Vancouver, our 2013 Global Earth Hour Capital!

Congratulations Vancouver!  Today, WWF announced that Vancouver has been crowned the Global Earth Hour Capital for 2013, a prestigious honour that recognizes the city’s innovative actions on climate change and dedication to create a sustainable, vibrant urban environment.  Vancouver was also named the People’s Choice winner, scooping the highest number of online votes.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Juror Martha Delgado names Vancouver, represented by Councilor Andrea Reimer, the Global Earth Hour Capital © WWF
“Being named the WWF’s Global Earth Hour Capital is an exceptional honour for Vancouver and more international validation of our comprehensive efforts to be the world’s greenest city,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. “Even as national governments fail to act, it’s essential that cities continue to lead the way in confronting climate change, and Vancouver’s progress demonstrates that building a greener city also fosters a stronger local economy.”
After carefully reviewing the merits of the six finalists, the Earth Hour City Challenge  jury of experts unanimously cast their votes for Vancouver as the first ever Global Earth Hour Capital. Also in the running for the title were finalists Forlì, Italy; New Delhi, India; Oslo, Norway; Uppsala, Sweden; and San Francisco, USA.
“Local governments around the world are striving to create attractive, smart cities while tackling a multitude of urgent environmental challenges,” said Jim Leape, Director General of WWF-International. “Vancouver can serve as a role model for how cities can engage residents in these efforts, thereby accelerating the transition towards low carbon development. I applaud Vancouver’s vision and innovation. More cities everywhere need to find inspiration in the bold initiatives of Vancouver and the other finalists and build on them, bringing climate action at the scale and speed necessary to secure sustainable, attractive lifestyles for people across the planet.”