Earth Hour

I must apologize for my absence in posting anything for the past several weeks. I have been traveling so much that it has been difficult for me to keep up with my other pursuits such as this blog. However, that is about to change. My travel schedule is winding down and I plan to post much more frequently in the coming weeks. In fact, I will probably be posting quite a lot in the next few weeks to make up for some lost time. OK, enough of my excuses, let me get to the point of my post!

One of my recent trips was to Sydney which happens to be the city where this exciting movement "Earth Hour" was started in 2007. It is a very simple idea with a profound effect. Simply turn of your lights for an hour this coming Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8:30pm (your local time) and make a statement to show your support for helping to protect our planet and create a sustainable future for the Earth. To help inspire you, watch this 3 minute video.

Below is some more information from the Earth Hour website.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.

Saturday, March 28, 8:30-9:30pm.

So, sign up to be counted on the Earth Hour website, spread the word and remember to turn out your lights at 8:30pm on Saturday!