Earth Hour - A global Movement

Toronto - Earth Hour 2008

In 2007 residents in the city of Sydney, Australia participated in Earth Hour. 2.2 million people and 2100 business participated, which lead to a 10.2% decrease in energy usage in the city of Sydney.

The original goal of Earth Hour was to inspire people to take action on climate change.

In 2008, 24 cities around the world participated in Earth Hour (8-9pm, March 29^th, 2008) and it was hoped that over 100 million people would participate. The goal to encourage people, communities and business to take simple steps needed to cut their emissions on an ongoing basis. Cities such as San Francisco, Vancouver, Tel Aviv, Bangkok, Dublin and Toronto participated.

Across Australia, all the capital cities participated, as well as smaller cities and communities. It was estimated that at least 5% of power consumption was reduced for the entire country during Earth Hour.

The goal of the organizers, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is to create awareness. "Earth Hour is about awareness, and without awareness, there can be no action."

Next year it is hoped that 1 billion people across the globe will participate in Earth Hour. Between 2007 and 2008 WWF were able to go from 1 city and 2.2 million participants to 24 cities and an estimated 100 million participants through viral marketing. Drawing supporters through social-networking websites and word of mouth. It is hoped that same momentum can next year make Earth Hour a truly global event.

Melbourne - Earth Hour 2008