Ziptrek Ecotours

Earth Hour 2011: A Reflection

May 2011

An event occurred at the end of March that has, in the past few years, become an increasingly well-known phenomenon: Earth Hour. Still just an infant in the timeline of traditions, Earth Hour began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia. This event represented Sydney putting a resounding foot down regarding climate change, with over 2 million people and 2000 businesses turning off lights for one hour.  Since then, the worldwide response to Earth Hour has been staggering.

From Earth Hour in 2008 to Earth Hour in 2011, the number of countries participating has gone from 35 to 134. Famous landmarks on every continent are cutting their power, from the Eiffel Tower to the Burj Kalifa to the Empire State Building. Canada has played a strong role on the Earth Hour world stage, this year having over 420 cities, towns and municipalities taking part.

But of course, where would a sustainability related event be without the critics? Earth Hour has brought to light some very interesting issues and opinions. It has been called an “attention grabbing gesture” and a “vehicle for the UN’s agenda of wealth redistribution.” Those who focus on the energy savings alone claim its impact is minimal in the long run. A US based think-tank entitled the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) has gone so far as to create the “Human Achievement Hour” which is set for the same day and time as Earth Hour, and encourages people to celebrate human innovation by using as much power-consuming devices as possible.

There’s nothing like a little criticism to put issues into perspective. These opinions and proclamations should help us reflect on the question, what is the purpose of an event like Earth Hour?

Is it as simple as the ever-popular board games or guitar-playing by candlelight? Is it the quantity of megawatts saved after worldwide number crunching? In fact, the power of Earth Hour is extraordinarily simple: awareness.

It is about the thought that goes into the Hour, people coming together and raising awareness about energy consumption and the state of the planet. Gerald Butts, the CEO of WWF, the sponsoring organization behind Earth Hour, stated “Earth Hour is a bit like an environmental New Year, providing a chance to reflect on how our planet is faring and what we can do to help. That moment of reflection is the heart of Earth Hour.”

On a macro scale, the success of Earth Hour is increasing exponentially from year to year. On a micro scale, the success of Earth Hour is even more powerful. Individuals are thinking, planning and discussing this event and the reasons for it. There is very little that could be a more effective mechanism for change. So bring on the critics! Earth Hour is here to stay.

by: Alison McKenzie