National update

Nationally, Earth Hour has been gaining momentum since its debut in Sydney in March 2007. Perhaps due to its symbolic and practical nature, the idea has taken a firm hold and become a part of the nation's agenda in fighting the forces of global warming and climate change. Australian’s support of Earth Hour sends a bold statement to the rest of the world that every bit helps, and the world has since taken heed. The Australian Government this week announced its formal participation in the campaign.

"Australians understand that we all need to take responsibility to tackle climate change," said Senator Penny Wong, who believes strongly in the cause.

" We want to see as many Australian families as possible getting involved and taking the opportunity to take ongoing action to cut energy waste, cut greenhouse emissions and save on energy bills," said Senator Peter Garrett.

The Earth Hour movement has clearly not only become a part of the national agenda, but a passionate part of what it means to be a dutiful Australian. Even the commercial sectors of major Australian business have jumped on board – with three quarters of the top 100 ASX list companies agreeing to switch off their lights for Earth Hour.

“We are seeing a sustainability revolution taking place with companies both large and small beginning to address climate change, and show leadership in dealing with this critical challenge,” said Andy Ridley, Earth Hour’s Executive Director.

“If Australia's commercial sector turned off lights when buildings weren't in use and combined this action with other energy efficient technologies they could reduce lighting emissions by 70 per cent, saving 10 million tonnes of green gas emissions annually."

While many cities and businesses have taken up the challenge, so too have a number of Australian personalities including Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Ben Lee and more. Olympic gold-medalist Cathy Freeman has taken her support of the cause to the next level by featuring in a national Earth Hour ad campaign.

"Cathy Freeman's ability to capture the public's imagination is unparalleled. She embodies the spirit behind Earth Hour--that everyone has a part to play," said Andy Ridley, executive director of Earth Hour.

Freeman enjoyed taking part in the campaign and did it the best way she knew how--fast. She was challenged to turn off as many lights as possible in an hour, and succeeded with an impressive 6,399. Her support, along with others, has helped to propel the movement onto the global scene.

To view the ad, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRMYeOVn8ew