On average, the annual consumption of electricity in the United States per utility customer was 11,280 kWh in 2011,1 while the average per capita electricity use in Africa as an entire continent was about 570 kWh over the year in 2010.2 The U.S. uses more electricity than any nation except for our friendly neighbors up north, but why do we constantly use so much power, not just as a nation, but as a globe? People have become reliant on the crutch of technology for everything from work to leisure. The good news is that on March 23, 2013 at 8:30PM, the world came together for an hour of emissions-free activity by turning off all lights for 60 minutes.3 One action, one hour, one year, and one step to show the global need for environmental awareness.
https://web.archive.org/web/20160404105349if_/http://www.youtube.com/embed/tJFADH9r6Rs
A timelapse sample of the Acropolis, in Athens, during Earth Hour 2013. 4
The concept for Earth Hour was sparked by Andy Ridley, a man from Australia who wanted to find a way to influence everyday people to care about . In 2008, Earth Hour was held in 371 cities and towns in over 35 countries and was estimated to have over 50 million participants. This marked the very first global anniversary of Earth Hour. The opportunity to take a stand for the environment spread year after year, with more nations choosing to participate in these dark 60 minutes of the year. The hour will always land on the last Saturday of March because that is when the planet will be darkest due to the alignment with either the Spring or Fall equinox—depending on which hemisphere.6
The large success of the campaign has been helped by celebrity endorsement. Australian Super Model Miranda Kerr served as the international ambassador of Earth Hour in 2012. Miranda Kerr encouraged people to make a change in their daily life rather than just for 60 minutes every year in the “I will if you will” challenge. Miranda posted a youtube video challenging others to post a challenge for the world. This encouraged challenges such as if 500 people plant a tree, a company vowed to go completely paperless. More celebrities joined the fight against global warming and used their popularity to bring attention to this global event. Jessica Alba, actress and co-founder of the Honest Company, became the global ambassador of Earth Hour for 2013.7 Through social media many other celebrities also showed their support for this event.
This year, over 150 countries participated in the growing movement to turn off all unnecessary electricity for an hour and there were some great results.9 The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reported a reduction of 1,699 MW during Earth Hour this year—an amount equal to reducing about 1,073 tons of emissions.10 The Independent Electricity System Operator of London reported a reduction of 448 MW in the province, greatly surpassing their goal of reducing one percent of electricity (approximately 3.2 MW). Odisha, India lowered its electric demand by over 580 MW, which is a record reduction in the past four years. These are just some highlighted cities that participated in this global event.11
Although Earth Hour had previously been held as an individual or business event, many landmarks took part this year. The Eiffel Tower in France, Houses of Parliament in the UK, and Times Square in New York were some of the global landmarks that went dark for a whole hour to join the movement.12 By showing national support from entire countries, the movement can further grow. Each year, new citizens and businesses of nations choose to join the movement. This year over 150 countries and territories participated, including first-timers such as Rwanda, Tunisia, Galapagos, French Guyana, and Surname, showing the great progress this movement is making.13
So, what do people do for those 60 minutes of darkness? In Shanghai, people gathered for a beautiful and peaceful attempt to have the Guinness world record of most candles blown out at once. Others, like those in Seoul, switched to LED lighted signs while enjoying the beautiful night sky. The British band, McFly, ambassadors for Earth Hour, hosted a free concert for the enjoyment of some lucky Brits!14 Some countries hosted nationwide events. For example, Fiji hosted the very first Earth Hour Night Ride, when two hundred cyclists storm the streets of Suva City with only energy efficient lights to guide their way.15 These large events are great ways to get citizens involved. Better yet, some cities, like Macau, Hong Kong, have started initiatives where certain businesses will actually have an Earth Hour every month to show their commitment to a greener and cleaner planet!16
Although nationally or locally recognized events are convenient and provide a great venue for people to celebrate Earth Hour and environmental awareness, one doesn’t need others to plan events to participate! I personally took a night hike with a group of my friends and watched the stars. By bringing people who would regularly be on their computer out into nature to appreciate its beauty for an hour, I feel that I saved more than just electricity that hour. I was able to open the eyes of people who normally would not think to just sit back and enjoy what the environment can provide naturally. That is the spirit of Earth Hour—to bring awareness for environmental sustainability and conservation while actively reducing pollution and .
