A precisely 8:30pm on Saturday, March 28, citizens of Manila, Cebu and Davao will turn off their lights for one hour — sending a powerful signal that individual action CAN make a difference in global warming. Earth Hour 2009 aims to reach one billion people in 1,000 cities; a global sign-up campaign and competition is again being launched. All Filipinos can sign up at Earth Hour’s global website: http://www.earthhour.org.
This lights-out initiative began in Sydney in 2007 as a one-city campaign, which has evolved into a worldwide grassroots action. In 2008, 371 cities across 35 countries turned their lights out in a united call for action on climate change and energy conservation. Global landmarks – such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Coliseum, and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square – all stood in darkness, symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.
In the Philippines, Earth Hour 2009 hopes to involve 10 million Filipinos and 500 businesses in key cities across the country. Highlights include simultaneous concert countdowns at SM Mall of Asia, SM Cebu and SM Davao, from 7-10 pm Saturday night. The formal switch-off will be led by Energy Secretary Angie Reyes, World Wildlife Fund President & CEO Lory Tan, executives from different businesses and heads of participating local governments.
"2009 is a destiny year for the entire planet," declares Tan. "This is the year that we decide the future of humanity. Earth Hour is a message of hope and action and we hope it sends a powerful message to both local and world leaders. It is a global movement that proves that each one of us can make a difference. Imagine what we can do if we act together."
Recognizing the vital role of the energy community—particularly in terms of sustainable electric power generation, clean transport fuels, and best energy practices across sectors—DOE Secretary Reyes expressed full support for Earth Hour. "This grassroots initiative is an opportunity for individuals from all corners of the globe to unite and, in a single voice, highlight the urgent need for dramatic lifestyle changes and best energy practices to save our planet. This is a cause that should unite us as Filipinos and as citizens of the world." And the first step is just turning off the light!
This is the second year of Earth Hour, whose multiple-award-winning concept was originally generated by Leo Burnett Sydney. In 2008, the Philippines ranked #9 out of 24 countries. Over one million Filipinos, 400 establishments and 50 cities were on-board, generating over P30M in media exposure, and saving 56 MWh in Luzon and 16 MWh in Metro Manila – the equivalent of shutting down a small coal-fired power plant for one hour.
