[English] Earth Hour

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

Hi all,

Earth Hour .. let's make a big deal about it in our respective schools :)

8:30PM local time, wherever you live on planet earth, Sat 28th March 2009


                        http://www.earthhour.org 


Copland SS students embrace darkness for Earth's sake

BY EWA KRETOWICZ  The Canberra Times  19/03/2009 1:00:00 AM

Senior students at Melba Copland Secondary School have led the way for 
climate change action by organising a lights-out demonstration for Earth 
Hour yesterday.

Student representative council members Ben and Katherine approached 
deputy principal Sharon Quinn to hold the event which encourages people 
to switch off lights for one hour to show their concern about climate 
change. 

Seventeen-year-old Ben said it was the most convenient time for students 
as it would not interrupt lessons.

"But it would also promote Earth Hour so students get active for the 
night of Earth Hour," Ben said.

More than 300 Year 11 and 12 students discussed Earth Hour in darkness 
during pastoral group at 12.30pm and were given posters and information 
about the event which started in Sydney in 2007 and has grown to involve 
more than one billion people around the globe.

"It's basically a really simple initiative that we can all do, just to 
start protecting the environment so that we can prevent global warming 
increasing," he said.

Ben said members of the student council would be flicking the switch 
again at home on March 28.

Principal Michael Battenally said the students leadership showed how 
concerned they were about global warming.

"It was all their idea. They approached us," he said.

Year 12 student Kirilly, 17, said she would be celebrating Earth Hour 
again this year.

"Last year we turned of all the lights, so yeah we'll do it again this 
year. I think we should have it twice a year."

ACT Commissioner for the Environment and Sustainability Maxine Cooper 
said switching lights off for one hour was a step in the right direction 
and she hoped it would become a habit for many people.

"As we all switch off, my hope is that mental light bulbs will go on at 
the same time, and individuals realise that simple measures such as this 
can produce a massive collective achievement in reducing greenhouse gas 
emissions," Dr Cooper said.

It was evident the Earth was suffering because of climate change. 

"Earth Hour is a largely symbolic event, demonstrating that as a global 
community we're serious about climate change."

"With our State of the Environment Report showing AU has the highest per 
person greenhouse gas emissions from residential electricity use, it's a 
great opportunity to make a personal & ongoing commitment to the planet."

To register, visit: http://www.earthhour.org 

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Cheers people
Stephen Loosley
Victoria, Australia