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.