28 March 2009
On Saturday, 28 March 2009, at 8:30 pm, one billion people in more than 930 cities around the world will come together to make a bold statement about their concern about climate change by doing something quite simple; turning off their lights for one hour.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is taking part in the event this year by turning off the lights of the main library as well as all unessential lights on EARTH HOUR, 8:30 - 9:30 pm.
This year, the Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election between Earth and global warming!
For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, races and backgrounds have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote. Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, while leaving them on is a vote for global warming; thus, the call to VOTE EARTH.
The Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007 when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008, the message had grown into a global sustainability movement with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Coliseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.
In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you are from, but instead, what planet you are 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. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing every day.
We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.
You can help rally support for Earth; check out the different ways you can help to get the world VOTE EARTH by visiting:
http://www.earthhour.org/home/