Earth Hour: Are 60 minutes important?
TONIGHT we observe Earth Hour, the biggest hour on the planet. We are called to dedicate one hour of our time from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. doing anything positive for our common home.
I keep a couple of memories on Earth Hour, from being a supporter when I was still living in the “Queen City of the South” up to being part of the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines (WWF-Philippines) as its vice president for business operations from 2014-2016.
Started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, Earth Hour, also known as the “lights off” moment, holds immense importance as a global event dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues, particularly climate change and inspiring collective action to address them.
Celebrating Earth Hour in the Philippines for 16 years, WWFPhilippines Executive Director Trin Custodio described its purpose: “To bring about a positive change in people’s relationship with our planet. Too many of us have forgotten that we depend on nature for everything we need, and we need reminding.”
“During Earth Hour, the world gathers as a global community to highlight the issues of climate change and nature loss that face us all, but more importantly it highlights how all our collective actions can truly make an impact. This year, our particular focus is on switching off plastic pollution which is one of the most pressing concerns for our country,” Custodio continued.
But, is one hour important? Yes, it is and beyond. This is what Earth Hour does: It raises awareness about the state of our planet. It serves as a powerful reminder of the environmental challenges facing our planet, particularly the urgent need to combat climate change and stop plastic pollution, this year’s central theme. By drawing attention to the environmental challenges facing us, Earth Hour prompts us, our communities and our organizations to reflect on our ecological footprint and consider the impact of our daily actions on the environment. IT ALLOWS US TO REflECT ON OUR
actions. It provides an opportunity for us to reflect on our environmental impact and the importance of conservation. It prompts us to consider how our everyday actions contribute to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, fostering greater awareness and consciousness about the need for sustainable living.
It inspires action. It inspires tangible action to address climate change and plastic pollution. By encouraging us to switch off nonessential lights for one hour, Earth Hour demonstrates our collective power as one people coming together
to make a difference. This symbolic act often catalyzes broader engagement in sustainability initiatives, from energy conservation to advocacy for renewable energy policies.
It promotes sustainability and responsible resource management. By highlighting the plastic pollution crisis this year, Earth Hour encourages us and organizations to embrace ecofriendly packaging materials and adopt more sustainable lifestyles and business practices yearround. This can lead to long-term benefits for both the environment and our society.
It fosters global solidarity in the face of a shared environmental challenge. By bringing together millions of people around the world, transcending geographical, cultural and political boundaries to participate in a common cause, Earth Hour sends a powerful message of unity and collective responsibility. This sense of solidarity strengthens the global movement for climate action and reinforces the importance of international cooperation in addressing environmental issues.
IT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO INflUence policymakers and decisionmakers at local, national and international levels. By mobilizing public support for climate action, Earth Hour can encourage governments and institutions to prioritize environmental protection, adopt more ambitious climate targets, commit to ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implement policies that promote renewable energy and conservation efforts.
It catches media attention. The concentrated attention generated during the designated hour amplifies its impact through media coverage and social media engagement. It provides an opportunity to raise public awareness, spark conversations, shape public opinion and mobilize support for climate action on a global scale.
Earth Hour is not only a symbolic event but also a catalyst for meaningful change in the global fight against climate change and plastic pollution. The coordinated timing across time zones sends a powerful message across the globe. While the hour itself may seem brief, its symbolic significance and the momentum it generates contribute to broader efforts to address climate change and plastic pollution, and promote sustainability throughout the year.
Let us join the switch off today at 8:30 p.m. at the Kartilya ng Katipunan, beside Manila City Hall, and be counted as one of those who make a difference for our common home.
The author (ludwig.federigan@ gmail.com) is the executive director of the Young Environmental Forum and a nonresident fellow of Stratbase ADR Institute. He completed his climate change and development course at the University of East Anglia (UK) and an executive program on sustainability leadership at Yale University (USA).