The world turned its lights out on Saturday for the Earth Hour 2018.
Starting as a symbolic lights out event in Sydney in 2007, the Earth Hour movement aims to inspire people to take action for our planet and nature. Many of the world’s most iconic landmarks will switch off the lights to call for action on climate change.
A general view of giant concrete tree-like structures called "Supertrees" after the lights are dimmed to mark the Earth Hour, at the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, March 24, 2018. /VCG Photo
A general view of giant concrete tree-like structures called "Supertrees" after the lights are dimmed to mark the Earth Hour, at the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, March 24, 2018. /VCG Photo
Over these years, darkness has swept the globe, and the Earth Hour has become the largest grassroots movement for the environment on Earth. 2018 marks the 10th year that China has participated in the event.
Nowadays, although the urgency and importance of saving energy and protecting the environment is recognized globally, the Earth Hour movement still raises some questions.
A combination photo shows the State Opera House (Staatsoper) before and after the lights were switched off for Earth Hour in Vienna, Austria, March 25, 2017. /VCG Photo
A combination photo shows the State Opera House (Staatsoper) before and after the lights were switched off for Earth Hour in Vienna, Austria, March 25, 2017. /VCG Photo
Does it really save energy to turn off the lights for an hour?
The answer is negative. The energy being saved during one hour is negligible.
During the event, the overall load on the power grid has not changed much. The generator of the power plant is running normally so electricity is not saved.
But does it mean the Earth Hour is meaningless? The act is much greater than its practical meaning.
A combination photo shows Qinghuaci Tower before and after lights were switched off during the Earth Hour in 2017 in Jiangxi. /Photo via Chinanews.
A combination photo shows Qinghuaci Tower before and after lights were switched off during the Earth Hour in 2017 in Jiangxi. /Photo via Chinanews.
In fact, it is an act of art, and what it really means is to promote, encourage, and call for more people to participate in the practical action of saving energy and reducing emissions. Its symbolism is far greater than its practical significance.
Environmental protection needs more than an hour
Zumba dancers performed with their glow in the dark or luminous colors during the celebration of Earth Hour 2015. /VCG Photo
Zumba dancers performed with their glow in the dark or luminous colors during the celebration of Earth Hour 2015. /VCG Photo
Earth Hour is just the beginning. It makes people think what else they can do to save the Earth. For example, we use reusable shopping bags, refuse to buy wild animal products, recycle reusable resources, choose walking over driving, etc.
An hour is not going to save the world, but every action counts. Individuals can make big changes if we are all aware of trying to have a better impact on Earth.
People in southwest China's Chongqing municipality learn to properly sort and dispose of household waste. /VCG Photo
People in southwest China's Chongqing municipality learn to properly sort and dispose of household waste. /VCG Photo
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