WWF invites Canadians to celebrate Earth Hour this Saturday, March 26 at 8:30 p.m.
(TORONTO – March 24, 2011) 2010 saw Earth Hour celebrated in 128 countries spanning all 7 continents, uniting individuals, businesses and governments in the largest voluntary action in history. People around the world turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet.
Earth Hour 2011 is set to deliver further milestones for participation with new countries and territories already registered to take part, including Jamaica, Uganda, and Swaziland. Cities, homes, iconic landmarks and public spaces across the globe are all set to switch off their lights for WWF’s Earth Hour from 8:30 to 9:30 pm on Saturday, March 26. Canada has already seen record participation with over 407 cities, towns and municipalities pledging their support of Earth Hour.
This Earth Hour, WWF 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, but we don’t have to be. The message of Earth Hour is simple: we created this problem and by working together we can solve it.
Canada, like many countries, has chosen to start this year’s Earth Hour with a moment of silence to remember all those affected by the humanitarian and environmental tragedy in Japan.
Quote
“Canadians are looking for action on climate change – that’s why they come out in record numbers every year to participate in WWF’s Earth Hour. Canada can be a world leader in clean energy, an important step in fighting climate change. We’re asking Canadians to participate in Earth Hour to show all levels of government that urgent action on climate change is important to them.”
– Josh Laughren, Director, Climate and Energy Program, WWF
Facts
• International landmarks across the world going dark for WWF’s Earth Hour include: Times Square, New York; Christ the Redeemer statue, Brazil; Eiffel Tower, Paris; Table Mountain, South Africa; Opera House, Sydney; Royal Palace, Thailand
• In Canada, participating landmarks include: CN Tower, Toronto; Parliament Buildings, Ottawa; Mont-Royal Cross, Montreal; Edmonton City Hall Plaza
• Countries and territories that are participating in WWF’s Earth Hour officially for the first time include: Jamaica, Uganda, Swaziland, Iran, Tajikistan, Chad, Azerbaijan, Gibraltar, Palestine, Suriname, Uzbekistan, Lesotho
About WWF
WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people thrive with nature. www.wwf.ca
About WWF’s Earth Hour
Join a billion people worldwide and switch off your lights on Saturday, March 26 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Visit www.EarthHourCanada.org to join the movement. In Canada, Sears Canada, Citytv, OMNI Television and the Toronto Star are the national sponsors. In Ontario, Bullfrog Power and The Ontario Power Authority are the official sponsors.
For more information
Riannon John, WWF
[email protected], 416-347-1894
Jeri Brown, Media Profile
[email protected], 416-455-7188