In India last year, more than five million people and 56 cities switched off their lights for one hour to call for immediate action for climate change that saved approximately 1000 MW of power. (Wow!)
The Indian government reciprocated by announcing its commitment to slow the growth of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 prior to the UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen.
That one hour that showed that we can all make a difference at an individual level is called Earth Hour. It’s a WWF initiative which sends across an inspiring message of hope and action for climate change by doing something very simple — turning off our lights for one hour. Earth Hour 2010 continues to be a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community to stand up, to show leadership and be responsible for our future.
Celebrities and cricketers including Aamir Khan, Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kumble have supported the cause with Abhishek Bachchan pledging his support as the brand ambassador. Key historic and landmark buildings like Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Humanyun’s Tomb and Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus switched off their lights on Earth Hour 2009. Connaught Place in Delhi and Brigade Road in Bangalore offered a unique visual spectacle with just the essential lights turned on. And of course Jaago Re! is a huge fan of this initiative!
This year more than one billion people are expected to switch off their lights in over 6000 cities around the world for one hour on Saturday at 8:30 pm local time.
Join the cause, if you care to show to the world that India is united in its stand against global warming and is demanding immediate action. Switch off your lights. Switch on your minds.
