Companies asked to "power down" vs. global warming

CEBU, Philippines – Companies and households are encouraged to join the one-hour “switch off” this March 28 to show a message of hope on the issue of climate change.

Cebu City Council Committee on Environment and Natural Resources councilor Nestor Archival in an approved resolution urged government offices, residences and business establishments in the City to join the Earth Hour which will run from 8:30 to 9:30 in the evening of March 28.

The Earth Hour, launched in Sydney in 2007, is the biggest voluntary power down in history.

“The Earth Hour is all about small changes that everyone is capable of making in their lives, by turning the lights off, represents the turning the lights in our mind, to benefit the emission reduction,” Archival said.

Emission and pollutants from cars, factories contribute greatly to the global warming issue which had become alarming recently with the rising seas, changing landscapes, increasing frequency of droughts, fires, floods and storms as well as climate related diseases, damage to ecosystem and biodiversity loss.

Archival said, the Philippines will be among the 64 countries that will be participating in Earth Hour 2009.

Last year, during the second year of Earth Hour, what started in Sydney was then joined by 50 million people across the countries participating.

There were already global landmarks joining including Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome ‘s Colosseum and the Coca Cola billboard at the Time Square which were all in darkness for one hour.

Archival said, he hopes that the invitation will be well taken by the businesses but will be started with the city hall employees themselves. — Ferliza C. Contratista/BRP (THE FREEMAN)