Earth Hour Impact April 1, 2009

Earth Hour Impact

The switching off of the lights in nearly 4000 cities in 88 countries across the globe has sent a clear message that the people of the world want decisive action to be taken on climate change.

In Australia, almost 50% of the population participated in the event, 99 of the ASX100 registered their participation, and 55% of the local councils participated. According to polling by AMR Interactive the young had the highest participation rates, with over 50% of 18-29 years olds taking part.

“Earth Hour 2009 was an incredible success,” said WWF International Director General James Leape. “If you participated in Earth Hour, thank you, your participation made that success possible.”

“Earth Hour signals a real desire from people all over the world for urgent action on climate change, and a mandate for the world’s leaders to secure a new deal in Copenhagen that defines an effective global response.”

“Our work continues, because over the next eight months, the leaders of the world will be deciding how they step up to meet this challenge, and we need, together, to make sure they do the right thing.”

The United Nations Climate Change Conference will be held in Copenhagen from 7th December to 18th December 2009. Organised by the Danish Government, it is hoped that all nations will be represented at the conference, and that an agreement can be reached that provides for decisive action on the issue of climate change. More information on the conference can be found here.

Image courtesy of Earth Hour