From Skylines to Timelines – Earth Hour Shines a Light on Climate Action

Shimla, Keekli Bureau, 19th March, 2016

Following a landmark year for the climate, WWF’s Earth Hour is calling people around the world to help change climate change. With a record participation of 172 countries and territories around the world, Earth Hour has inspired millions to move towards responsible consumption and resource conservation. Earth Hour 2016 was celebrated on Saturday, 19 March from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m in Shimla City in the presence of Hon’ble Cm Virbhadra Singh as he pledged to adopt solar power as well as endorsed the eco T-shirt.

To mark the occasion a painting and slogan writing competition was organized by Himurja and WWF at Rotary Town Hall wherein 18 school participated with more than 50 students. Kanwar Bhabu Pratap Singh, CEO Himurja was present to encourage the children and he awarded the winners of the competition.

“Earth Hour is a global campaign that promotes the message of sustainability and importance of using renewable energy. This is all the more significant for hill states, such as Himachal, which are vulnerable to climate change and disasters. So going solar can mitigate these challenges effectively. Hence, in collaboration with HIMURJA, Municipal Corporation Shimla, and HP Tourism Development Corporation an Earth Hour awareness programmes are being organized in schools and colleges across six districts of Himachal – Shimla, Solan, Sirmour, Hamirpur, Mandi and Dharamsala. Visit to the Energy Park by school children of Solan, painting and slogan writing competition for schools of Shimla, signature campaign with pledge to “Go Solar”, finally culmination of Earth hour with light switch off at Christ Church, Shimla were all part of the agenda.

The Earth Hour campaign has received a lot of support from various corners of the state, over the years and its messaging and open-source model encourages participation in a symbolic switch off and leads people to adopt sustainable practices in order to conserve the finite resources of our planet. This year, Earth Hour will reach out to people to promote the benefits of solar energy, encouraging everyone to switch off for an hour and make a switch to solar energy through rooftop solar solutions.

Last year, more than 190 countries came together to work against climate change at the historic summit in Paris. With the world at a climate crossroad, Earth Hour 2016 is our time to shine a light on climate action and build the foundation for a better future.

In India, the Earth Hour campaign has inspired individuals, governments and corporations to move towards responsible consumption and conservation of energy. The movement has received unprecedented support, demonstrated by participation in over 150 cities by several State and City Governments, the Armed Forces, public and private sector companies, celebrities and individuals. Lights at The Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Prime Minister’s residence, residences of Chief Ministers and landmark monuments like the India Gate, the Gateway of India, the Howrah Bridge etc. have been switched off every year in support of the movement.

Earth Hour 2016 is calling on citizens across the country to switch off non-essential lights for the hour and go solar. Supporting the government’s pledge to mitigate emissions and move toward renewable energy, the campaign is focusing on the benefits of renewable energy for a sustainable and greener future. Blessed with approximately 300 clear sunny days, India has a potential to harness 5,000 trillion kWh of energy per year, much more than the country’s total annual energy requirement.

The campaign is being endorsed this year by Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan. Speaking about his association with the cause, Dhawan said, “I believe climate change is the biggest global problem that we face today. It is a problem that we need to solve together. Like cricket, Earth Hour brings people together. I would urge people to come together and find newer, smarter ways to help save the planet.” He also asked cricket fans all over the country to switch off all other non-essential lights for the hour and watch the historic India Pakistan T20 ICC World Cup match scheduled for 19 March in the dark and said, “As we chase our dream of becoming World Champions again, we are counting on you to help us realize our dream of a greener planet! Let’s stand together against climate change.”

Winners of Slogan Writing

Winners of Painting Competition