It is been a year since Earth Hour 2009, a historical event where over a billion people switched off lights in homes, offices, schools and monuments across 88 countries worldwide.
Last year, the Philippines placed first in terms of town and city participation, with over 10 million switching off in 647 towns and cities nationwide.
For 2010, Earth Hour returns in full force.
Earth Hour 2010 takes place on Saturday, March 27 at 8:30 p.m. (local time) and is a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community throughout the world.
It is a call to stand up, to take responsibility, to get involved and lead the way towards a sustainable future. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Europe to Asia to the Americas will stand in darkness.
Earth Hour Philippines National Director Yeb Saño calls on private corporations, local groups, schools and the entire nation to participate in this momentous event by switching off lights from 8:30–9:30 p.m. on 27 March 2010.
"Climate change is the biggest threat to the Philippines. We could lose 2000 isles to sea level rise alone –a scenario which could be made worse by dwindling natural resources," Saño said.
"Luckily, Filipinos have a unique Bayanihan spirit – a brotherhood of kinship that unites people. Through the message of Earth Hour – that it's time to think of solutions now – we stand a good chance of adapting to climate change," Saño adding in its third year in the country and envisioned as a celebration of climate change solutions.
Earth Hour Philippines aims to inspire 15 million Filipinos in 1,000 towns, cities and municipalities to switch off and join in the revelry in an environmentally-conscious manner.
Many of the nation's most iconic landmarks are expected to dim their lights in the largest call for action on climate change.
Cities from around the world, from Europe to Africa, are expected to join in.
Crafted to take a stand against the greatest threat the planet has ever faced, Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off lights for an hour to deliver a powerful message on the need for climate change solutions.
"This simple act has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world, becoming a worldwide phenomenon in 2008 and 2009 –where the Philippines placed first globally in terms of town and city participation," Saño added.
Since Earth Hour 2009, each of the Earth Hour allies has advocated for the adoption of renewable energy technologies and energy-efficient practices.
Earth Hour 2009 inspired over 10 million Filipinos in 647 cities and municipalities to switch off, saving an estimated 611 MWh of electricity –equivalent to shutting down a dozen coal-fired power-plants for an hour.
Earth Hour Philippines is a yearly effort of WWF-Philippines, the Department of Energy (DoE), Green Army Network and SWITCH Movement.
This year's partners include Ipanema, Century Tuna, Sustagen, Philips, Motolite, Meralco, SM Malls, Ayala Malls, GMA-7, ABS-CBN, Infinit-1 Communications, ECC International, Dig It All, Friendster and Discovery Channel.
The Earth Hour Philippines roadshow, led by Energy Secretary Angelo T. Reyes, is set to visit Iloilo, Baguio, Ilocos Norte, Laguna, Bicol, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Tuguegarao and Clark.
"Earth Hour is a simple act that emphasizes the importance of adopting energy efficient practices and lifestyles," said Reyes.
"Given ever-increasing energy demands, we must be mindful of the need to control human-induced global warming and adopting more responsible energy practices. This will allow us to bestow upon future generations a world that they deserve," he added.
Sectoral consultations have yielded strong commitments for more sustained efforts on climate change.
Among the groups that have pledged commitments are the Archdiocese of Manila, University of the Philippines, Technological University of the Philippines, Manila Doctors College, REACT, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Ortigas Foundation, Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Manila Jaycees, Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines, Philippine Science Centrum, World Youth Alliance, Habitat for Humanity and Gawad Kalinga.
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