Hundreds of millions of people, businesses and governments around the world unite each year to support the largest environmental event in history – Earth Hour.
For Earth Hour 2011,more than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries around the world switched off their lights to send a powerful message for action on climate change. It also ushered in a new era with members going Beyond the Hour, as they commit to lasting action for the planet. Without a doubt, it’s shown how great things can be achieved when people come together for a common cause.
This year, Earth Hour 2012 will take place on 31 March, Saturday at 8.30 pm.
So, how did Earth Hour begin?and where?
In 2006, World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-Australia inspired Sydney-siders to show their support for climate change action in the first ever Earth Hour event. In doing so, it showed everyone – from children to CEOs and politicians – that they have the power to change the world they live in.
Then in March 2007, 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses in Sydney, Australia, turned their lights out for one hour to take a stand against climate change.
In 2008, the initial plan was just to take Earth Hour to the rest of Australia. But then the City of Toronto, Canada, signed up and it wasn’t long before 35 countries and almost 400 cities and towns were part of the event. It said something compelling to the world: that the climate challenges facing our planet are so significant that change needs to be global.
With the invitation to “switch off” extended to everyone, Earth Hour quickly became an annual global event. It’s scheduled on the last Saturday of every March – closely coinciding with the equinox to ensure most cities are in darkness as it rolled out around the Earth.
In 2011, Earth Hour saw hundreds of millions of people across 135 countries switch off for an hour. But it also marked the start of something new – going Beyond the Hour to commit to lasting action on climate change. And with the power of social networks behind the Earth Hour message, we attracted even more participation to build a truly global community committed to creating a more sustainable planet.
Earth Hour is organised by WWF. With almost 5 million supporters and a global network in over 100 countries/territories, it’s one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organisations. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and build a future where people live in harmony with nature.
Climate change
Global warming is the greatest threat facing our planet today. A warming planet alters weather patterns, water supplies, seasonal growth for plants and a sustainable way of life for us, and the world’s wildlife. Climate change has already started, but it’s not too late to take action.
How does Climate Change Occur?
A continuous flow of energy from the sun heats the Earth. Naturally occurring gases in the atmosphere (known as greenhouse gases) trap this heat like a blanket, keeping the Earth at an average of 15 degrees Celsius – warm enough to sustain life. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most significant of these gases, but the amount of naturally produced CO2 is almost perfectly balanced by the amount naturally removed through photosynthesis and its dissolution in oceans.
However, the overuse of fossil fuels is leading to increased CO2 in the atmosphere, trapping more and more heat and warming the Earth. As a result, we’re seeing more dramatic weather patterns across the globe. The effects of Earth’s changing weather not only causes devastating natural disasters, but shrinking of the world’s ice shelves and glaciers due to warming sea water.
http://earthhour.wwf.sg/ - Go here and pledge your support. (Singapore)
However, the overuse of fossil fuels is leading to increased CO2 in the atmosphere, trapping more and more heat and warming the Earth. As a result, we’re seeing more dramatic weather patterns across the globe. The effects of Earth’s changing weather not only causes devastating natural disasters, but shrinking of the world’s ice shelves and glaciers due to warming sea water.
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| Earth Hour; 60+ |
http://earthhour.org/ - Earth Hour site (World)
This is Sheryl's pledge.
What are you willing to do toSave the Planet
Earth Hour 2012 Official Video
What does Earth Hour mean to
our Singaporean celebrities
WWF's Official Earth Hour Ambassador Nadya Hutagalung said, “Join me again this year as we spend an hour reminding ourselves what we should be mindful of all year. Its Earth Hour, lets stretch this hour year long in our pledge to help raise awareness to the issues of climate change and how we can start to reduce our own carbon emissions.”
Pan Ling Ling and Huang Shi Nan said, “Today’s generation is more aware of the urgent need to be environmentally friendly. We should spread the word around and tell our friends and families to support Earth Hour Campaign. Remember, every little action we take makes a difference!!”
Utt said, Come together as "1" Earth Hour Every Hour ! 
Tung Soo Hua said, “Earth Hour certainly goes beyond the hour. Switching off the lights for an hour on 26th March at 8:30pm is very much a symbolic move, and I hope it signals commitment from everyone to think of the small ways they can contribute in order to reduce the long term impact on the environment. This is easy enough. One of the focuses this year is to set your air-conditioning temperatures at 24 degrees Celsius or higher. That will be the first move on my list, adding to my other environment-saving practices from past two years, including switching off the lights when not in use and printing documents on double-sides.”
Jack&Rai said “We'd like to build upon the success of last year's event by taking it a step further. The statistics from a simple action like turning off the lights for an hour spoke for themselves. For us, this time, we're just making additional simple efforts, like taking public transport more, and ensuring that unnecessary appliances are switched off. We've learnt that it really doesn't take a concerted effort, just a small thought and a minute action will go a really long way in prolonging the beauty of our Earth.”
Felicia Chin said “Let’s go beyond the hour! To do our part as an individual on this planet, to constantly remind ourselves to consume less, throw less and love more. Let’s do this together; saving the earth as one.”
Hady Mirza, Asian Idol, Artiste Networks Artiste and Earth Hour Supporter said, "There has never been a better time for everyone to answer a global call. With one small gesture, just a simple flick of the switch, we will have a say in the future of our planet. If you don't join in, you will be left out!
Adrian Mok, Endurance Athlete as well as Business Owner of Hivelocity and Athlete's Circle Pte Ltd and Earth Hour Supporter, said, "Running takes me to places and I love exploring the terrain that Mother Nature offers. I cannot imagine this being taken away from us and I would like my future generations to experience the same love for the Mother Earth."
How will you show your support for Earth Hour?
