Editorial: Earth Hour 2009 a disappointment in Bedford

Saturday, March 28, 8:30 p.m. was supposed to be the start of Earth Hour 2009. People all over the world were encouraged to turn out their lights for one hour, starting at 8:30pm local time.

The world embraced this second annual demonstration in support of action on climate change.

Halifax Regional Municipality partnered with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for this event. There was a free concert in Grand Parade Square, as well as smaller events throughout the city.

From the time our family woke up on Saturday morning, the countdown began. The kids remembered participating in Earth Hour 2008 and were looking forward to a game of charades in the dark.

So promptly, at 8:30 p.m., our lights went out. There were giggles and nervous laughs from the kids when they had to go to the bathroom in the dark!

Yet when we looked out of our living room window, it was disappointing to see so few houses with their lights out. The apparent lack of participation in Bedford was reflective of the province overall.

Unofficial statistics indicate that Nova Scotia had a drop in power consumption of just one percent. Ontario, meanwhile, had a drop of about six percent, with Toronto recording a massive drop of about 15 percent.

Did the word not get out? Were people not aware of Earth Hour 2009? Did people not care?

Statistics say that Earth Hour 2009 was the biggest environmental demonstration in history. Famous monuments around the world were “in the dark”, including the CN Tower in Toronto, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the Pyramids in Egypt.

Regardless of age, gender, religion, culture or nationality the world united to support this event. After all, it is the future of our planet, the future of our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren…

Next year those who participated will only wish for more participants to show their support.

Let’s make Earth Hour 2010 the biggest demonstration ever, and enjoy some good old-fashioned quality time with family and friends.

For more information on Earth Hour 2009 visit: www.wwf.ca/earthhour