Observed on the last Saturday of March, the ‘Earth Hour’ brings an opportunity to the people across the globe to show their support for climate change, by switching off their lights for one hour and make a substantial difference in energy consumption by reducing the effect of global warming on this planet at least for an hour…
It’s honouring our planet Earth, and allowing her an hour to rest, rejuvenate and bounce back. In times of fuel crises hitting the peak due to the on-going war, an hour in dark without energy consumption, should make a big difference to the world. The people around the world will observe the annual Earth Hour – a global WWF initiative – by turning off non-essential lights for one hour (8.30–9.30 pm local time on the last Saturday of March) to raise awareness about climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental protection. It acts as a symbolic, collective call for action to protect the planet and promotes sustainable, long-term environmental habits.
20 years of Earth Hour
This year, the event is celebrating its 20th anniversary. All that one can do to participate in this global event is to turn off non-essential lights and engage in nature-positive activities. The nations are fighting for fuel, which is depleting fast. The store in the womb of earth will not last forever. We have to find alternate solutions and options, and the ones that do not cause pollution, do not harm the environment and are dependent on green energy.
Sustainable energy alternatives
Energy can be generated through nuclear/atomic sources as well as the elements like wind, water, fire and sun. Solar, the most easily available source of energy in a country like India, must be tapped to the maximum extent. “Let’s switch off lights for an hour, and let the Earth cool down. I have been observing this faithfully for the past few years, and switching off the lights in our home and in my office for an hour on every Earth Day. Our small contribution today to arrest carbon footprint will be a huge blessing for our next generation,” remarks Dilip Nayak, CEO, Rainbow Solar Power Solutions and Automation in South Goa. Nayak, a graduate from the Institute of Shipbuilding Technology, chose to be the solar power supplier after he quit his job in the ship building industry more than a decade ago. He is now the ambassador for spreading awareness on solar power in Goa.
Rising energy demand
Everything today, runs on energy and electricity. Goa depends upon other States for electricity. There is always a paucity of electricity, and the charges also are high. However, with the concerns and worries of shortage of cooking gas, Goan kitchens have shifted to inductions and rice cookers that run on electricity. If this continues, the State will be facing power crunch in the coming days. Many have opted to buy E-vehicles, four-wheelers and two-wheelers which also require charging stations. Our gadgets like computers, laptops, mobiles and televisions, kitchen appliances, hospital machinery, industrial equipment – all need power, which is hard to procure.
Daily habits to save energy
“It’s time to cook wisely, choose recipes appropriately to consume lesser fuel, and eat more of natural foods. We have stopped lighting the stove every now and then, to make tea or coffee separately for each individual, and instead have fixed a tea time. All of us gather at the table at that time, so that everyone’s tea can be made at a single go,’ shares Purvi Desai, a homemaker.
Finding meaning
Savio Noronha, a singer and musician, will shut down his devices for an hour and sit in peace. “Life is very hectic. Enjoying a moment with oneself or sitting in the lap of nature has become so rare. I will spend that one hour with myself, introspecting, alone, sitting in the dark,” said Savio, a family man with two small daughters and a working wife.
Beyond one hour
Earth Hour is the largest global grassroots movement for the environment, often featuring famous landmarks like Eiffel Tower, Roman Colosseum, and Cairo Pyramids switching off their lights. The movement initiated by WWF-India urges not only give one hour for Earth but also to use that time mindfully – reflect, act or engage in something meaningful for nature. Spend time with family, play a board game, have candlelight dinner, go on a walk, gaze at the stars, play musical instrument. It is a moment to reflect on our ecological footprint and how to live more sustainably. And it’s not an hourly act at all, but a vow for a year-round action for the conservation of nature.
