Light dawns on millions more as Earth Hour nears

Dubai: Switching off the lights for just an hour may not reverse decades of environment degradation but presents an opportunity to acknowledge efforts being made in the present to conserve resources for the future — and you can do your bit for the movement.

Some 400,000 people across the UAE joined Earth Hour events last year, adding to widespread public interest in over a 100 countries worldwide.

In Dubai alone, a reduction in power consumption of 146,000kW/h (kilo-watt-hour) was recorded during Earth Hour 2009, according to Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa).

Countries and regions involved for the first time in 2010 include Kosovo, Madagascar, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Mongolia, Cambodia, Czech Republic, Paraguay, Ecuador and the US Commonwealth of the Northern Marina Islands in the Pacific Ocean, amongst others.

The campaign first came to public attention on March 31 in 2007, when Sydney, Australia, took the radical step of encouraging a mass turn-off of lights and other electrical appliances among businesses and individuals, in order to promote awareness of the environment.

Wider reach

Organisers are trying to widen their reach to people in 103 countries by the time commemorations unfold at 8.30pm on March 27. That compares with a final participation of 88 countries in 2009 with the message going out to hundreds of millions of people globally.

Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF (EWS-WWF) is encouraging residents in the UAE to take action every day and live more sustainable lifestyles.

"Earth Hour is a powerful symbol of what can be achieved through collective action on a global scale, and it really demonstrates that hundreds of millions of people around the globe are concerned for the planet and wish to see an end to climate change," said Ida Tillisch, director of marketing and business development at EWS-WWF.

Through the campaign Heroes of the UAE (heroesoftheuae.ae), EWS-WWF provides tips and information to people and organisations interested in contributing to the fight against climate change. It provides an opportunity for individuals to take action by joining the campaign and start saving energy on a daily basis to help tackle climate change.

"We all have to play a role — individuals, businesses and governments," added Tillisch.

The Tokyo Tower in Tokyo and Brandenburg Gate in Berlin will both turn off their lights for Earth Hour. All member countries of the G20 are now part of the event. In the UAE, thousands of people have already signed up and several iconic landmarks are expected to announce their participation next week.

"Earth Hour demonstrates the determination of the world's citizens for a better healthier world," said Earth Hour executive director Andy Ridley.

• 103 countries to witness Earth Hour events this year
• 146,000 kW/h drop in power usage courtesy of Earth Hour 2009 in Dubai
• Participation: everyone welcome

Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF (EWS-WWF), the organisation representing the WWF in the Middle East is encouraging everyone to sign up for Earth Hour at www.uae.panda.org/earthhour