Exclusive with Li Bingbing: The biggest change is people’s minds in Earth Hour

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‍By CGTN’s Luo Yu

Li Bingbing, WWF Earth Hour Global Ambassador, says the biggest change she has seen since the introduction of Earth Hour is in people’s minds, and she is glad that more and more people are joining the program.

Li, who is a leading Chinese actress, has been a long-time supporter of the Earth Hour program and other environmental campaigns.

In an exclusive interview with CGTN, Li spoke of her motivation to get involved and stay involved, saying that living on Earth is both a privilege and a responsibility.

“When my nephew was born, I held him in my arms and was worried. I cared about what he was breathing, eating and drinking. So, I pressed forward and encouraged all nations to take up their responsibility to keep our environment clean for future generations,” she said.

While Earth Hour has spread across the globe since its initiation 11 years ago, the movement has been derided by some as being symbolic without bringing about much in the way of real change.

CGTN's Luo Yu with Chinese actress Li Bingbing, WWF Earth Hour Global Ambassador /CGTN Photo

Li said that she’s been a part of Earth Hour for nearly 10 years. When she first got involved, she received both negative and positive feedback. But despite setbacks, she didn’t give up, and she believes that the campaign can motivate more people to take concrete action.

“I kept pressing forward, letting everyone know that the earth hour project is not just about turning off the light, but encouraging more people to join us in the fight to protect the planet.” And she thinks that changes are already taking place across the world.

Li told CGTN that her endeavor and commitment to preserve the environment will never fade. She was designated as a goodwill ambassador for the UN Environmental Program, and has been working with NGOs and business communities to protect endangered species and promote energy conservation.

Li will continue to be involved in Earth Hour and many other campaigns to help protect our planet. “I will keep doing Earth Hour every year in the future,” she said.

Today is the 11th year of Earth Hour and the 9th time the event has been marked in China. The occasion will see the lights in the CCTV Tower in Beijing being turned off tonight.

Earth Hour originated in Australia in 2007, and calls on everyone to switch off non-essential lights for one hour starting at 8:30 pm local time to show their commitment to fight against climate change.

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