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Climate change is a topical issue at the moment, especially with the forthcoming Climate Conference in Paris in December 2015 at which national leaders will decide on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Scientists have been talking about climate change for the last 30 years, associating it with the increase in GHG concentrations. The most dramatic evidence of the alarming changes are melting glaciers, rising sea levels, more violent storms and increased flooding, less snow cover in the north and more droughts in the south.
“This year Earth Hour takes place during the Latvian Presidency of the EU Council, and we have an opportunity to do more about environmental issues at local level. Latvia has to ensure that Europe stands united and is prepared for the Climate Conference at the end of 2015. The EU’s goal is to achieve a comprehensive global agreement on the measures necessary for preventing adverse climate changes. The first steps have already been taken in the EU by envisaging a reduction of at least 40% in domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Reaching agreement was no easy task, but we shared a common understanding that action must be taken in order to help our planet,” stated the Latvian Minister for Environmental Protection and Regional Development, Kaspars Gerhards.
This year for Earth Hour, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has chosen the motto #ChangeClimateChange to remind us that climate change is a process affected by each and every person’s actions.
“Earth Hour gives us a chance to look at things not only from a national and global perspective, but also, most importantly, from our personal and family viewpoint. Do we consume energy at times when it is not necessary? Do we use old technology or new environmentally friendly technologies? The Earth Hour is a commendable collective initiative that benefits everyone. I hope that the hour-long campaign to promote environmentally responsible behaviour will be followed by environmentally friendly choices in everyday life throughout the whole year,” said the Minister.
“The WWF encourages everyone to take part in Earth Hour and to join millions of people across the globe in proving to national leaders – and to ourselves – that a future based on renewable resources is possible,” said the Director of the WWF in Latvia, Jānis Rozītis.
What to do during Earth Hour?
- On 28 March 2015 from 20:30 to 21:30, municipalities and businesses are asked to turn off facade lighting on highly visible and well-known central buildings (churches, council buildings, recreation centres, etc.) without posing any risk to public safety (it is advised to leave street lighting on as the campaign has only a symbolic significance);
- Citizens are welcome to organise events devoted to Earth Hour at home and work, and in businesses and organisations;
- For those wishing to take part in Earth Hour events around the globe, more information on these events is available at the website of the Earth Hour;
- Think and act in a more environmentally friendly way every hour and every day! By insulating your home and saving energy, choosing to use public transport, a bicycle or an economical car, and eating local and seasonal food, you can change climate change.
About Earh Hour
Earth Hour is the largest worldwide action devoted to environmental protection and takes place every year on the last Saturday in March from 20:30 to 21:30 local time. As with New Year’s Eve celebrations, Earth Hour is organised and celebrated according to the local time zone. In 9 years, Earth Hour has evolved into a worldwide campaign during which every citizen of the world has the opportunity to show their attitude and take action on sustainable environmental conservation. During the campaign, citizens, institutions, businesses and organisations are invited to symbolically switch off lights for one hour, thus expressing their support regarding the issue of climate change and the need for a solution.
On climate change
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas produced by the combustion of carbonaceous fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) or during volcanic eruptions. For thousands of years the world was in balance thanks to Nature’s capacity to absorb these gases, but now the situation has changed. The amount of human-produced CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases exceeds the Earth’s capacity to absorb them, which causes the greenhouse effect and leads to climate change.
More information about the Earth Hour
Arta Mellupe, World Wide Fund for Nature
T.: +371 67505640, +371 6119220
E-mail: amellupe@pdf.lv
