We Are One
By Susan Ellis of Keylifejourneys
I have often talked of people power and grass roots involvement to bring about change. Earth Hour is one such initiative. It started out in Sydney Australia in 2007 and has developed into a world affair. This article from the World Wildlife Federation/Canada website shows a world shift in consciousness. If I show my cynical side I may suggest the involvement of some countries is, may I say, political. But in the end it is the people who take responsibility for their actions on the day. It is we who turn off the light and take time to appreciate what we normally take for granted.
Earth Hour heads into record territory
March 17, 2010 - A record Earth Hour is looming with more countries now signed up for the event than for last year’s globe circling lights out for climate action.
Just over a week out from the event, timed for 8.30 pm on March 27, organisers are now active in 110 countries, compared to a final participation figure of 88 countries in 2009 which saw hundreds of millions participating.
With confirmation that the Tokyo Tower in Tokyo and Brandenburg Gate in Berlin will both turn off their lights for Earth Hour, all members of the G20 are now taking part in the event.
“Earth Hour demonstrates the determination of the world’s citizens for a better healthier world,” said Earth Hour Executive Director, Andy Ridley.
“It brings together cities, communities, businesses and individuals on the journey to positive action on climate change,”
As a co-founder of the event, Ridley has seen it boom from a one city, one country event in 2007 to the levels where nearly half the world’s nations, and many of its largest cities and iconic landmarks make a statement for a more secure and safer future.
Countries and regions involved for the first time include Kosovo, the remote island nation of Madagascar, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, Cambodia, Czech Republic, Paraguay, Ecuador and the US Commonwealth of the Northern Marina Islands in the Pacific Ocean amongst others.
Honduras became the latest nation to have official Earth Hour recognition and Earth Hour global organisers confirm that there are currently more than 1,100 cities and towns signed up to switch their lights off at 8.30pm on 27 March - 100 more than at the same time last year.
“Typically we see a big jump in the number of cities and towns taking part in the last few days before the lights go out, but to see such strong support already is fantastic,” said Ridley.
“Earth Hour is an opportunity for the global community to speak in one voice on the issue of climate change, while at the same time coming together in celebration of the one thing every single person on the planet has in common – the planet,” he said.
“Whether it’s joining your community in a town square to watch the city lights go dark or hosting a lights out party in your own home, I encourage everybody across the world to be a part of this important and historic occasion. Turn off your lights, celebrate the planet, enjoy the moment and think about the future of our living planet.”
+++++++++
The earthhour.org website shows a Google Map on which one can locate the places where individuals who have signed up, live. The Google map allowed me to zoom in on the Isle of Man where I was born and determine that 3 people had signed up and 15 signed a petition. A total of 5639955 have signed up from around the world on this map
At http://wwf.ca/earthhour 66444 Canadians have signed up pledging to participate. But for many it has become an annual social ritual so signing up is not part of the routine.
I plan to spend the evening by candle light with friends at my home. Maybe we will play Scrabble, maybe we will just talk. But during that hour a great sense of gratitude will be experienced. I am a part of this planet. My actions for good or ill will have an impact. I have influence. I can bring about change. I am not powerless. Mahatma Ghandi encouraged us to be the change we want to see in the world. The shift is in attitude, the effect life saving.
Only 1 in 5 Canadians give themselves an “A” when it comes to their personal environmental efforts
WWF-Canada survey shows Canadians believe they can be doing more for the environment
As a kick-off to Earth Hour 2010 (March 27, 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. local time), WWF-Canada released the results of a national survey that asked Canadians to grade their environmental efforts. Only 1 in 5 (18 per cent) Canadians gave themselves an “A” saying they’re doing as much as they can to reduce their impact on climate change. However, 80 per cent say they are motivated to do more to reduce their personal and household impact.
“Earth Hour is a global celebration of our commitment to help fight climate change and reduce our individual footprint on the planet,” says Gerald Butts, President and CEO, WWF-Canada. “The survey results clearly show that Canadians are motivated to do much more than the status quo. They are looking for ways to make every hour Earth Hour and WWF-Canada can help them.”
Make Every Hour Earth Hour
Earth Hour serves as an annual reminder of what Canadians can do in their personal lives to help fight climate change. “Small actions have a big impact,” says Butts. “From leaving the car at home, to washing clothes in cold water, to shopping with reusable shopping bags, there are many simple things Canadians can do.”
Five easy things you can do to reduce your impact on the climate:
1. Leave the car at home. If you have an errand to run close by or need to take the kids to school, consider walking instead of driving. You'll get more exercise and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. If walking is not an option, take public transit. Driving just 10 per cent less will save almost 600 kilograms in CO2 emissions over a year.
2. Eat local. In Canada, almost 60 per cent of our food is imported and the average food product travels 2,000 km before it reaches your plate so next time you buy look for food grown close to home. It will be fresher and save harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Fly less. The next time you plan a trip, save the emissions associated with flying and have a fun, local vacation. Canada is a huge tourist destination so enjoy the nature and attractions right here at home. Cutting out just one overseas flight this year can save 2,600 kilograms of CO2 emissions.
4. Be energy efficient. If you are buying a new appliance look for one with a high energy efficiency or retire the beer fridge. Refrigerators are one of the top energy guzzling appliances in the home. Updating your old model will save you about $120 a year on your energy bill and prevent about 240 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Become a role model and share your tips: From March 1 to 25, Canadians are invited to enter a national online contest by submitting a photo or video essay showing how they make Every Hour, Earth Hour. The grand prize winner will receive a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Churchill, Manitoba to first-hand how climate change is impacting people and species, like the polar bear. Complete rules and contest guidelines can be found at www.EarthHourCanada.org.
Corporate Leadership
While Earth Hour focuses on personal efforts to help fight climate change, it wouldn’t be possible without corporate leadership. Some of the world’s best known brands are switching off their lights and spreading the word in the business community.
”Business leaders such as Coca-Cola, Sears Canada, and the Toronto Star are helping to mobilize individuals and raise awareness about the need for personal action,” says Butts. “As lead sponsors for Earth Hour, they have an incredible ability to engage employees, and reach customers and suppliers to help create a sustainable future for our planet.”
About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a global WWF initiative. Individuals, businesses, governments and communities are invited to turn out their lights for one hour on Saturday March 27, 2010 at 8:30 PM to show their support for action on climate change. The event began in Sydney in 2007, and has since grown into a global movement reaching more than one billion. In Canada, Coca-Cola, Sears Canada, and the Toronto Star are the lead sponsors. www.EarthHourCanada.org
About WWF-Canada
WWF-Canada (World Wildlife Fund Canada) is a member of WWF, one of the world's largest independent conservation organizations, active in more than 100 countries. WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature to thrive. In Canada, we create solutions to conservation issues important to Canadians and the world. WWF-Canada works collaboratively with governments, businesses and the public to help fight climate change, the single biggest environmental threat to our planet; conserve our oceans and freshwater resources; and educate and mobilize people to build a conservation culture. WWF-Canada's main office is in Toronto, with regional offices located in Vancouver, Prince Rupert, St. Albert, Ottawa, Halifax and St. John's. For more information, visit wwf.ca.
I have often talked of people power and grass roots involvement to bring about change. Earth Hour is one such initiative. It started out in Sydney Australia in 2007 and has developed into a world affair. This article from the World Wildlife Federation/Canada website shows a world shift in consciousness. If I show my cynical side I may suggest the involvement of some countries is, may I say, political. But in the end it is the people who take responsibility for their actions on the day. It is we who turn off the light and take time to appreciate what we normally take for granted.
Earth Hour heads into record territory
March 17, 2010 - A record Earth Hour is looming with more countries now signed up for the event than for last year’s globe circling lights out for climate action.
Just over a week out from the event, timed for 8.30 pm on March 27, organisers are now active in 110 countries, compared to a final participation figure of 88 countries in 2009 which saw hundreds of millions participating.
With confirmation that the Tokyo Tower in Tokyo and Brandenburg Gate in Berlin will both turn off their lights for Earth Hour, all members of the G20 are now taking part in the event.
“Earth Hour demonstrates the determination of the world’s citizens for a better healthier world,” said Earth Hour Executive Director, Andy Ridley.
“It brings together cities, communities, businesses and individuals on the journey to positive action on climate change,”
As a co-founder of the event, Ridley has seen it boom from a one city, one country event in 2007 to the levels where nearly half the world’s nations, and many of its largest cities and iconic landmarks make a statement for a more secure and safer future.
Countries and regions involved for the first time include Kosovo, the remote island nation of Madagascar, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, Cambodia, Czech Republic, Paraguay, Ecuador and the US Commonwealth of the Northern Marina Islands in the Pacific Ocean amongst others.
Honduras became the latest nation to have official Earth Hour recognition and Earth Hour global organisers confirm that there are currently more than 1,100 cities and towns signed up to switch their lights off at 8.30pm on 27 March - 100 more than at the same time last year.
“Typically we see a big jump in the number of cities and towns taking part in the last few days before the lights go out, but to see such strong support already is fantastic,” said Ridley.
“Earth Hour is an opportunity for the global community to speak in one voice on the issue of climate change, while at the same time coming together in celebration of the one thing every single person on the planet has in common – the planet,” he said.
“Whether it’s joining your community in a town square to watch the city lights go dark or hosting a lights out party in your own home, I encourage everybody across the world to be a part of this important and historic occasion. Turn off your lights, celebrate the planet, enjoy the moment and think about the future of our living planet.”
+++++++++
The earthhour.org website shows a Google Map on which one can locate the places where individuals who have signed up, live. The Google map allowed me to zoom in on the Isle of Man where I was born and determine that 3 people had signed up and 15 signed a petition. A total of 5639955 have signed up from around the world on this map
At http://wwf.ca/earthhour 66444 Canadians have signed up pledging to participate. But for many it has become an annual social ritual so signing up is not part of the routine.
I plan to spend the evening by candle light with friends at my home. Maybe we will play Scrabble, maybe we will just talk. But during that hour a great sense of gratitude will be experienced. I am a part of this planet. My actions for good or ill will have an impact. I have influence. I can bring about change. I am not powerless. Mahatma Ghandi encouraged us to be the change we want to see in the world. The shift is in attitude, the effect life saving.
Only 1 in 5 Canadians give themselves an “A” when it comes to their personal environmental efforts
WWF-Canada survey shows Canadians believe they can be doing more for the environment
As a kick-off to Earth Hour 2010 (March 27, 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. local time), WWF-Canada released the results of a national survey that asked Canadians to grade their environmental efforts. Only 1 in 5 (18 per cent) Canadians gave themselves an “A” saying they’re doing as much as they can to reduce their impact on climate change. However, 80 per cent say they are motivated to do more to reduce their personal and household impact.
“Earth Hour is a global celebration of our commitment to help fight climate change and reduce our individual footprint on the planet,” says Gerald Butts, President and CEO, WWF-Canada. “The survey results clearly show that Canadians are motivated to do much more than the status quo. They are looking for ways to make every hour Earth Hour and WWF-Canada can help them.”
Make Every Hour Earth Hour
Earth Hour serves as an annual reminder of what Canadians can do in their personal lives to help fight climate change. “Small actions have a big impact,” says Butts. “From leaving the car at home, to washing clothes in cold water, to shopping with reusable shopping bags, there are many simple things Canadians can do.”
Five easy things you can do to reduce your impact on the climate:
1. Leave the car at home. If you have an errand to run close by or need to take the kids to school, consider walking instead of driving. You'll get more exercise and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. If walking is not an option, take public transit. Driving just 10 per cent less will save almost 600 kilograms in CO2 emissions over a year.
2. Eat local. In Canada, almost 60 per cent of our food is imported and the average food product travels 2,000 km before it reaches your plate so next time you buy look for food grown close to home. It will be fresher and save harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Fly less. The next time you plan a trip, save the emissions associated with flying and have a fun, local vacation. Canada is a huge tourist destination so enjoy the nature and attractions right here at home. Cutting out just one overseas flight this year can save 2,600 kilograms of CO2 emissions.
4. Be energy efficient. If you are buying a new appliance look for one with a high energy efficiency or retire the beer fridge. Refrigerators are one of the top energy guzzling appliances in the home. Updating your old model will save you about $120 a year on your energy bill and prevent about 240 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Become a role model and share your tips: From March 1 to 25, Canadians are invited to enter a national online contest by submitting a photo or video essay showing how they make Every Hour, Earth Hour. The grand prize winner will receive a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Churchill, Manitoba to first-hand how climate change is impacting people and species, like the polar bear. Complete rules and contest guidelines can be found at www.EarthHourCanada.org.
Corporate Leadership
While Earth Hour focuses on personal efforts to help fight climate change, it wouldn’t be possible without corporate leadership. Some of the world’s best known brands are switching off their lights and spreading the word in the business community.
”Business leaders such as Coca-Cola, Sears Canada, and the Toronto Star are helping to mobilize individuals and raise awareness about the need for personal action,” says Butts. “As lead sponsors for Earth Hour, they have an incredible ability to engage employees, and reach customers and suppliers to help create a sustainable future for our planet.”
About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a global WWF initiative. Individuals, businesses, governments and communities are invited to turn out their lights for one hour on Saturday March 27, 2010 at 8:30 PM to show their support for action on climate change. The event began in Sydney in 2007, and has since grown into a global movement reaching more than one billion. In Canada, Coca-Cola, Sears Canada, and the Toronto Star are the lead sponsors. www.EarthHourCanada.org
About WWF-Canada
WWF-Canada (World Wildlife Fund Canada) is a member of WWF, one of the world's largest independent conservation organizations, active in more than 100 countries. WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature to thrive. In Canada, we create solutions to conservation issues important to Canadians and the world. WWF-Canada works collaboratively with governments, businesses and the public to help fight climate change, the single biggest environmental threat to our planet; conserve our oceans and freshwater resources; and educate and mobilize people to build a conservation culture. WWF-Canada's main office is in Toronto, with regional offices located in Vancouver, Prince Rupert, St. Albert, Ottawa, Halifax and St. John's. For more information, visit wwf.ca.
Posted by Key Life Journey's Blog at 3/23/2010 4:45 PM 
Categories: opinions and thoughts, Earth Hour
Tags: Earth Hour Earthhour
Categories: opinions and thoughts, Earth Hour
Tags: Earth Hour Earthhour
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