by TeganS-19, 15 December 2008

LIGHTS OFF on Saturday 28 March 2008, 8:30PM to 9:30PM

Hong Kong will join 62 countries, 74 cities around the world, including Beijing and Shanghai, to turn-off the lights for a full hour – in a symbolic motion to sign world governments and leaders that we are willing to take action in our lives, to help save the planet.

Hong Kong is one of the culprits when it comes to its track record regarding air pollution. Most days even the tallest skyscrapers are cloaked in a murky fog. In the past, there have been schemes to resolve some of the minor recesses of the problem; such as going without air conditioners for a day, although with Hong Kong's humidity, it is an amenity we are uncomfortable to do without.

If people in 62 countries across the world are committed, there is nothing stopping us. So remember, if you are concerned with the action policymakers have taken (or not, in all likelihood) to combat global warming, remember to turn your lights off on the 28th of March at 2008. We are no longer powerless individuals, we will become part of a global mandate to make a difference.

Earth Hour is a departure from these low-scale events to raise awareness about climate change; and I was fortunate enough to attend the press conference for the launch in 2009. Starting in Sydney in 2007, this WWF encourages a mass demonstration; switching off the lights for an hour (something much easier to go without, leave those air cons running).

It was so successful that in 2008 it became a global event in which 35 countries across the globe turned off their lights at 8:30pm on the last Saturday of March.

The WWF Chairman in Hong Kong, Trevor Yang had some profound ways of describing the phenomenon of global warming as daunting and often leaving individuals "powerless in the face of such a large problem". Taking such a defeatist approach to the issue is exactly what Earth Hour aims to dissolve, as a massive social movement gripping the world, hopefully by 2009 everyone will get the message. To prove how serious the event is, the WWF has reached out to businesses and governments to take note of the movement, and show their support for resolving climate change. There is enthusiasm for next year's event with an estimated 140 companies that have already pledged to be a part, along with the agreement that commercial and iconic buildings will turn their lights off on the 28th of March.

With Earth Hour reaching more and more individuals worldwide, the founders have a reason to be optimistic with their expectations for the coming year, as Mr Yang stated at the conference, they are hoping one billion people will participate. As far as Hong Kong is concerned, with the solidarity of one million people involved in the movement, tackling climate change will become a priority for the HONG KONG government.

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Please also read ... EARTH HOUR 2009! – YOUR LIGHT SWITCH IS YOUR VOTE! "EARTH HOUR 2009 and Finding Time to Relax" "EARTH HOUR: a first step in reversing climate change on a global scale" "POCAHONTAS & FIRST-EVER Carbon-offset ROYAL TRIP BY BRITAIN’s QUEEN" "AUSTRALIA - SYDNEY in hour-long CLIMATE CHANGE BLACKOUT" iCUBED.us Cares! Global Warming Watch, Sustainable Eating and Environment, Pollution & Over-Population

For more info: Earth Hour News coverage on the 2008 event (SMH coverage) Link to images from the press junket - Earth Hour Hong Kong Climateers website (work out your carbon footprint)