Bright Idea

In 2007, 2.2 million homes and businesses in Sydney, Australia turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. In 2009, one billion people in 4,088 cities and towns in 88 countries did the same thing. This year, there are more than 5.6 million people doing it, so far. That number is still growing, and there’s still more than two weeks to go before the main event.

Earth Hour is the largest public demonstration for action on climate change ever. It is a global climate change initiative. The WWF has been encouraging businesses, individuals, governments and communities alike to turn off their lights for one hour to show their support for action on climate change. This year, that date is Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 8:30 p.m. 

The significance of turning the lights off for an hour is a lot greater than most people realize. In 2008, it was recorded that Earth Hour participant Bangkok, Thailand decreased electricity usage by approximately 165 megawatt hours. That is equivalent to 102 tonnes of carbon dioxide – and that’s only for one country. Toronto was recorded to have saved about 900 megawatt-hours of electricity.

Take action, and don’t forget that one person can make a difference. Inspire others by signing up and spreading the word. Not a fan of the dark? Throw an Earth Hour party and have dinner by candlelight, or if weather permits, have a patio poker night with some friends. Even just going out and taking a walk around the city is an experience. Because we’re so used to bright lights, it may come as a surprise that seeing your home town in the dark is more of a spectacle than when it’s all lit up. •

Vancouver photo by Jeremiah Armstrong (above)