WWF’s Earth Hour success shows global desire for action on climate change

Electricity use dropped 8.7% in Toronto, a 4% drop was reported from Ottawa, and a 5% drop was reported across Ontario as a whole, the equivalent of taking Ottawa and Guelph off the grid. Numbers are still being gathered with post event poll results to be published later this week, but the photos, feedback and participation indicate a resounding success.

“These results are beyond our wildest expectations,” said Mike Russill, President and CEO of WWF-Canada. “Earth Hour was an astronomical success because it tapped into, and gave a voice to an existing public concern. The fact that millions of people turned out their lights for the occasion shows that Canadians share a profound desire for action on climate change.”

Last night in Toronto at the official Earth Hour celebration, Nelly Furtado performed before more than 9000 people at Nathan Philips Square. The crowd helped countdown to Earth Hour at 8 pm and with the flick of a switch hundreds of buildings in Toronto plunged into darkness. The real indication of success is that people made Earth Hour their own. Beyond Nathan Phillips Square, thousands of smaller celebrations went on behind the darkened windows, with restaurants serving candlelight dinners, friends stepping out to star-gaze, and numerous households turning out more than just their lights.

Earth Hour is a global movement, with Canada leading the pack in terms of participation. Cities in Australia, Thailand, the US, Denmark, Tasmania, Israel, Colombia, Ireland, the Philippines and Fiji also joined in the international lights out event. In addition to the CN Tower, famous monuments such as San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, and the iconic Sydney Opera House and Rome’s Colosseum went dark for the cause.

“WWF-Canada thanks everyone who participated, with special thanks to our partners – Toronto Star, Virgin Mobile, City of Toronto, and our media sponsor, Global TV – who helped make this possible,” said Russill. “Through Earth Hour Canadians have sent a message nobody can ignore: we need urgent action on climate change.”

By turning out the lights for one hour on Saturday, participants in Ontario alone prevented 200 tonnes of greenhouse gases from polluting our atmosphere. “Everyone knows that turning out the lights won’t save the planet. The challenge is to make every hour Earth Hour. Just imagine what can be accomplished if we all take small steps like this towards a low-carbon lifestyle and economy every day,” said Julia Langer, Director, Global Threats, WWF-Canada. “That’s why WWF-Canada has created The Good Life, an online community built to help Canadians make climate-friendly lifestyle changes, and track the positive impact of their actions.”

To find out how you can start living The Good Life and make every hour Earth Hour, visit wwf.ca today.