The Issue

Climate change is the most significant threat to life on Earth. One way to slow the current rate of global warming is to get each individual to make small adjustments to the way they live. To achieve individual change we need to demonstrate how simple and easy the changes are.

The solution

An event that gets full community involvement in a simple action that will make a difference. WWF-Australia and Fairfax again invite all Sydney households and businesses to turn off their lights for one hour at 8.00pm on 29 March 2008 – this is Earth Hour.  

Earth Hour has the full support of the Premier of NSW, the Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney, and all city and emergency services.

The Objectives

• Get as many individuals, households and businesses as possible to turn off their lights as a symbolic statement about the greatest contributor to climate change (coal-fired electricity).
• Educate the community on the threat of global warming and what each individual can do to make a difference in their day-to-day activities to reduce their emissions
• Get corporate participants to communicate Earth Hour through internal and external channels and commit to turn off their lights on the night
• Provide precedent for an annual event and seek involvement from other cities across Australia and around the world
• Measure the change in Sydney’s greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for a 5% reduction in the year following Earth Hour.

The Message

Commercial Sector

If Australia’s commercial sector turned off lights when buildings weren’t in use and combined this action with other cost effective technology they could reduce lighting emissions by 70%, this would save 2-4 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Earth Hour aims to show these companies how easy and cost efficient these changes can be through case studies of companies that have already achieved massive reductions in their emissions. Earth Hour is working with 3CBDs, a City of Sydney initiative which aims to reduce the climate change impact of office buildings.

Households

We want each individual to understand that electricity consumption is a direct contributor to global warming and that small actions by every individual can make a big difference. When households sign up to take part in Earth Hour they will receive a pack with all the information and tools they need to cut their emissions (and their energy bill).

If all Australian households simply turned off unused lighting and appliances on standby at the power point it would reduce Australia’s emissions by at least 5 million tonnes per annum.

The Facts

69% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions come from energy production (CSIRO)

October 2006 was by far the hottest October on record for NSW with the state wide average maximum temperature more than 3.2ºC above the historical average of 24.4ºC (records since 1950). Australian Government- Bureau of Meteorology

By 2100, up to 15,000 Australians could die every year from heat-related illnesses and the dengue transmission zone could reach as far south as Brisbane and Sydney if we continue to allow [greenhouse gas] emissions to increase. (Australian Medical Association).

Why do we need to act?

Global warming is one of the greatest threats Australia has ever faced. Our continued reliance on electricity sourced from coal-fired power stations is causing a dramatic increase in the Earth's temperature, resulting in rising sea levels, an increase in drought and severe storms, and massive changes to the environment we all rely on to survive. If all Australian households simply turned off unused lights and appliances on standby at the power point, Australia's emissions would be reduced by at least 5 million tonnes per annum. The greenhouse gas savings would be equivalent to taking 1.5 million cars off the road for a year

How will Earth Hour help?

Earth Hour shows that, together, our small actions can make a difference to global warming. There are two key objectives for Earth Hour. The first is to engage as many households, communities and business in Sydney to turn their lights out for one hour on 31^st March.

It also marks the beginning of a 12-month campaign by WWF-Australia and Fairfax Media to reduce Sydney's greenhouse gas emissions by 5%. This could be achieved if all businesses and households turned off unused lights and appliances that are on standby.

Who is behind Earth Hour?

Earth Hour is a partnership between WWF-Australia and Fairfax and has the full support and commitment of The City of Sydney and the NSW Government.

Why should we participate?

We've all heard about global warming and it's sometimes hard to see what we, individually, can do. Earth Hour is a great way to show your commitment to our goal of reducing Sydney's greenhouse gas emissions and to tackle the climate crisis. Earth Hour will work best if as many people participate as possible, so everyone's participation is vital to making the event a success.

What does Earth Hour mean for our business?

Earth Hour is not about us telling you what to do.  Earth Hour is about individual action.  We want you to tell us what your business or community is doing to support Earth Hour and reduce energy usage within the workplace / community.  

www.earthhour.org  will give you more tips and hints of what you can do on the night, and also give you an opportunity to share your ideas about how to spend Earth Hour.

Is this just the Sydney CBD?

Earth Hour encompasses the greater Sydney metropolitan region.

Why is it only in Sydney Metropolitan region?

We hope that Earth Hour can grow into a global campaign. To start this process, we have focused on one of Australia's, and the world's iconic city's - Sydney.  Following Earth Hour's success in 2007, other cities, both in Australia and internationally, are joining us in supporting Earth Hour.  

Of course, we can all take small actions everyday to reduce our emissions and we would be delighted if you can join us by turning off your lights for Earth Hour, regardless of where you live.

Will all electricity be turned off during Earth Hour? 

No – we are only asking for lights to be turned off. Businesses should adhere to OH&S standards and security and emergency lighting (where required) should remain on.

Isn't switching the lights off dangerous? What about public safety?

We are asking people to turn off non-essential lights for one hour - no lights that affect public safety will be turned off. We want everyone to enjoy Earth Hour in a safe and energy efficient environment.

Will there be road closures? 

No, there will not be any road closures.  Earth Hour is about a celebration of individual and community action.  We hope you will all celebrate the evening with your friends and families in a safe environment.

Will street lights remain on? 

It is important that Earth Hour is celebrated in a safe and secure environment, so we will not be turning off any of the street lights, nor any lights in public spaces (which may impact on public safety), nor hospitals or emergency services.Earth Hour is about living in a modern world whilst doing the right thing.  

Earth Hour is fully supported by all Sydney’s emergency services, including RTA, Police, Fire and Ambulances.

What about the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House – are they turning their lights off? 

Yes, The Harbour Bridge and ANZAC Bridge will turn their lights out for one hour at 7.30pm on 31 March (except for the street lights). Traffic conditions will remain unchanged and the bridges will be open as usual during Earth Hour. The Opera House must still deliver their entertainment schedule, however they will turn off external lights for Earth Hour.

The City of Sydney is fully committed to Earth Hour and will assist in ensuring that all iconic buildings, and as many individuals and businesses, turn off their lights for Earth Hour at 7.30pm on Saturday 31 March 2007.

Is Earth Hour just about the event on 31^st March 2007? Is there ongoing action?  

There are two key objectives for Earth Hour. The first is to engage as many households, communities and business in the Sydney region to turn their lights for one hour on 31^st March. By creating awareness and securing engagement of the broader community, the second objective is to measure the change in Sydney’s greenhouse gas emissions over the following 12 months– aiming for a 5% reduction in the year following Earth Hour.

Go to website for more information www.earthhour.org

Won't it still be daylight at 7.30pm?  

Daylight savings ends on 25 March - and 7:30pm will be roughly twilight. Check out this discussion at the Sydney Observatory for more information.

Does this mean I have to turn of everything in my home and use absolutely no electricity? 

Not at all. The main point of this campaign is to show people and companies how easy it is to take action to avoid global warming.  

This does not mean you have to turn off your fridge, but we do encourage you to join the rest of Sydney by switching off your lights and make a statement, as well as changing your habits in the long term.

How much CO2 will be saved during the event? 

We will be measuring how much energy is saved during Earth Hour - but the main aim of the campaign is to continue to be energy efficient beyond Earth Hour, making small actions everyday, to achieve our goal of a 5% reduction in Sydney's greenhouse gas emissions in 2007.

Aren't you using a heap of electricity and resources to promote this event? 

Earth Hour is operating under our Principles of Operation, which we are happy to share with you. Earth Hour is a carbon neutral event.

If everyone turns their lights back on at the same time – will there be a power surge?

No

How can I find out more? 

www.earthhour.org  will be a way in which you can show your commitment to Earth Hour, and to sign up to receive an Earth Hour pack which will give you more information about Earth Hour, hint and tips on how to live a sustainable life, and ideas on how to spend Earth Hour.

Taste Gourmet Grocer & Cafe is committed to building a sustainable enviroment. Click here to see what else we are doing and how you can help!