Transition Derry

Tackling Peak Oil, Climate Change and Economic Breakdown

Earth Hour
March 28, 2009 8:30 – 9:30 pm

A global event created to symbolize that each one of us, working together, can make a positive impact on climate change

March 28, 2009 at 8:30 pm tens of millions of people in hundreds of cities around the world will come together once again to make a bold statement about their concern about climate change by doing something quite simple—turning off their lights for one hour. Earth Hour symbolizes that by working together, each of us can make a positive impact in the fight against climate change. Here in the U.S., it sends a message that Americans care about this issue and stand with the rest of the world in seeking to find solutions to the escalating climate crisis.

Leading the charge
Earth Hour was first celebrated two years ago in Sydney, Australia, when 2.2 million people and thousands of businesses turned out their lights, allowing the message about climate change to shine brightly.

In March 2008, Earth Hour went global. More than 400 cities, thousands of businesses and over 50 million people around the world turned off their lights for one hour to demonstrate their commitment to slowing the effects of climate change. The movement captured the public’s imagination with lights going out at some of the world’s most iconic landmarks including the Sydney Opera House, Bangkok’s Wat Arun Buddhist temple, the Coliseum in Rome, Stockholm’s Royal Castle, London’s City Hall, New York’s Empire State Building, Sears Tower in Chicago and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Other symbols going dark included Cola-Cola’s famous billboard in Times Square and the Google homepage.

Earth Hour 2009 will be the largest climate event in history
This year, the goals for Earth Hour are bigger because the stakes are higher. Already 250 cities in 74 countries have agreed to take part including Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami and Nashville with more signing up every day. Around the world cities like Moscow, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Shanghai and Mexico City will turn out their lights in support.

But Earth Hour isn’t just for big cities—anyone can participate. To see what Earth Hour is all about, check out this video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjWD8pbK5t8.

By taking part in Earth Hour 2009, you’ll send a message that the US must act now to slow climate change. This is a critical year in the future of our planet as Congress takes a serious look at climate legislation and international agreements are set to be negotiated in Copenhagen in December 2009.

To sign up, visit www.earthhourUS.org where you’ll learn more including ways you can spread the word about Earth Hour, plus creative things to do when the lights go out.

"This is the perfect opportunity for individuals, governments, schools, businesses and communities around the world to unite for a common purpose, in response to a global issue that affect us all."
- Carter S. Roberts, President and CEO WWF

Earth Hour 2009. Turn out. Take action.

To become a sponsor or sign up to become a supporting Earth Hour city contact:

Meg Pearce
Project Director, Earth Hour USA
meg.pearce@wwfus.org
202-495-4631

Monica Echeverria
Director, Latin America

202-495-4631

Monica.echeverria@wwfus.org

Views: 4

Add a Comment

You need to be a member of Transition Derry to add comments!

Join Transition Derry

© 2024   Created by marian farrell.   Powered by

Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service