Powering down for Earth Hour
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Annual event raises awareness for climate change
The City of Vaughan will join millions of people around the world in marking Earth Hour by powering down for one hour on Saturday, March 24. This initiative is a grassroots global movement aimed at raising awareness for climate change and empowering people to help protect the planet. Earth Hour has helped World Wildlife Fund (WWF) influence climate policy, promote actions to protect forests, oceans and wildlife, encourage sustainable behaviour and lifestyles, and bring solar energy to off-the-grid communities.
“Preserving the health of our planet is vital for today and future generations. Turning off the lights for one hour has a meaningful impact. This annual event demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and our desire to stand in solidarity with others to raise awareness for climate change. I want to thank those who organize and participate in Earth Hour. I hope this event will continue to inspire individuals and organizations to take action and serve as a symbol of positive change.”
-Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
The City of Vaughan will join millions of people around the world in marking Earth Hour by powering down for one hour on Saturday, March 24. This initiative is a grassroots global movement aimed at raising awareness for climate change and empowering people to help protect the planet. Earth Hour has helped World Wildlife Fund (WWF) influence climate policy, promote actions to protect forests, oceans and wildlife, encourage sustainable behaviour and lifestyles, and bring solar energy to off-the-grid communities.
Earth Hour is observed by turning off the lights for one hour between
8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Last year, Vaughan residents and businesses reduced
energy consumption by more than 14 megawatts, which is equivalent to powering
568 homes for an entire day.
The community is invited to join Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members
of Council in the fight against climate change during Earth Hour Vaughan at
City Hall on March 24 starting at 6 p.m. Featured activities include candlelit
yoga, a night cycle ride, lantern walk, live entertainment, free prize
giveaways and an energy conservation exhibition where attendees can learn how
to lead a more energy-conscious lifestyle at work, home or on the move.
QUOTE
“Preserving the health of our planet is vital for today and future generations. Turning off the lights for one hour has a meaningful impact. This annual event demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and our desire to stand in solidarity with others to raise awareness for climate change. I want to thank those who organize and participate in Earth Hour. I hope this event will continue to inspire individuals and organizations to take action and serve as a symbol of positive change.”
-Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
- This year marks the 11th annual Earth Hour Vaughan event at City Hall.
- To celebrate Earth Hour, turn off all non-essential lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on March 24.
- The World Wildlife Fund first launched Earth Hour in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, with more than two-million participants.
- Earth Hour has grown to become one of the world’s largest grassroots movements for the environment.
- Since 2007, millions of supporters in more than 170 countries and territories have participated in the event.
- City of Vaughan's environmental sustainability webpage
- Vaughan Earth Hour webpage
- Earth Hour website