Tomorrow at 8:30 people around the globe will be turning off their lights for one hour in order to vote for action to be taken against global climate change.
VOTE EARTH
YOUR LIGHT SWITCH IS YOUR VOTE
This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world's first global election, between Earth and global warming.
For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote - Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.
This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.
Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome's Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.
In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you're from, but instead, what planet you're from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.
We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.
VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.
Interestingly enough there is at least one grumpy old man in PA that intends on counter-protesting and getting people to turn on all of their lights. He believes that global warming is false science.
i'm surprised that picture of your family actually came out really good. I am usually so bad at taking pictures and i get so nervous when they are for other people. i was totally like thinkig "his grandma is gonna hate me for ruining their photo with my terrible skills!"
Nice Pictures. I don't know what you have and haven't taken pictures of, but if you go out that way you might want to go to the Basilica also. I'm not sure if you can get pictures inside or not, I'm guessing there is some way to. In terms of the lights out for an hour thing. I get the point, but for most people it seems like a silly idea. Yes it worked for you. Before you bash me here is why. If you turn of the lights then that means you also don't use anything with power other wise what is the point of having 3 TVs going. But since there is no light and no power what are you supposed to do. No TV, NO Phone, No Internet, If you sleep it would last for more then an hour. Do clocks count? How would you know when the hour was over. Since there is no light you can't read. Most people don't have candles. Yes I guess everyone could ponder things for an hour but most people can't do that. I'm glad things went well for you and those who did it, I'm just wondering what other people who did it, wound up doing for that hour.
Nice photos. I need to get to Hoyt lake this year. I didn't turn off my lights at the appointed hour but I did sleep for 12 hours to get rid of my sleep deficit (which hopefully is down to a few hours now). I do think global warming is a reality and gestures such as these will go a long way in improving overall knowledge. However, unless we change our car culture and realize that the future is safer with public transport, we will not get anywhere. :/