With just over two weeks to go before the people of the planet switch off for Earth Hour, the number of countries and regions participating in the global event has surpassed last year’s record.
People in cities and towns across Australia will join those in 91 other countries and regions around the world for Earth Hour, with Honduras the latest nation to have official Earth Hour recognition. Last year 88 countries got involved in the lights out event.
With confirmation that the Tokyo Tower in Tokyo and Brandenburg Gate in Berlin will both turn off their lights for Earth Hour, all members of the G20 are now taking part in the event.
Countries and regions involved for the first time include Madagascar, Kosovo, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, Cambodia, Czech Republic, Paraguay, Ecuador and the US Commonwealth of the Northern Marina Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
WWF is thrilled that more people, businesses and organisations around the world are recognising the need and taking a lead on the issue of climate change.
Greg Bourne,CEO, WWF-Australia said, "Earth Hour demonstrates the determination of the world’s citizens and brings together cities, communities, businesses and individuals in taking positive action on climate change."
WWF has confirmed that there are currently over 1,100 cities and towns signed up to switch their lights off at 8.30pm on 27 March – 100 more than at the same time last year.
"Typically we see a big jump in the number of cities and towns taking part in the last few days before the lights go out, but to see such strong support already is fantastic," said Bourne.
"Earth Hour is an opportunity for people around the world to speak in one voice on the issue of climate change, while at the same time coming together in celebration of the one thing every single person on the planet has in common – the planet," he said.
Earth Hour activities officially recognised in the following countries and regions for the first time:
Brunei; Cambodia; Czech Republic; Kosovo; Madagascar; Mauritius; Mongolia; Mozambique; Nepal; Northern Mariana Islands; Oman; Panama; Paraguay; Tanzania; Saudi Arabia; Qatar; Faroe Islands.
Note
B-roll and Earth Hour still images can be found at www.earthhour.panda.org
More information
Jonathon Larkin, Media Officer, WWF-Australia 0410 221 410, [email protected]
Rachael Hoy National Media Manager, WWF-Australia 0407 204 594, [email protected]
For Earth Hour information and to measure your environmental footprint, visit www.earthhour.org.au
The NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water is a Living Planet sponsor of Earth Hour 2010. Visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au for more information.