Chicago has just made history! One of the world's most iconic skylines was plunged into darkness as Chicagoans sent a strong message to the world that they are committed to addressing climate change -- the greatest environmental threat the world has ever seen.
One by one the lights flicked off and the third largest city in America faded into the night sky. The Sears Tower, the largest bulding in the US, was barely visible. The John Hancock Center went out. As did the Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building and nearly every other office bilding in the city. Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, went dark, along with the famous marquee at Wrigley Field.
Speaking of marquees, they were shut off throughout Chicaogo's theater district. Elphaba, the witch from the production "Wicked" shut off the lights with a dramatic "spell".
At Chicago's famous Navy Pier, thousands of lights were turned off, including those on the iconic ferris wheel. Michigan Avenue was completely dark as virtually every store along the "Magnificent Mile" joined the movement and switched off.
Nearly 500 golden arches were turned off at McDonald's restaurants throughout the Chicago region. Hotels went dark as well. The Swissotel hosted a candle-lit Earth Hour-themed wedding. The well-known Weathermark Tavern offered a special Earth Hour dinner, complete with a champagne toast at 8 pm.
Chicago was truly transformed in a dramatic yet humbling display of its "will do" spirit. Chicagoans showed that individual acts, taken collectively, can make a tremendous impact. It is in that spirit, that the city is leading the way to a greener, cleaner, more sustainable future.
Earth Hour Live
Tonight, millions of people are joining together, and turning off their lights to help make a difference and raise awareness about the issue of global warming. See how the world is taking part, with these live news feeds and images from participating cities. Don't forget to share your Earth Hour moments too. Remember - turn off your lights!
Showing posts with label chicago. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chicago. Show all posts
Sunday, March 30, 2008
You can feel the excitement in the Windy City air.
Chicago is abuzz with talk of Earth Hour. All around the city, massive billboards boast of Chicago’s participation in this historic event. In coffee shops, in office building lobbies and in school hallways, Earth Hour signs rally Chicagoans to join Earth Hour. In hotels throughout the city, tourists and visitors are being greeted by Earth Hour videos and are being asked to participate. People on the street are wearing their Earth Hour t-shirts. Everyone in this great city is counting down to 8 pm.
This afternoon, Dr. Richard Moss, a renowned climate scientist and Vice President of Climate Change for WWF-US, joined top officials from Mayor Daly’s office, ComEd (the local electricity provider in Chicago), and area business leaders at a press conference on the banks of the Chicago River to kick off the final countdown to Earth Hour Chicago. They spoke to an army of reporters. A line of eight cameras captured the event to air during afternoon and evening broadcasts on virtually every television station in the city. Drawn by the commotion, throngs of onlookers vied for views of the podium, trying to catch a glimpse of Chicago history.
Chicagoans have been inundated with Earth Hour coverage. The Chicago Tribune and Sun Times have provided prominent coverage. The former published a moving editorial in which they carried the heartfelt message of a young girl named Whitney who pleaded for the adult generations to turn out the lights and reflect on the impact we are making on the future planet her generation will inherit. Whitney, it turns out, goes to the same local elementary school that Dr. Moss himself attended.
Every TV news outlet in this city, including Hispanic media, has provided generous coverage. Dr. Moss has been on a whirlwind media tour. NBC, FOX, CBS, ABC, PBS, Univision – they’ve all run repeated segments. And Earth Hour pieces have been among the longest segments in their broadcasts – some lasting several minutes. Our Earth Hour video, which is narrated by Chicago’s own Jeremy Piven, has received extensive play during these Earth Hour segments. In radio interviews, hosts are often just as excited about Earth Hour as we are.
Chicago is ready. In just a short while, this city’s skyline will be dramatically altered. The Sears Tower, John Hancock Center, Navy Pier, Wrigley Field, Tribune Tower, and more than 200 other buildings throughout the city will go dark as part of the largest voluntary power down in history. The theater district is on board. Hotels are on board. Businesses are on board. Chicagoans are ready. This is our moment!
The countdown begins…
This afternoon, Dr. Richard Moss, a renowned climate scientist and Vice President of Climate Change for WWF-US, joined top officials from Mayor Daly’s office, ComEd (the local electricity provider in Chicago), and area business leaders at a press conference on the banks of the Chicago River to kick off the final countdown to Earth Hour Chicago. They spoke to an army of reporters. A line of eight cameras captured the event to air during afternoon and evening broadcasts on virtually every television station in the city. Drawn by the commotion, throngs of onlookers vied for views of the podium, trying to catch a glimpse of Chicago history.
Chicagoans have been inundated with Earth Hour coverage. The Chicago Tribune and Sun Times have provided prominent coverage. The former published a moving editorial in which they carried the heartfelt message of a young girl named Whitney who pleaded for the adult generations to turn out the lights and reflect on the impact we are making on the future planet her generation will inherit. Whitney, it turns out, goes to the same local elementary school that Dr. Moss himself attended.
Every TV news outlet in this city, including Hispanic media, has provided generous coverage. Dr. Moss has been on a whirlwind media tour. NBC, FOX, CBS, ABC, PBS, Univision – they’ve all run repeated segments. And Earth Hour pieces have been among the longest segments in their broadcasts – some lasting several minutes. Our Earth Hour video, which is narrated by Chicago’s own Jeremy Piven, has received extensive play during these Earth Hour segments. In radio interviews, hosts are often just as excited about Earth Hour as we are.
Chicago is ready. In just a short while, this city’s skyline will be dramatically altered. The Sears Tower, John Hancock Center, Navy Pier, Wrigley Field, Tribune Tower, and more than 200 other buildings throughout the city will go dark as part of the largest voluntary power down in history. The theater district is on board. Hotels are on board. Businesses are on board. Chicagoans are ready. This is our moment!
The countdown begins…
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Chicago - Welcome to Earth Hour 2008
Chicago is proud to participate in Earth Hour 2008, the global campaign to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More details on Chicago involvement in this momentous event will be released soon. Please visit this page again to find out about the Earth Hour push to raise awareness about climate change.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
