people. Dubai was the first Arab city to participate in Earth Hour last year and the 60-minute near black out created a drop in 100,000 kilowatt hours of electricity.
On March 28 from 8.30pm onwards, UAE residents are urged to join the 'first global election between earth and global warming' said Ida Tillisch, Director of Business Development and Marketing of EWS-WWF in Dubai, during Earth Hour. "This is very important for the UAE as per capita we still consume far more natural resources than anywhere else in the world," she said. "We need to show that we care everyday by taking energy saving steps."
Speaking on behalf of the WWF, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director EWS WWF said Earth Hour is a powerful symbol of what can be achieved through individual action on a global scale. "In the UAE we are keen to grasp the momentum generated by this global occasion, urging everyone to make the switch for one symbolic hour, thus taking affirmative action towards helping save our planet."
In Dubai, residents are invited to head down to The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence to watch some of the landmarks including Burj Al Arab dim down.
"If Earth Hour is seen as the global community responding to climate change, residents of the UAE can pledge to make an ongoing lasting difference by joining the Heroes of the UAE campaign at www.heroesoftheuae.ae," she added.
In Abu Dhabi, all carbon emissions generated as part of the Coldplay concert from lighting, electricity or flights will be calculated to generate the event's total carbon footprint. Based on the total figure; 'carbon credits' will fund an international gold standard certified sustainability project. Short films on the Earth Hour initiative and the EWS-WWF campaign will also be screened prior to the gig. A special announcement will also be made on Earth Hour at 8.30pm on the night of the show.
In Fujairah, Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort will switch off external lights for the garden, trees and poles and the internal lights for the corridors and offices. Lights will remain on in the swimming areas, as well as for exit signs and emergency lighting. Through its participation in Earth Hour, Le Méridien Al Aqah will conserve 1600 kilowatts of electricity - the equivalent of 838 pounds of carbon dioxide.
Energy saving tips
-Switch off electrical appliances when not in use. Even when not powered, televisions, DVD players, laptops or phone chargers consume energy.
-Home appliances are being made now to be more efficient.
-Choose energy efficient brands when fitting out your kitchen with a fridge, freezer or washing machine to use less water and electricity.
-Consider buying a laptop instead of a desktop computer as they use much less energy
-Air dry your clothes! Living in the UAE means a load will air-dry in just 1 day
-Use rechargeable batteries in remote controls, etc rather than single use batteries n Change lightbulbs in your home to energy-saving lightbulbs that last longer and reduce your energy bills
-Use fans during the summer to create a wind chill effect that will make your home more comfortable. If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort.
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