With just over two weeks to go before the people of the planet switch off for Earth Hour, the number of countries and regions participating in the global event has surpassed last years record.
92 countries and regions around the world have now made the pledge for Earth Hour to show the world what can be done to fight climate change, with Honduras the latest nation to have official Earth Hour recognition. Last year 88 countries got involved in the lights out event.
With confirmation that the Tokyo Tower in Tokyo and Brandenburg Gate in Berlin will both turn off their lights for Earth Hour, all members of the G20 are now taking part in the event. Countries and regions involved for the first time include the remote island nation of Madagascar, Kosovo, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, Cambodia, Czech Republic, Paraguay, Ecuador and the US Commonwealth of the Northern Marina Islands in the Pacific Ocean amongst others. Organisers are thrilled that more people, businesses and organisations around the world are recognising the need and taking a lead on the issue of climate change.
Andy Ridley, Earth Hour’s Executive Director and Co-Founder said, “Earth Hour demonstrates the determination of the world’s citizens for a better healthier world. It brings together cities, communities, businesses and individuals on the journey to positive action on climate change.”
Earth Hour global organisers confirm that there are currently over 1,100 cities and towns signed up to switch their lights off at 8.30pm on 27 March - 100 more than at the same time last year. “Typically we see a big jump in the number of cities and towns taking part in the last few days before the lights go out, but to see such strong support already is fantastic,” said Ridley. The historic event will see hundreds of millions of people gather in parks, streets, town squares and homes around the world to witness the lights going out on iconic landmarks and city skylines, while taking in the atmosphere of some truly unique Earth Hour events. “Earth Hour is an opportunity for the global community to speak in one voice on the issue of climate change, while at the same time coming together in celebration of the one thing every single person on the planet has in common – the planet,” he said.
With participation levels now exceeding all expectations, and with more cities and towns signing up every day to be a part of this historic event, the success of Earth Hour 2010 is tipped to snowball. “Whether it’s joining your community in a town square to watch the city lights go dark or hosting a lights out party in your own home, I encourage everybody across the world to be a part of this important and historic occasion. Turn off your lights, celebrate the planet, enjoy the moment and think about the future of our living planet,” said Mr Ridley. Earth Hour activities officially recognised in the following countries and regions for the first time:
1. Brunei
2. Cambodia
3. Czech Republic
4. Kosovo
5. Madagascar
6. Mauritius
7. Mongolia
8. Mozambique
9. Nepal
10. Northern Mariana Islands
11. Oman
12. Panama
13. Paraguay
14. Tanzania
15. Saudi Arabia
16. Qatar
17. Faroe Islands
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