Earth Hour was a huge global success! On Saturday, March 29, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. people around the world turned out their lights for Earth Hour, sending a very strong message to our government, and governments around the world, that we need to take action on climate change now. Beginning in Tel Aviv and ending in Vancouver, the lights went out and the celebrations began. Many iconic buildings and landmarks around the world turned out their lights, including the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco; Alcatraz jail, San Francisco; Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia; Brighton Pier, UK and the Sears Tower, Chicago.
Canada had one of the highest participation rates around the globe with over 150 cities participating. Great job Canada! Many buildings and landmarks also turned off their lights. These included the CN Tower, Niagara Falls, Toronto Eaton Centre, Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Honest Ed’s in Ontario; all buildings in which VanCity, BC Hydro and City of Vancouver operate; and the MacDonald Bridge, City Hall, and Parade Square in Halifax.
In Toronto, Canada’s flagship Earth Hour city, energy consumption dropped by 8.7 per cent and almost 10,000 people gathered at City Hall for a live concert. In all of Ontario, 900 MW of energy was saved, the equivalent of taking over 11,000 cars off the road for one hour. There were celebrations all across the country and results are still pouring in. In British Columbia, energy consumption was reduced by 125 MW. The energy saved in Ontario and British Columbia alone is equivalent to turning off 20.5 million lights.
Thanks to everyone here in Canada and around the world that participated in the first ever, worldwide Earth Hour! Your efforts and determination have made this an event to remember and you have sent a very strong message to our government, and governments around the world that we need to take action on climate change now.
(Source: WWF Canada & The Toronto Star)
