Earth Hour is back

by Hailey Trealout

In 2007, a group in Sydney started Earth Hour in hopes of spreading an environmental message of change to the rest of the world.

Earth Hour was created to provide people with the opportunity to join millions of others around the world in a message of hope and a call to action.

Six years after it was founded, the Worldwide Wildlife Foundation has taken the reins to help spread the word and promote the cause so more people participate. Josh Laughren is the director for the climate and energy program with WWF-Canada. He said nothing compares to the feeling that nobody is alone in this effort.

“There are literally hundreds of millions of people around the world who all share this desire for action,” said Laughren. “Looking back over the past six years since Earth Hour began, none of the climate change successes we’ve achieved would have happened without public support. Drought, wildfires, hurricanes – these events are showing us that climate change is already here, and it’s going to get much worse if we don’t act now.”

WWF-Canada staff highlight stories that are taking place in communities throughout Canada on their website to help promote participation for Earth Hour. Averil Parent is the environment and sustainability coordinator with the Windsor Essex County Environment Committee. She said Windsor has come together as a community to participate in Earth Hour.

“Earth Hour is important because it is a worldwide demonstration, the biggest worldwide demonstration that I know of,” said Parent. “I had so many concerns in making a statement. I know that in the long run, the impact of turning off your electricity for an hour won’t do much, but it is an action that can encourage actions throughout the year which can make a big difference.”

The most recent Earth Hour took place March 23 from 8:30-9:30 p.m.