CHICAGO – The lights are going down from the Great Pyramids to the Acropolis, the Eiffel Tower to Sears Tower, as more than 2,800 municipalities in 84 countries plan Saturday to mark the second worldwide Earth Hour.
McDonald's will even soften the yellow glow from some Golden Arches as part of the time zone-by-time zone plan to dim nonessential lights between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. to highlight global climate change.
"Earth Hour makes a powerful statement that the world is going to solve this problem," said Carter Roberts, chief executive of the World Wildlife Fund, which sponsors Earth Hour. "Everyone is realizing the enormous effect that climate change will have on them."
Seven times more municipalities have signed on since last year's Earth Hour, which drew participation from 400 cities after Sydney, Australia held a solo event in 2007. Interest has spiked ahead of planned negotiations on a new global warming treaty in Copenhagen, Denmark this December. The last global accord, the Kyoto Protocol, is set to expire in 2012.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon encouraged the convention to reach a fair and effective climate change agreement and promoted Earth Hour participation in a video posted this month on the event's YouTube channel.
"Earth Hour is a way for the citizens of the world to send a clear message," Ban said. "They want action on climate change."
Other videos have been posted by celebrities such as rocker Pete Wentz and actor Kevin Bacon and WWF has offered Earth Hour iPhone applications. Search engine Yahoo! says there's been a 344 percent increase in "Earth Hour" searches this February and March compared with last year.
New studies increasingly highlight the ongoing effects of climate change, said Richard Moss, a member of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and WWF's climate change vice president.
"We have satellites and we have ships out at sea and we have monitoring stations set up on buoys in the ocean," Moss said. "We monitor all kinds of things people wouldn't even think about. The scientific research is showing in all kinds of ways that the climate crisis is worsening."
But not everyone agrees and at least one counter-protest is planned for Saturday.
Suburban Philadelphia ice cream shop owner Bob Gerenser, 56, believes global warming is based on faulty science and calls Earth Hour "nonsense."
The resident of New Hope, Pa., and owner of Gerenser's Exotic Ice Cream planned to illuminate his store with extra theatrical lighting.
"I'm going to get everyone I know in my neighborhood to turn on every light they possibly can to waste as much electricity as possible to underline the absurdity of this action ... by being absurd," he said.
Earth Hour 2009 has garnered support from global corporations, nonprofit groups, schools, scientists and celebrities — including Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett and the Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
McDonald's Corp. plans to dim its arches at 500 locations around the Midwest. The Marriott, Ritz-Carlton and Fairmont hotel chains and Coca-Cola Co. also plan to participate.
Nearly 200 U.S. cities, towns and villages have signed on, from New York City — which will darken the iconic Empire State Building and Broadway marquees — to Igiugig, population 53 on Iliamna Lake in southwestern Alaska.
Among the efforts in Chicago, 50,000 light bulbs at tourist hotspot Navy Pier will dim and 24 spotlights that shine on Sears Tower's twin spires will go dark.
"We're the most visible building in the city," said Angela Burnett, a Sears Tower property manager. "Turning off the lights for one hour on a Saturday night shows our commitment to sustainability."
The Commonwealth Edison utility said electricity demand fell by 5 percent in Chicago and northern Illinois during last year's Earth Hour, reducing about 840,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.
"It goes way beyond turning off the lights," said Roberts of the WWF. "The message we want people to take away is that it is within our power to solve this problem. People can take positive constructive actions."
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Earth Hour 2009 – What Will You Be Doing?
Cuddle with your family and admire the stars in the night sky or organizing a treasure hunt in the dark? At 8:30 pm on Saturday 28 March, people from all over the world will turn off their lights for one hour - Earth Hour - and cast their vote for action on climate change. Anyone can participate and join with millions of people around the world to celebrate Earth Hour.
Earth Hour is about taking simple steps everyday that collectively reduce carbon emissions - from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty to households turning off appliances rather than to leave them on hold.
Here are 10 ways to spend Earth Hour and reduce your carbon footprint:
1. Attend a local event Earth Hour or organize your own by starting a part of Earth Hour street with your neighbors
2. Gather family and friends for an evening picnic in your fleet and watch the stars
3. Enjoy a family dinner by candlelight
4. Organize a treasure hunt in the dark
5. Take the dog for a walk at night
6. A candle lit bath
7. Sit in the dark and tell stories
8. Organize a family night of games
9. Share a romantic night with your beloved
10. Send your "night" photos and videos from YouTube and Flickr, respectively, and then add them to the Earth Hour Flickr group and the world of YouTube.
Earth Hour Executive Director, Andy Ridley, is to encourage people to participate in the manner they choose and to think beyond the moment.
"There are no rules governing participation in Earth Hour. We do ask you to flick the switch and have fun doing what you do during this period.
Earth Hour Do you work for. Families with young children should not hesitate to turn earlier than the lights from 8:30 pm and for those who have too much fun in the dark for an hour, do not feel you must limit yourself to one hour and go to 9: 30. "
8:30PM local time, wherever you live on planet earth. Saturday 28 March 2009
Earth Hour is about taking simple steps everyday that collectively reduce carbon emissions - from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty to households turning off appliances rather than to leave them on hold.
Here are 10 ways to spend Earth Hour and reduce your carbon footprint:
1. Attend a local event Earth Hour or organize your own by starting a part of Earth Hour street with your neighbors
2. Gather family and friends for an evening picnic in your fleet and watch the stars
3. Enjoy a family dinner by candlelight
4. Organize a treasure hunt in the dark
5. Take the dog for a walk at night
6. A candle lit bath
7. Sit in the dark and tell stories
8. Organize a family night of games
9. Share a romantic night with your beloved
10. Send your "night" photos and videos from YouTube and Flickr, respectively, and then add them to the Earth Hour Flickr group and the world of YouTube.
Earth Hour Executive Director, Andy Ridley, is to encourage people to participate in the manner they choose and to think beyond the moment.
"There are no rules governing participation in Earth Hour. We do ask you to flick the switch and have fun doing what you do during this period.
Earth Hour Do you work for. Families with young children should not hesitate to turn earlier than the lights from 8:30 pm and for those who have too much fun in the dark for an hour, do not feel you must limit yourself to one hour and go to 9: 30. "
8:30PM local time, wherever you live on planet earth. Saturday 28 March 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Earth Hour To Create Wave Of Participation Around The Globe
- More than 930 cities and towns in 80 countries in 25 time zones in power for Earth Hour 2009
- Global icons add lights to show
10 March 2009: At precisely 8.30pm on March 28, the diesel generators will be extinct in the Chatham Islands, a small archipelago off the east coast of New Zealand, heralding the beginning of the largest community event the world has ever known - Earth Hour 2009.
As the first country to browse through the passage of the global event, New Zealand WWF Earth Hour organizer Dairne Poole sees his country as playing a key role in Earth Hour path to reach a billion people in more 1000 cities in 25 time zones.
"New Zealand will be the first country in the world to turn off its lights for Earth Hour 2009, with 43 local councils and agencies to participate. Even though we are a small nation, we are setting an example for others to witness and we hope to follow, "says Poole.
The global wave of the momentum across Asia Pacific, with major cities like Sydney, Seoul, Beijing, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta, Delhi, Mumbai and dimming of lighting million flick the switch to express their concern for the planet.
In the world, Earth Hour will provide the platform for a collective voice to be heard from each and every time zone. In the streets of Cape Town for the hills of Los Angeles, the time the Earth will unite people from all walks of life that call for action on climate change is gaining transglobal.
Paris, the "City of Lights" will make a powerful statement by turning off its lights famous, including the Eiffel Tower, the Time of the Earth. In the cradle of democracy, thousands of Athenians will gather to watch lights the Acropolis in recognition of their right to vote for action on climate change.
Cities throughout the Americas, including New York, Rio de Janeiro, Toronto, Buenos Aires, Chicago, Mexico City and Las Vegas, will see their voices accompanied by unknown lighting - stars.
Earth Hour Executive Director, Andy Ridley, said the Time of the Earth marks the beginning of the trip to Copenhagen, where the future of the planet depends on world leaders.
"Earth Hour will focus attention on the issue of climate change. We ask for a billion people to take part in what is essentially the first vote for action on climate change by off their lights for one hour and start a vote of the earth, "he said.
"Earth Hour hopes to give a mandate to act on climate change for world leaders at the UN conference on climate change in Copenhagen in December of this year, when an agreement will be made to replace the Kyoto Protocol.
"It is imperative that this agreement leads to a lasting result that adequately addresses climate change. Earth Hour is an opportunity for each person in the world to have its say in the outcome of this agreement and ensure that n is not merely a symbolic significant effort of our world leaders, "said Ridley.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Earth Hour Exceeds Target For Historic Event
• The number of cities have signed in Earth Hour 2009 exceeds 1000 goals
• Global Earth Hour strengthen anticipation of historic events
12 March 2009: With more than two weeks to go before the world stops for Earth Hour, the number of cities and towns signed up to switch off their lights at 8.30pm, March 28 has already exceeded the ambitious goal set by the 1000 Earth Hour organizers.
Currently, 1189 towns and villages across 80 countries are committed, with more coming aboard every day.
From the Chatham Islands in the Arctic Wednesday, people from all over the world will turn off their lights for Earth Hour to vote for action on climate change.
The historic event will see millions of people gathered in parks, streets, squares and homes around the world to witness the lights out on the landmarks and icons of the city skyline, while in the unique atmosphere of an Earth Hour events.
In Sydney, where Earth Hour began in 2007, all ferries to the city's famous harbor sound his horn at precisely 8.30pm to announce the start of Earth Hour in Australia, Melbourne an entire people pedal powered concert will be under way at Federation Square.
On the other side of the world, provisions are made for a series of concerts and festivals in cities across Europe, including a "circle of percussion" in Athens, where people will have to play instruments percussion, led by a conductor, as the lights go on the Acropolis.
In downtown Oslo, members of the public to meet the challenge of selling power light bulbs, while residents in the city of Lisbon will sit at an evening outdoor lighted candles to eat as they watch their City silhouette is dark.
Earth Hour Executive Director, Andy Ridley, said the Earth Hour is more than a simple call to action on climate change.
"Earth Hour is an opportunity for the world community to speak in one voice on the issue of climate change, while at the same time, come together in celebration of the one thing that every person on the planet have in common - the planet, "he said.
Maintaining the levels of participation exceeded all expectations, with more cities and towns signing up every day to be a part of this historic event, the success of Earth Hour 2009, is limited only by the will of the world community to try to decide on the future of their planet.
"Whether to join your community in one place to watch the lights of the city will host a party of dark or light in your own home, I encourage everyone around the world to be part of this opportunity history. Turn off your lights, to celebrate the planet, enjoy the moment and cast your vote for the Earth, "said Ridley.
• Global Earth Hour strengthen anticipation of historic events
12 March 2009: With more than two weeks to go before the world stops for Earth Hour, the number of cities and towns signed up to switch off their lights at 8.30pm, March 28 has already exceeded the ambitious goal set by the 1000 Earth Hour organizers.
Currently, 1189 towns and villages across 80 countries are committed, with more coming aboard every day.
From the Chatham Islands in the Arctic Wednesday, people from all over the world will turn off their lights for Earth Hour to vote for action on climate change.
The historic event will see millions of people gathered in parks, streets, squares and homes around the world to witness the lights out on the landmarks and icons of the city skyline, while in the unique atmosphere of an Earth Hour events.
In Sydney, where Earth Hour began in 2007, all ferries to the city's famous harbor sound his horn at precisely 8.30pm to announce the start of Earth Hour in Australia, Melbourne an entire people pedal powered concert will be under way at Federation Square.
On the other side of the world, provisions are made for a series of concerts and festivals in cities across Europe, including a "circle of percussion" in Athens, where people will have to play instruments percussion, led by a conductor, as the lights go on the Acropolis.
In downtown Oslo, members of the public to meet the challenge of selling power light bulbs, while residents in the city of Lisbon will sit at an evening outdoor lighted candles to eat as they watch their City silhouette is dark.
Earth Hour Executive Director, Andy Ridley, said the Earth Hour is more than a simple call to action on climate change.
"Earth Hour is an opportunity for the world community to speak in one voice on the issue of climate change, while at the same time, come together in celebration of the one thing that every person on the planet have in common - the planet, "he said.
Maintaining the levels of participation exceeded all expectations, with more cities and towns signing up every day to be a part of this historic event, the success of Earth Hour 2009, is limited only by the will of the world community to try to decide on the future of their planet.
"Whether to join your community in one place to watch the lights of the city will host a party of dark or light in your own home, I encourage everyone around the world to be part of this opportunity history. Turn off your lights, to celebrate the planet, enjoy the moment and cast your vote for the Earth, "said Ridley.
Friday, March 20, 2009
28 Million Scouts to Mobilise for Earth Hour
• community organizations around the world behind the campaign
• Sweden ringing church bells, Sydney Ferries to the sound of horns
• National Education Association (U.S.) supports
Scouts, the largest youth movement with more than 28 million members in 160 countries, driving thousands of community groups around the world to mobilize their supporters for Earth Hour, as a matter of serious and sustained action on climate change.
"It is possible for everyone to take action against global warming," said Luc Panissod, Secretary General of the World Scout Movement, and James Leape, Director General of WWF International, in a joint letter for Scouting Network World earlier this month.
What has been described as "an opportunity to talk to your neighbors on the environment and climate change" is an expression of partnership between the Scouts and WWF that goes back decades.
"We see that the scouts from around the world have a great interest in the environment and are leaders in their community," said Luc Panissod. "Earth Hour is an opportunity for Scouts to demonstrate this commitment to the fight against climate change and to interact with family and friends. "
"Young people are very concerned about the future, and many are well aware that climate change is the greatest threat to the future of the planet. We are delighted that the Scouts are once again working with us to get the environment for generations to come, "said James Leape.
With more than 681 cities in 76 countries already registered to turn their lights on March 28, Earth Hour 2009 promises to be one of the largest voluntary actions that the world has ever seen.
Executive Director of Earth Hour, Andy Ridley, said the groups play a key role in getting more people around the world involved in the campaign of lights.
"Earth Hour is led by citizens and groups, to think globally and act locally. Whatever the size or small your organization, I invite you to participate in Earth Hour and really make a difference in your community and the world, "said Ridley.
Other community groups to ensure the widest possible participation in Earth Hour is the Church of Sweden, which rings its bells across the country to mark the beginning of the Time of Earth 8.30pm on March 28.
Sydney Ferries, which has been an enthusiastic supporter of Earth Hour since 2007, will be this year's survey the horns of all ferries operating on Sydney Harbor, announcing the Earth Hour in the city where the campaign began.
In the USA, the National Education Association, which represents 3.2 million teachers and education professionals, has also pledged its support to Earth Hour, as well as the 1.4 million strong American Federation of Teachers.
• Sweden ringing church bells, Sydney Ferries to the sound of horns
• National Education Association (U.S.) supports
Scouts, the largest youth movement with more than 28 million members in 160 countries, driving thousands of community groups around the world to mobilize their supporters for Earth Hour, as a matter of serious and sustained action on climate change.
"It is possible for everyone to take action against global warming," said Luc Panissod, Secretary General of the World Scout Movement, and James Leape, Director General of WWF International, in a joint letter for Scouting Network World earlier this month.
What has been described as "an opportunity to talk to your neighbors on the environment and climate change" is an expression of partnership between the Scouts and WWF that goes back decades.
"We see that the scouts from around the world have a great interest in the environment and are leaders in their community," said Luc Panissod. "Earth Hour is an opportunity for Scouts to demonstrate this commitment to the fight against climate change and to interact with family and friends. "
"Young people are very concerned about the future, and many are well aware that climate change is the greatest threat to the future of the planet. We are delighted that the Scouts are once again working with us to get the environment for generations to come, "said James Leape.
With more than 681 cities in 76 countries already registered to turn their lights on March 28, Earth Hour 2009 promises to be one of the largest voluntary actions that the world has ever seen.
Executive Director of Earth Hour, Andy Ridley, said the groups play a key role in getting more people around the world involved in the campaign of lights.
"Earth Hour is led by citizens and groups, to think globally and act locally. Whatever the size or small your organization, I invite you to participate in Earth Hour and really make a difference in your community and the world, "said Ridley.
Other community groups to ensure the widest possible participation in Earth Hour is the Church of Sweden, which rings its bells across the country to mark the beginning of the Time of Earth 8.30pm on March 28.
Sydney Ferries, which has been an enthusiastic supporter of Earth Hour since 2007, will be this year's survey the horns of all ferries operating on Sydney Harbor, announcing the Earth Hour in the city where the campaign began.
In the USA, the National Education Association, which represents 3.2 million teachers and education professionals, has also pledged its support to Earth Hour, as well as the 1.4 million strong American Federation of Teachers.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
VOTE EARTH - YOUR LIGHT SWITCH IS YOUR VOTE
This year's Earth Hour was transformed into the first global election, between the earth and global warming.
For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their lighting to their vote - Turn off the lights, is a vote for land, or leave, is a vote for global warming. WWF urged the world to VOTE EARTH and achieve the goal of 1 million votes, to be presented to world leaders at the World Conference against climate change in Copenhagen in 2009.
This meeting will determine the official policies of the government to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is an opportunity for people worldwide to make their voices heard.
Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses turned off their lights for one hour. In 2008, the message became a global movement for sustainability, with 50 million people to turn off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome, the Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and Coca Cola sign in Times Square all stood in darkness.
In 2009, Time of the Earth are taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people to turn off their lights as part of a vote. Unlike an election in history, it is not about what country you come from, but rather what you have on the planet. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business and every community. A call to stand and take control over the future of our planet. More than 74 countries and territories have announced their support of VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and that number increases every day.
We all have a vote and every vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet for future generations.
VOTE EARTH simply turning off the lights for one hour, and join the world of Earth Hour.
For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their lighting to their vote - Turn off the lights, is a vote for land, or leave, is a vote for global warming. WWF urged the world to VOTE EARTH and achieve the goal of 1 million votes, to be presented to world leaders at the World Conference against climate change in Copenhagen in 2009.
This meeting will determine the official policies of the government to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is an opportunity for people worldwide to make their voices heard.
Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses turned off their lights for one hour. In 2008, the message became a global movement for sustainability, with 50 million people to turn off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome, the Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and Coca Cola sign in Times Square all stood in darkness.
In 2009, Time of the Earth are taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people to turn off their lights as part of a vote. Unlike an election in history, it is not about what country you come from, but rather what you have on the planet. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business and every community. A call to stand and take control over the future of our planet. More than 74 countries and territories have announced their support of VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and that number increases every day.
We all have a vote and every vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet for future generations.
VOTE EARTH simply turning off the lights for one hour, and join the world of Earth Hour.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
hydrogen powered vehicle : about BMW 750 hL
BMW Clean Energy system involves liquid hydrogen produced from water using solar energy. Hydrogen as a motor fuel is the answer to many environmental problems, since there are no harmful emissions, no depletion of resources, and there is no danger to the atmosphere.
Since the 70s, BMW has been researching the future of mobility. The fruit of research is the new BMW hydrogen vehicle 750hL.
The heart of the 750hL is a hybrid of 12-cylinder combustion engine with two separate electronic control systems for induction of fuel. These systems allow 750hL to run on either gasoline (petrol) or hydrogen.
The 750hL is a hybrid 12-cylinder combustion engine capable of running on either gasoline or hydrogen. 5.4 liters of engine has two independent, electronically controlled systems for induction of fuel. Hydrogen offers an excellent torque and acceleration, while the specially insulated tank 140 liters of liquid hydrogen offers a range of 400 kilometers.
The process of engine:
Electricity generated from solar energy is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is released into the atmosphere, while hydrogen is liquefied and stored at a very low temperature (-253 ° C).
During the internal combustion, hydrogen combines with oxygen. The resulting energy powers the vehicle, while the hydrogen is returned to the environment such as water. Harmful emissions are virtually eliminated.
By cooling hydrogen to -253 degrees Celsius, hydrogen is reduced to a thousandth of its original volume. 70 layers of aluminum foil and fiberglass between exterior and interior walls of the vehicle to ensure that the liquid hydrogen is maintained at extremely low temperatures.
Since the 70s, BMW has been researching the future of mobility. The fruit of research is the new BMW hydrogen vehicle 750hL.
The heart of the 750hL is a hybrid of 12-cylinder combustion engine with two separate electronic control systems for induction of fuel. These systems allow 750hL to run on either gasoline (petrol) or hydrogen.
The 750hL is a hybrid 12-cylinder combustion engine capable of running on either gasoline or hydrogen. 5.4 liters of engine has two independent, electronically controlled systems for induction of fuel. Hydrogen offers an excellent torque and acceleration, while the specially insulated tank 140 liters of liquid hydrogen offers a range of 400 kilometers.
The process of engine:
Electricity generated from solar energy is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is released into the atmosphere, while hydrogen is liquefied and stored at a very low temperature (-253 ° C).
During the internal combustion, hydrogen combines with oxygen. The resulting energy powers the vehicle, while the hydrogen is returned to the environment such as water. Harmful emissions are virtually eliminated.
By cooling hydrogen to -253 degrees Celsius, hydrogen is reduced to a thousandth of its original volume. 70 layers of aluminum foil and fiberglass between exterior and interior walls of the vehicle to ensure that the liquid hydrogen is maintained at extremely low temperatures.
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