26 March 2008 | Luca Del Buono

 

Cities and communities around the world are preparing to deliver a powerful message about the need to act on climate change.

On March 29, 2008, at 8 pm local time, millions of people all over the planet will switch off lights and appliances for one hour, and some of the world's most iconic landmarks will fade into darkness.

In Canada, a recent poll indicated that 70 per cent of Canadians would take part. Dubai, Argentina, Bolivia and Mexico will join the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, as well as Asian and Pacific countries.

Last year's massive collective effort in Sydney reduced their energy consumption by 10.2 per cent for one. hour, which is the equivalent effect of taking 48,000 cars off the road for a year.

Following Sydney's lead, cities around the world have already signed up to encourage residents and businesses to turn off their lights for an hour from 8pm to 9pm on March 29

Partner cities include San Francisco Sydney, Bangkok, Manila, Montreal, Dublin, Tel Aviv, Copenhagen, and Lautoka. At last count there were about 380 cities and communities supporting Earth Hour.

Landmarks will also switch off the lights – these will include The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco; Niagara Falls, Canada; Sydney Opera House; Alcatraz jail, San Francisco and Brighton Pier, UK.

Source: WWF

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