There's never been anything like it – so many continents, families,
governments, landmarks, schools, organizations, businesses and
individuals coming together to speak with one voice. With the signs of
climate change all around us, Earth Hour came at a time when everyone's
voice needs to be heard. The time for action on climate change is now,
and thanks to Earth Hour, you and millions of people across the globe
have sent that message loud and clear.
Where do we go from here? Hopefully Earth Hour was a chance for you to
reflect on what you can do to fight climate change – reduce your energy
use, encourage others to do the same, and join local and national
efforts to protect our environment and improve our policies.
Earth Hour
was just the beginning. Across America and around the globe, we had
tremendous turnout and success. Now it's up to you to keep us headed in
the right direction.
Thank you – for March 29, and for every day from now until we win the fight to protect our planet.
The Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco Town Hall. Hewlett-Packard Headquarters. The Bay Bridge.
AT&T Park. Ghirardelli Square. Alcatraz. Coit Tower. And so many more.
All of these landmarks went dark for Earth Hour, fundamentally changing the look of San Francisco's
famous skyline. And we'll never forget it.
Everyone involved in Earth Hour San Francisco should feel proud of
their achievement. You reminded all of us what can happen when a
community unites behind a worthy cause. San Francisco went above and
beyond, and the world noticed.
Congrats, Chicago! During Earth Hour, Chicago and Northern Illinois
reduced their electricity consumption by 7 percent (or 818 megawatt
hours)! That's the equivalent of eliminating 1.3 million pounds of
carbon dioxide emissions; saving 72,000 gallons of gasoline; planting
158 acres of trees; or taking more than 1 million cars off the road for
an hour (courtesy of
ComEd). What an accomplishment!
But we're not all that surprised.
The city of Chicago has amazed us time and time again during the
build-up to Earth Hour. We watched with excitement as hundreds of
businesses, organizations and individuals signed up to turn down their
lights. Thank you, everyone, for your participation.
Earth
Hour Chicago will not be forgotten.
March 29th was the night the lights went out in Georgia, and it was fantastic!
Coca-Cola Headquarters. CNN Center. Georgia Aquarium. Bank of America
Plaza. Georgia State Capitol Building. The Fabulous Fox Theatre.
Georgia Dome. Turner Field. Freedom Parkway. Westin Peachtree Plaza.
And more.
In all, 400 buildings in
Atlanta participated in Earth Hour, far exceeding our expectations and
making history in the process. But Earth Hour Atlanta was about so much
more than buildings; it was about the individuals–the community
members–who came together for that hour to demonstrate their readiness
for change and a commitment to the environment.
We at WWF sincerely thank you for your
incredible participation and support. We could not have done it without you!
Staudamires served eco-tinis with glow sticks. Residents roamed the
streets with glow-in-the-dark necklaces, while stargazers gathered at
the Arizona Science Center to take in the view with the telescopes it
provided. The US Airways Center went dark as did every other building
marquee on the Phoenix skyline. And as the giant dome at Chase Field
began to close last Saturday night, the announcer told Arizona
Diamondback fans inside that they were honoring Earth Hour by blocking
out the stadium lights.
From 8-9pm on March 29th,
Arizonans from every walk of life came together in a way we never could
have expected. Everyone involved deserves a huge thank you for their
time and dedication to this cause. Because of you, Earth Hour Phoenix
was a great success!
Start Spreading the News
The Coca-Cola sign in Times Square featured Earth Hour and went dark on March 29th.
Earth Hour in America was not just about big landmarks, big cities and
big actions. Smaller cities and towns took part. Schools. Government
buildings and corporate offices. Restaurants. And people. Lots of
people.
Power consumption dropped four percent during Earth Hour in
Valdosta, Georgia,
according to a local utility. The Mayor's aiming for 10 percent in 2009.
In Quincy, Illinois, and in Keokuk, Iowa, 35 percent of people polled
said they turned out for Earth Hour.
In Denver, the Qwest Building went dark. Some cities that didn't take
part are already planning to turn out next year. And while many call
Washington, D.C., a "power town," it was power down on Saturday. Some
power players played board games with their kids by candlelight.
Sons and daughters, players and parents across America, thank you all for taking part.
