Feel the power of Earth Hour

At least 131 countries and territories on all seven continents, thousands of cities, historic landmarks and millions of people around the world have pledged to switch off their lights for Earth Hour on Sat., March 26, at 8:30 p.m.

Organizers say Earth Hour 2011 will be markedly different. This year, an online platform will showcase environmental impact initiatives launched by institutions, businesses, governments, groups and individuals around the world. 

Earth Hour, which began in Sydney in 2007, is a global initiative spearheaded by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), an independent conservation group with supporters in more than 100 countries.

Churches in Canada have been among the active supporters of Earth Hour, which drew nearly a billion participants in 2010. 

For more information about Earth Hour events in your neighbourhood or ideas on how you can be part of the event whether at home, in school, in your community or at work, visit the Earth Hour website, wwf.ca/earthhour.  The website also has a Map of Provincial Energy Mix, which looks at how much renewable energy each province in Canada does or doesn’t have. WWF-Canada said this is crucial information, since Canada is one of the top 10 countries that contribute to global warming.