2011 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is Earth Hour?
Earth Hour is an annual international lights out event happening on Saturday, March 26 at 8:30 p.m. The goal is to get as many individuals and businesses as possible to turn off their lights for one hour to raise awareness about the solutions to climate change and demonstrate that people are ready to take personal action and that in turn, people expect more engagement on behalf of the government.
2. How will Earth Hour help?
Earth Hour shows that, together, our small actions can make a big difference to help fight climate change. Last year, over 10 million Canadians turned off their lights for Earth Hour in a show of concern to the government. This demonstrates that people are taking personal action to reduce their footprint and that they expect the same level of commitment from government.
WWF-Canada has also launched a new online campaign called the Living Planet Community which allows people to commit to personal actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and track subsequent reductions attain through these practices. Members of the Living Planet Community will also be able to see the total CO2 reductions across Canada and by province, to see their part in this bigger commitment to making change.
3. Why should I participate?
Climate change is the biggest environmental threat to our planet and the number one concern for Canadians. We are already seeing its impacts. Participating in Earth Hour is a simple way to show that you want to be a part of the solution and sends a powerful message to others that together we can make a difference.
Scientists are showing that climate change is happening even faster than we thought. These global negotiations represent one of the last opportunities for responsible governments to put the brakes on spiralling temperature increases and protect the Earth’s weather systems, ecosystems, communities and our collective livelihood from irreversible harm.
Climate change is a global problem that requires global cooperation. Our nations’ leaders must work together to achieve a fair, effective, science-based treaty. We must dramatically cut global greenhouse gas emissions by 25-40% by 2020 and by at least 80% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. This is the ‘hour of truth’ for the planet. By participating in Earth Hour, you are demonstrating to the world’s leaders that you want to see them take immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
4. When and where did Earth Hour begin?
WWF-Australia started Earth Hour in 2007, when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, CN Tower in Toronto, Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.
5. How will you measure success?
Success will be measured by participation and by the darkness during Earth Hour. To measure participation we will look at online sign-ups, as well as complete post-event polling.
6. Who can participate and how?
Everyone is encouraged to participate – individuals, businesses, schools, and organizations. All you have to do is:
• Turn off your lights for Earth Hour on Saturday March 26 from 8:30 – 9:30 pm
• Pledge your support online at www.EarthHourCanada.org
• Help us make the event a success by telling your family, friends and local businesses
• Download materials like posters, logos, screensavers, etc. on the Earth Hour website.
7. What does Earth Hour mean for our business?
Earth Hour is not about telling companies how to conduct business. Rather it is about individual action and an opportunity for businesses to help reduce energy usage within their communities. We are encouraging businesses to turn off their exterior lights, including signs, as well as internal lights (excluding lighting for safety), and to ask their employees and customers to participate.
8. What did Earth Hour 2010 accomplish?
In Canada, though there was no specific legislative agenda in mind with Earth Hour, the message was heard on Parliament Hill. Here are some of the environmental successes that has happened since Earth Hour:
• Over half the Canadian adult population (over 10 million people) switched off their lights in a show of support for action on climate change.
• This demonstration has become the largest environmental movement in history and put climate on the forefront for world leaders.
9. What’s new for 2011?
Last year, millions showed their support for action on climate change and 2011 is expected to be even bigger! More people, more businesses, more cities, and more countries.
Scientists are showing that climate change is happening even faster than we thought. These global negotiations represent one of the last opportunities for responsible governments to put the brakes on spiraling temperature increases and protect the Earth’s weather systems, ecosystems, communities and livelihood from irreversible harm.
As we get ready to mark Earth Hour, WWF-Canada is calling on Canadians to think about how we use and produce energy in this country. Currently, Canada is one of the top 10 nations contributing to global climate change and, while other countries are pioneering clean energy technologies and solutions, we are holding on to an old strategy focused on developing sources of fossil fuels, like offshore drilling in the Arctic and continuing to mine the oil sands. But another way is possible.
There is a solution to climate change. We created this problem and we can solve it. Canada can be a world leader in clean energy. But the longer we wait, the more it will cost – both in dollars and environmental impact. To create the best possible future for Canadians, we must value carbon more, consume less, insulate better and make the switch to alternative fuels like wind and solar. This fundamental shift is necessary to protect our country, our economy and our planet for future generations.
10. How can schools participate?
Schools can register online and we encourage all schools to hold symbolic Earth Hour events in classrooms on Friday, March 25 – the day before Earth Hour. There are downloadable materials available online to help celebrate.
11. Who has committed to participating in Earth Hour?
Hundreds of businesses and thousands of people throughout the country have already registered their commitment at earthhour. These numbers grow every day. Registration is free and helps WWF better determine how many Canadians have committed to participating.
12. How many people took part in Earth Hour last year?
Over 10 million adult Canadians participated in 304 cities and municipalities across the country. Around the world, Earth Hour reached 1.3 billion people in 128 countries and 4,616 cities and towns.
13. Will this become an annual event?
Yes, but the cities participating may change. Solving the problem of climate change requires a long-term commitment. The plan is to make Earth Hour an annual event so we can engage more and more people around the world in the process of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
14. How does turning off the lights for one hour help the planet?
Turning off the lights for Earth Hour, along with millions of other people and businesses around the world, sends a signal of concern about the state of the planet and your commitment to take action to fight climate change.
15. What can I do to celebrate?
Check out these ideas on how to spend your Earth Hour:
• Host a party. Earth Hour is a great chance to spend time with your family, friends and neighbours. You can host a gathering in the dark. Encourage guests to bring “non-cook” foods and eat dinner by candlelight. Pull out your favourite board games or have a poker tournament. Kids will love a chance to play with glow sticks or glow-in-the-dark stickers.
• Play hockey. Encourage your local community centre to hold a dimly-lit hockey game during Earth Hour. Hot chocolate in reusable mugs will keep players and their cheering sections warm.
• Plan a community event. Whether it’s a “ghost” walk around a local historical centre, a block party featuring acoustic music or a guided star-gazing tour, show your creativity and bring your friends together to enjoy the night.
• Ask local businesses to join. Maybe your favourite restaurant could hold a candlelit dinner or your local yoga studio could host a yoga-in-the-dark event. Many businesses want to show their support for the Earth.
16. Will I be obligated to turn out my lights in this fashion every day?
Our goal is to have Earth Hour be your platform for future behavior change. Turning off your lights is one example of how taking simple steps in your lifestyle can make a big impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions – the biggest contributor to climate change. Our hope is that Earth Hour will inspire people to keep taking this type of action every day. For example, recycling, composting, using compact fluorescent light bulbs, etc.
To help support your continued efforts, WWF-Canada has created the Living Planet Community – a fun and interactive online community for concerned Canadians who want to stop just talking about climate change and start taking action. Registrants on the site can access tips, information, and even track their personal reduction in CO2 over the long term. For more information on what you can do after Earth Hour, visit wwf.ca.
17. Is switching off the lights dangerous?
No. It is no different than switching off your lights each night and then switching them back each day. Hydro companies are also prepared for the drop in energy use.
18. Are there public safety concerns with Earth Hour?
We are only asking people to turn off non-essential lights for Earth Hour – no lights that affect public safety will or should be turned off. All emergency services are also aware that Earth Hour is happening.
19. Will street lights remain on?
Yes. Earth Hour is to be celebrated in a safe and secure environment. Streetlights or lights in public spaces, hospitals and emergency services will remain on. Traffic conditions will remain unchanged as well. Only non-essential lighting will be switched off during Earth Hour.
20. Are a lot of resources being used to promote this event?
Earth Hour is a carbon neutral event. We are taking all the appropriate steps to ensure we leave as little impact as possible. Our goal is to turn out as many non-essential lights as possible and use only sustainable power where possible.
21. How can I support clean energy?
Not only is Earth Hour your chance to be part of a global phenomenon, it’s a great opportunity to look at what you can do reduce your carbon emissions. For example, you can:
• Use less energy every day by turning off your computer monitor when you leave your desk and unplugging the chargers for your cell phones and other devices when you’re not using them
• Use energy more efficiently in your home by washing your clothes in cold water and replace your fridge with an Energy Star model when it’s time for a new one
• Use renewable energy to meet your household needs, like installing a solar water heating system or switching to a green power supplier
22. How can I find out more?
Visit www.earthhour.org
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2010 What is Earth Hour?
Earth Hour, run by WWF, the conservation organisation, is a global climate change initiative which calls on individuals and businesses around the world, to turn off their lights for one hour on Saturday March 27th, 2010 between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m..
The aim of the campaign is to express that individual action on a mass scale can help change our planet for the better.
The event itself will clearly demonstrate in participating cities, the connection between energy usage and climate change, showing that we as broader community can address the biggest threat our planet has ever faced.
Why do we need to act?
Global warming is one of the greatest threats the world has ever faced. Our continued reliance on electricity sourced from coal-fired power stations is causing a dramatic increase in the Earth’s temperature, resulting in rising sea levels, an increase in drought and severe storms, and massive changes to the environment we all rely on to survive.
For example, if all Australian households simply turned off unused lights and appliances on standby at the power point, Australia’s emissions would be reduced by at least 5 million tonnes per annum – the equivalent to taking 1.5 million cars off the road for a year.
What do I need to do on the night?
The most important thing to do on the night is turn off your lights between 8:30 and 9:30 pm.
Does this mean I have to turn of everything in my home and use absolutely no electricity?
Not at all. The main point of this campaign is to show people and companies how easy it is to take action to avoid global warming.
This does not mean you have to turn off your fridge, but we do encourage you to join us by switching off your lights and make a statement, as well as changing your habits in the long term.
Where is Earth Hour taking place?
In 2010 Earth Hour will be taking place all over the world. In 2009 over 4000cities around the world, and the list keeps growing. We always hoped that Earth Hour would grow into this global campaign. To start this process we focused on one of Australia’s, and the world’s iconic cities, Sydney. Thanks to the support of Earth Hour in 2007 we’ve now asked other cities, both in Australia and internationally, to join us in supporting Earth Hour.
Of course, we can all take small actions everyday like turning off unnecessary lighting to reduce our emissions. And we would be delighted if you can join us by turning off your lights for Earth Hour, regardless of where you live.
How can businesses participate?
In Australia, if the commercial sector turned off lights when buildings weren’t in use and combined this action with other cost effective technology they could reduce lighting emissions by 70-80%. We encourage all businesses to participate in Earth Hour – to commit to turning off your lights during Earth Hour – and to tell your employees and customers that you’re taking part.
We also encourage you to sign up to energy efficiency initiatives. Visit www.opuc.on.ca to help achieve our goal of reducing emissions in Oshawa
How will you ensure that lights are switched off?
We are encouraging as many people to turn off the lights as possible. But we need your help. Please spread the word about Earth Hour to your friends, family and workmates – in conversation, via email, on your weblog, MySpace or Facebook profile, or other websites. The more people that participate in Earth Hour, the more successful it will be.
Isn’t switching the lights off dangerous? What about public safety?
We are asking people to turn off the nonessential lights for one hour – no lights that affect public safety will be turned off. We want everyone to enjoy Earth Hour in a safe and energy efficient environment.
If everyone turns their lights back on at the same time – will there be a power surge?
No. We’ve checked with energy companies and authorities and turning all the lights back on won’t cause any issues.
How much CO2 will be saved during the event?
Last year we measured how much energy saved during Earth Hour in Sydney and achieved a reduction of 10.2% (more than doubled our target of 5%). But the main aim of the campaign is to continue to be energy efficient beyond Earth Hour, making small actions everyday to achieve our goal in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions in 2008.
What about after the event? What can I do then?
We all can take action everyday to help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
There are two key objectives for Earth Hour. The first is to engage as many households, communities and business to turn their lights for one hour on March 29.
By creating awareness and securing engagement of the broader community, the second objective is to measure the change in our greenhouse gas emissions over the following 12 months – aiming for a reduction in the year following Earth Hour.
Click here for conservation tips on what you can do before, during and after Earth Hour.
Who’s behind Earth Hour?
Earth Hour started as a joint initiative between WWF-Australia, Fairfax Media and Leo Burnett for the city of Sydney. The intent is for the event to be adopted by other residents, communities, businesses and governments around the world so they too can help demonstrate that individual action on a mass scale can help change our planet for the better.
Isn’t this just a fundraising event for WWF?
No. WWF-Australia, Fairfax Media and Leo Burnett launched Earth Hour with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Sydney by 5% in 2007.
What does the Earth Hour logo mean?
The Earth Hour ’60′ logo represents the 60 minutes of Earth Hour where we focus on the impact we are having on our planet and take positive action to address the issues we face.
Aren’t you using a heap of electricity and resources to promote this event?
Earth Hour is operating under our Principles of Operation, which we are happy to share with you. Earth Hour is a carbon neutral event.
What candles should I use for my Earth Hour event?
If you plan on burning candles during Earth Hour, make sure you use 100% beeswax candles which are gentler on our planet – smoke free, non-toxic and non-allergenic. They are also made of natural products, not petroleum-based materials, so they are effectively carbon neutral (the CO2 they emit has already been taken from the atmosphere to produce the wax).
If you’re using candles, though, make sure you take care. The Fire & Emergency Services suggest the following tips:
• Candles should only be used under adult supervision.
• Candles should never be left unattended.
• Candles should be kept away from children and pets.
• Extinguish candles before going to sleep.
• Keep candles away from flammable liquids and gas-combustible materials.
• Candles should be kept clear of any combustible materials such as paper, curtains, clothing and Christmas decorations.
• Candles should not be placed in windows as they can be blown over. Blinds and curtains can also catch alight.
• Candles should be placed on a stable, dry, heat-resistant surface away from drafts.
Why do we need to act?
Global warming is now the greatest threat the world has ever faced.
Our continued reliance on electricity sourced from coal-fired power stations is causing a dramatic increase in the Earth’s temperature, resulting in rising sea levels, an increase in drought and severe storms, and massive changes to the environments we all rely on to survive.
There is still time to change how our planet will look in the future. If we act now.
For example, if all Australian households simply turned off unused lights and appliances on standby at the power point Australia’s emissions would be reduced by at least 5 million tonnes per annum.
The greenhouse gas savings would be equivalent to taking 1.5 million cars off the road for a year.
How will Earth Hour help?
Earth Hour shows that, together, our small actions can make a difference to global warming. Find out more about global warming.
This year we hope to inspire other cities and towns to take action and reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally.
What to do everyday
There are lots of ways you can save energy and reduce your emissions everyday – Click here to get started.
