Individuals and businesses take action on climate change

Suva: The WWF coordinated Earth Hour campaign gathers momentum in Fiji as more than 600 people and 47 businesses in Fiji sign up to show support in turning this symbolic event into a global movement.

A total of 103,297 people and 6,359 businesses from 211 countries have signed up in support of this cause with Fiji currently sitting on 10th place. Last weeks figures on the Earth Hour website shows that Canada rounds up the top spot with 22,546 followed by the USA with 16,586 , Australia 12,291, United Kingdom 2,474, Singapore 1,409, Malaysia 1,335, New Zealand 1,210, India 1,005 and Romania with 614 signatories. This number is increasing daily.

Interim WWF South Pacific Programme Representative, Kesaia Tabunakawai said, "WWF is really pleased with the progress and feedback we have been getting from individuals and companies who have taken it upon themselves to switch off for Earth Hour on the 29th of March."

"We are also very grateful to and heartened by the various media organizations that have agreed to promote the message of Earth Hour and the local business community for their support, and the collective realization that we are in this together,” she said.

"Earth Hour is about empowering individuals to take a stand, decide to switch off unnecessary lights and electrical appliances for an hour. Collectively in that hour, everyone in Fiji who switches off will be joining millions of people around the world in taking the same action. This will result in reduction in power usage (nationally & globally) during Earth Hour, which translates to reduced volumes of oil/diesel being burnt to generate the power, which translates to reduced emissions of climate change gases, during the Earth Hour on March 29th.”

This campaign shows that people are aware of the harmful effects of climate change and are willing to do something about it.

Pacific countries’ (such as Fiji) contribution to the cause of climate change is insignificant; but we are at the forefront of the impacts. Therefore we are willing to take action to reduce the risk of the adverse effects of climate change through Earth Hour.

“Our participation will send a message to the cities and countries of the world that are richer and emit far more climate changing gases that if the people of Fiji are doing their part, then they should do more.”
“We urge our fellow citizens to not waste electricity and to use energy efficient appliances and turn off lights when not in use. This way, we continue to be proactive about climate change and save money in the process,” said Ms. Tabunakawai.