Switch off the lights for the planet
Published Mar 26, 2022 12:05 am
Tonight, at 8:30 p.m., take time to switch off the lights at home or in the office, to celebrate Earth Hour, and join supporters of this movement in over 190 countries.
Earth Hour, which started in 2007 and organized by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), has become a symbol of hope and a demonstration of collective action to raise awareness on the issues facing our planet. More than just the fact that we feel one with the global community, the action is a reminder that individual actions, no matter how seemingly small, can have an effect on change.
“Shape our future” is the theme for Earth Hour 2022 — because doing things to reduce our carbon footprint can inspire others to do the same, and thus help save our home planet. Earth Hour, in only 15 years since it was initiated, has become a “movement for our own futures, for the benefit of people and planet.”
“And it's not only a symbol of solidarity — it’s a catalyst for change, harnessing the power of the crowd,” declares “Join us for Earth Hour” page at www.earthhour.org.
The movement, started in Sydney, Australia, has grown into a worldwide action supported by millions of people who have initiated action for the environment through legislative changes. It continues to inspire more supporters as it starts with a simple act of switching off the lights in one’s home or office for an hour on the last Saturday of March.
According to the Earth Hour movement website, “people around the world have come together every Earth Hour to support efforts to tackle climate change. And, together, we have created a powerful movement that helped deliver strong global commitments to tackling this threat. Climate change remains a big challenge for us all.
“But another urgent threat now demands our attention: the staggering loss of biodiversity and nature. Earth Hour today endeavors to spark global conversations on protecting nature not only because it is our strongest ally against the climate crisis, but also because of its importance in ensuring our own health, happiness, prosperity, and even survival.”
Coincidentally, the third day of this month was World Wildlife Day, which highlighted the invaluable contribution of fauna and flora across the world and their role in ecosystems and in building a healthy biodiversity. Climate change does not only affect us as it is the greatest threat to wildlife. Because of climate change, intense storms destroy the habitat of all animals, from land to sea. Because of climate change, high temperatures result in ocean acidification causing the bleaching of coral reefs. With warmer waters, ocean currents change and alter migration patterns. The dire effects go on and on. And if we don’t do anything to address climate change, it will be too late to keep the planet healthy and ready for the next generation.
For tonight – at 8:30 p.m. – start your commitment to tackling climate change and other environmental issues by the simple act of switching off your lights. Start also by looking into supporting organizations that conserve and protect our planet. We all must help because in the end, we only have one home to keep.