Tonight, in what has become a symbol of the fight against climate change and caring for the environment, we are being asked to go dark, turn off lights and use as little energy as possible. This is the tenth edition of Earth Hour, an opportunity for each and every one of us to make at least a token effort in reducing our carbon footprint. It’s also an opportunity to make a statement that we do actually care about this blue planet we share on its journeys around the sun, and that we are guardians of the environment, stewards of the world to hold it and preserve it for the generations to come.
Yes, Earth Hour is a pertinent reminder to us of just how fragile and sensitive this planet is, that we have a responsibility to keep it as pristine as possible, and to make every effort to ensure its environment, climate and natural beauty remain intact. Yes, turn off your lights tonight for an hour and send a message that we living in the UAE care about climate change, about carbon emissions and that we pledge to do more to be green.
But let’s not just stop with an annual symbol: Let’s embrace the philosophy of thinking globally and acting locally into our living and working habits. Can the thermostat of the air-conditioner be adjusted to lower energy consumption? Do we need to keep the tap running while washing teeth? Can our old newspapers, bottles, cans and plastic containers be recycled? And if there’s not a recycling scheme near us or in our building, are we prepared to organise one? Are we using energy-efficient appliances and have we switched to energy-saving lightbulbs to maximise efficiencies? Can our clothes be washed at a lower temperature cycle in the washing machine? These are all simple steps that each one of us can take to make a difference.
When it comes to municipality and government efforts, environment-friendly programmes and schemes are being introduced, developed and revised.
On the global stage, Masdar City has become the watchword for renewable energy and basically zero-emission sustainability.
Yes, governments and political leaders came together in Paris last December to arrive at a landmark deal on climate change and carbon emissions. That took years of efforts and much still remains to be done. But at least Earth Hour lets us play our part. Whether that role is for an hour each year or is a catalyst for prolonged and purposeful change is up to each of us.
