OVER THE weekend, Filipinos and other nationalities observed Earth Hour.
The annual Earth Hour encourages people to turn off the non-essential lights for one hour. This is a symbolic act to address climate change.
But people can do better. Everyone must go beyond the Earth Hour and join the rest of the world in efforts to save energy, reduce carbon emissions and raise awareness on sustainability and environmental challenges.
By participating in the Earth Hour, we are showing our commitment to create more sustainable and resilient communities. Saving on electricity, using low carbon technologies, conserving water, eating local food, planting more trees, among others, are just some of the simple ways by which we can significantly contribute to protecting our planet. Beyond that, we can take the lead in environmental protection and climate change adaptation programs.
The World Wildlife Fund said the Philippines saved some 611 megawatts per hour of electricity when it first joined the campaign more than a decade ago, which was equivalent to shutting down one dozen coal-fired power plants.
The Earth Hour proves we are capable of doing something to protect our planet. It proves that small acts, when put together, create big change. Our participation in it symbolized our commitment to change beyond the hour, especially since our country is considered as one of the nations most vulnerable to climate change impacts.
But it is hoped that what we can do for an hour, we can also do everyday until environment-friendly practices become part of our routine, until we adopt a low-carbon lifestyle.
