2Sustain

I’m truly inspired by the outpouring of support for this year’s Earth Hour, slated for tomorrow night, March 28, from 8:30pm-9:30pm.

Just in case you haven’t heard about it already, let me explain. Earth Hour is a global climate change initiative proposed by the World Wildlife Fund. It’s an effort that encourages individuals, businesses, and governments to turn our their lights for one hour in support of action on climate change.

Two years ago, the first Earth Hour event occurred in Sydney, Australia.  That year, over 2 million people and 2,000 businesses across the city turned off their lights and appliances for one hour. In 2008, 50 million people across 35 countries participated. This year, organizers are aiming for Earth Hour 2009 to include 1 billion people in 1,000 cities worldwide.

They may easily exceed that goal.

So far, more than 2,800 municipalities in 84 countries have signed on to Earth Hour 2009, according to the Associated Press. Lights will be dimming across the world, from the Great Pyramids to the Eiffel Tower to the Empire State Building and Broadway marquees in New York City.

Major corporations have pledged support, as well. For example, Marriott Hotels  will be turning off non-essential lights. The Coca-Cola Company, McDonald’s Corp., and others are participating, too.

I suppose I’m not surprised that Earth Hour also has its share of detractors. Some are debating it's usefulness, even to the point of ruing the carbon output of candles (paraffin vs. beeswax vs. soy vs. light bulbs). But I think these nay-sayers are missing the point. After all, no one is planning to end global warming by turning off lights for an hour. Earth Hour is quite simply, symbolic. It’s about raising awareness. It’s a reminder, a little nudge, that we need to focus our efforts in support of action on climate change. And, it’s proof that all of us, individuals, governments, and businesses can work together to achieve sustainability goals.

If you choose, you can formally register your support for Earth Hour at the Earth Hour website. Earth Hour 2009 organizers plan to deliver a mandate for environmental reform to world leaders attending the UN Conference for Climate Change in Copenhagen, scheduled for December 2009.

For even more information, take a look at this video: