The power of an idea
Earth Hour is a magnificent example of the power of an
idea. It started in 2007, when people in
Sydney, Australia were challenged to turn
off all unnecessary lights and electrical appliances for just one hour.
Two years later, over 4,000 cities in 88 countries took
part. The Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower,
UN Headquarters and the CN Tower were among the landmarks that turned out their
lights. Across Toronto, power consumption dropped by 15%.
Earth Hour happens this Saturday, March 27 at 8:30-9:30
local time. Please take part: turn off
lights, turn off appliances and unplug things that use ‘phantom power’ even
when they are off. Find out more at www.wwf.ca/earthhour.
Let’s show that, working together, we can make a HUGE
difference. And when it’s over, let’s resolve
to make every hour Earth Hour.
In the news
Canada has just experienced its warmest and driest winter on record, triggering fears of water shortages, pest infestations and fires. Up north, truckers are getting stuck on winter roads that should still be frozen, and methane is bubbling out of the Arctic Ocean.
What do you do when your island nation is threatened by
rising sea levels? Buy another island,
of course: one that floats!
If even thinking about giving up some of life’s carbon-heavy
indulgences makes you cringe, here’s some advice
from a friend of mine…