Phl tops Earth Hour for 3rd year

MANILA, Philippines - Organizers of the Earth Hour activity noted that over 15 million Filipinos joined this year’s switch-off, allowing the country to clinch the top spot worldwide for the third year in a row.

“Earth Hour Philippines 2011 was our biggest so far and was a resounding success. It was a brilliant example of public and private sector collaboration and a true celebration of climate solutions,” said Earth Hour national director Gia Ibay, who also heads the World Wide Fund (WWF) Climate Unit.

The WWF expressed gratitude to all groups and sectors for again showing leadership in observing the global phenomenon.

The group said 1,554 Filipino towns, cities and municipalities joined the rest of the world in taking a stand against climate change over the weekend.

Ten million Filipinos saved at least 611MWh of electricity during the 2009 switch-off – equivalent to a temporary shutdown of a dozen coal-fired power plants. This year’s switch-off exceeded 2010 figures by 478 towns and cities.

“More than the numbers though, Earth Hour espouses the importance of our actions beyond the hour,” Ibay said.

Since 2008, Earth Hour Philippines has celebrated climate change solutions, ranking number one globally in terms of town and city participation for both 2009 and 2010.

In 2010, 1,076 cities and municipalities switched off, while 647 population hubs did so in 2009.

About 50 cities and towns switched off during the country’s inaugural Earth Hour observance in 2008.

“This year’s switch-off merely signifies the start of a yearlong pledge to minimize our ecological impacts and to do our bit for a more sustainable planet. These sustainable-living pledges can take many forms, from upgrading to energy-efficient appliances to choosing to bike to work everyday. Pledges really depend on the individuals who can personally assess what changes they can adopt to reduce their consumption of electricity and water,” the group said.

A record 131 countries and territories took part in this year’s Earth Hour. Numerous global organizations joined nearly a billion people across all continents to heed the hour.

“It is only through the collective action of business, organizations, individuals, communities and governments that we will be able to affect change on the scale required to address the environmental challenges we face,” says Earth Hour Global co-founder and executive director Andy Ridley.

“This year marks a stark difference in the objectives of the switch-off. No longer aiming for numbers, the switch-off aims for meaning with climate change issues becoming more critical,” Ridley said.

Ibay said WWF-Philippines aims to go beyond Earth Hour by launching a year-long information and education campaign on climate change for Filipinos, revolving around the themes of energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate adaptation.

The switch-off ceremony was held at the SM Mall of Asia grounds from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. last Saturday.