Flip the switch, save the planet

We, and the rest of the world, have had elections on the brain. Last year the United States completed one of their most historic elections, voting a man of African descent into office for the very first time. In doing so, it is our hope that they put to rest a centuries long battle with racism. Here our politicians seem obsessed with the 2010 election, including the automation of polls. We wonder when the issues will take center stage. But, on March 28, 2009, an election of global reach and importance will take place.

In 2007, the city of Sydney, Australia conceived of a practical way to demonstrate support for the environment. Developed with the World Wide Life Fund (WWF) Australia and the Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney urged members of their community to shut-off the lights for one hour on the last Saturday of March. They had over 2.2 million participants between individuals and businesses. In 2008, Earth Hour became an international event. Thirty-five cities were official flagship cities and four hundred were active. It is estimated that close to 50 million people around the world flipped the switch and turned off their lights for one hour. Even major international landmarks went dark, including: the Empire State Building in New York City, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, the Sears Tower in Chicago, and the Colosseum in Rome, among others. The most visited website in the world, Google.com, even went “dark” for one hour. The tagline on the site read, “We’ve turned out the lights. Now it’s your turn - Earth Hour.” According to a Zogby International survey, this worldwide event resulted to a four percent increase in environmental awareness. This year, Earth Hour is hoping for even greater participation and awareness.

For 2009, they have revamped the affair, creating the first global election. Participants are voting between the Earth and global warming. From their site: “For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote — Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF urges the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.” The meeting in Copenhagen is of utmost importance. During the conference, world governments will determine new policies against global warming. The world has the chance, through this vote, to tell world leaders what they think about global warming.

There are many practical solutions that each of us can implement to help preserve the environment. Let us not forget that the more we consume as we inhabit the earth and its environment, the more we use up its resources. In our own small ways, we can contribute to a common goal and achieve surprisingly good results, if we just put one mind to it. Earth Hour is one small step of which we all should be a part. As of March 8, 2009, over 931 cities and towns in 80 countries have signed up. As their site says, “Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you are from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet.”

In 2008, the Philippines had the ninth most votes in the world. We can do better. We urge the media, companies and individuals to become involved and spread the word to help Earth Hour exceed its goals. For more information and to sign up for Earth Hour, please visit  www. earthhour.org . The planet needs your vote. Flip the switch off on March 28, 2009.