By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz
Filipinos are urged anew to take part in the annual Earth Hour celebration--a symbolic lights off event that will be observed from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on March 25.
Credit: Pixabay / MANILA BULLETIN
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), this year's observance of Earth Hour is a milestone for the Philippines as it comes more than a week after the Senate ratified the landmark Paris Agreement on Climate Change following the endorsement of President Duterte.
The Philippines is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, but has a very small climate footprint.
However, the DENR said this should not prevent the country from achieving economic development while adopting lifestyles, systems and measures that can slow down climate change.
The DENR said Earth Hour is a great initiative that demonstrates how small, simple steps can help make a difference in making communities reflect on the devastating impacts of climate change.
It also supports calls for Earth Hour participants to "go beyond the hour" in their daily activities.
For the past 10 years, the international campaign encouraged people and businesses to turn off lights and other electrical appliances in support of global call for action on climate change to reduce carbon footprint.
What had started as a one-city initiative in Sydney, Australia in 2007, the Earth Hour campaign has multiplied into a global mass action.
Since 2009, the Philippines has topped town and city participation in the world, earning the title of Earth Hour Hero Country.
Read more: Earth Hour 2017 set for March 25