Turn Off The Lights

British Columbians — and others around the world — are asked to take part in the 11th annual Earth Hour this weekend.

People are asked to turn off lights and power down electronics between 8:30 and 9:30 Saturday night.

The global event started in Australia in 2007 by the World Wildlife Fund to raise awareness about the effects of climate change, has grown to include 7-thousand cities.

The British Columbia government will be demonstrating its on-going support for climate action by joining the worldwide grassroots movement, most noticeably by turning off the Jubilee Lights at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria and the Lions Gate Bridge lights in Vancouver to celebrate the 11th-annual Earth Hour. Where possible, more than 170 provincial government offices will power off non-essential lights and electronics.

“While the one hour without lights is intended to be a symbolic act encouraging people to consider conservation throughout the year, the collective impact of this global action is significant,” says Mary Polak, BC Environment Minster.

Earth Hour is scheduled 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., local time, around the globe because it is the closest hour to sunset in both hemispheres, allowing for the biggest visual impact of lights out everywhere.

International landmarks that participated in lights out in 2016 include:

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France
St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Italy
The Empire State Building in New York City, U.S.A.
The Houses of Parliament in London, U.K.
The Opera House in Sydney, Australia
Niagara Falls, Canada / U.S.A.