Vancouver powers down for Earth Hour on March 29

(Vancouver: February 11, 2008) – On March 29, Vancouver will join cities around the world in turning off its lights for Earth Hour. Earth Hour is a global lights-out phenomenon, coordinated by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) that will bring together people from all over the world to show their support for action on climate change. Mayor Sam Sullivan today confirmed his plans to proclaim “Earth Hour” in Vancouver, meaning the city will join more than 15 major cities around the world already participating: including Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Sydney, Chicago and Copenhagen.
“One of the reasons Vancouver is ranked as one of the world’s best cities to work and live is because of our commitment to environmental values,” said Mayor Sullivan. “I want to encourage all of our residents, businesses and community organizations to participate in Earth Hour and raise awareness about the actions each of us can take to protect our environment.”
On March 29, between 8-9pm, City of Vancouver buildings will power down their lights – with exceptions related to public safety and essential services. Already, people and businesses are getting excited about this opportunity and participation in the city is growing by the day.
“Climate change is the most urgent environmental issue facing our planet. In order to achieve the greenhouse gas reductions necessary, it will take a global effort from all levels – individuals, businesses and governments,” said Mike Russill, President and CEO, WWF-Canada. “WWF is delighted that Vancouver will be joining this global celebration and commitment to fight climate change.”

Here in Canada, Earth Hour is part of an effort that lasts more than one hour. WWF-Canada has launched The Good Life (wwf.ca), a community of concerned Canadians who want to start taking personal action today to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that contribute to climate change. When you join The Good Life, you are able to track actions you are taking for the planet and see how your actions add up to help fight climate change.
WWF-Canada, Toronto Star, City of Toronto, and Virgin Mobile are the official Earth Hour partners that have brought Earth Hour to Canada with Toronto as the flagship city in Canada.
All Vancouverites and Canadians are encouraged to participate in Earth Hour and The Good Life and to be part of this united, global message about the need for action on climate change.
Participation is easy: sign up at wwf.ca and commit to fighting climate change and turning
off your lights at 8 p.m. on March 29.
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For further information:
David Hurford
Communication Director
Office of the Mayor
City of Vancouver
cell: 604-561-3970
email: David.Hurford@vancouver.ca
Melissa Tupper
Communications Specialist
WWF-Canada
phone: 604-694-6652
cell: 778-835-2966
email: MTupper@wwfcanada.org
Materials available:
1. Earth Hour MPEG available – preview at wwf.ca/EarthHour
2. Photos from Earth Hour 2007
3. Earth Hour summary available at wwf.ca/EarthHour