- Lights remained switched off at NA, provincial assemblies, listed buildings for a global moment of solidarity for climate action
Earth Hour was marked across the country on Saturday to advocate for greater environmental action by switching off unnecessary lights from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Lights remained switched off at the National Assembly, all provincial assemblies and other significant buildings as part of a symbolic gesture for a global moment of solidarity for climate action.
Earth Hour is not about switching off lights for an hour, but is a commitment to play a role in conservation of planet by conserving energy and combating climate change.
Earth Hour, a charitable organisation, is an open source movement, organised by civil society organisations, which initially began as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia in 2007 to sensitise people on the issue of climate change.
Last year, more than 1.8 billion people in over 172 countries and territories and 7,000 cities worldwide celebrated Earth Hour. In Pakistan, more than 500 landmarks celebrated Earth Hour by switching off lights.
WWF-Pakistan celebrated Earth Hour across the country and organised main events in Lahore and Karachi. The events were attended by hundreds of people.
On the occasion, the WWF-Pakistan director general said Pakistan was among the top-ten countries affected by climate change and this environmental challenge was already severely impacting the country’s economy.
In his message, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the world was experiencing adverse impacts of climate change and it was important to empower people to become part of climate change initiatives.
Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the aim of observing this day was to promote a friendly attitude among the people towards environment.
He said the world was passing through a critical era regarding environment.
The LEAD Pakistan CEO and Climate and Development Knowledge Network’s (CDKN) Asia director said simple steps like not wasting water, switching over from plastic bags to paper bags and curtailing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by reforming habits from resorting to energy efficient travel and energy efficient lifestyles could help conserve life on earth. “It is important for Pakistan to celebrate Earth Hour and vow for greater climate action,” he added.
Floods, droughts, energy crisis, food shortages, endemic diseases, mass migration, economic deterioration and ecosystem degradation are among the major threats of climate change. Small beginnings can achieve greater results through integrated efforts.
Participants of Earth Hour events pledged improvement in their personal lives to help conserve planet such as repair of dripping water taps in their homes and efficient use of energy-based products.
Ufone, mobile phone operator, as part of its energy efficient belief also observed Earth Hour on Saturday by switching off redundant lights and electrical appliances that lead to extra energy consumption.
