Despite an intense rain, minute before the start of the program, the central event of Earth Hour was carried out inside the Shopping Mariscal Lopez. Exactly at 8:30 pm the countdown to switch off lights started while candles were lit inside small cups of Coca-Cola, one of the many businesses that supported the initiative. The candles formed the number 60.
Many volunteers, artists, press workers and a large audience celebrated “Earth Hour” beginning with a play called “The Earth” performed by students of the National University of Asunción. After that, Rolando Chaparro, a well known musician and songwriter began the concert lead by him with special guest performers like Ana Lucrecia Talioretti, a very young blind violinist; The Betina Taborda School’s Choir; Cacho del Monte; and the 7 years-old drummer Leandro Baur who impressed the audience with his talent.
The bike ride had to be suspended because of the heavy rain.
All the activities were organized by WWF Paraguay together with the support of the Republic’s Presidency, the Cultural Centre “El Cabildo”, the Paraguayan Cycling Federation, the United Nations, A dodo pulmon – Paraguay respire, HSBC, Chacomer (Caloi), Coca-Cola, Modiga (Energizer), City Sport, Mariscal Lopez Shopping, Labarche Trading S.R.L, Financiera solar, Cooperativa Universitaria.
Lucy Aquino, Director of WWF Paraguay, explained that the event is a demonstration of the society’s concern for the negatives effects of climate change. She mentioned that, this year, Earth Hour is even more special because it is also WWF 50th Anniversary in the world, 11th in our country and the Bicentenary of Paraguay’s Independence.
“This is the third time that Paraguay joins this noble cause that seeks to raise awareness through a simple gesture, switch off lights”, she said. The first celebration was in 2007, in Sydney and it became a worldwide event every year.
Also, many emblematic buildings of our country joined us, like the Government Palace, the Old Cabildo (City Hall), Asuncion’s Cathedral, the Hydroelectric dam Itaipu and more than 25 business, institutions and organizations.
Around 4,000 cities in 131 countries announced their intention to support Earth Hour. They switched the lights of important monuments like the Acropolis of Athens, the Empire State Building, Christ the Redeemer in Brazil and the Opera House in Sydney.
For more information:
Cinthya Duarte cduarte@wwf.org.py
Communications, WWF Paraguay
Phone: 595 21 – 303 100
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Colombia turns on the planet!
At least 100,000 people participated across Colombia in the world’s largest event to fight global warming. Public offices, private businesses, buildings and monuments, along with thousands of Colombian homes turned off their lights, taking that extra step to protect the planet.
Bogota, March 29, 2011. It was a sunny day that saw Colombia hold an unprecedented environmental event. From the beginning, television channels, radio stations, newspapers and social networks urged people to get involved with “Earth Hour”, while Google registered more than 27,000 entries.
As the day progressed, the sense of solidarity with the planet grew ever stronger. Even President Juan Manuel Santos took to his Twitter account and pushed for Colombians to take part in the event. On Facebook, a group created to encourage people to participate, had 6,000 followers. Adding to the festive spirit, clocks on the internet and a screen of Publik (partner of WWF) counted down to the hour when Earth Hour would begin.
One of the centers of this worldwide event was Cali. In the early evening, spectators were treated to an ecological runway show in the Jardin Plaza shopping center. The 32 models showed off clothes made from manila envelopes, computer disks and even used paper. Prior to lights out, the 45 children of the orchestra La Esperanza de Jamundi gave a recital, followed by some songs by the rock group Flor de Hito. Then the audience was able to see Hugo Candelario, director of Grupo Bahia. While this occurred, actors and jugglers of Casa Naranja passed through the shopping center reminding shoppers to take part in the event.
Around 2,000 people took part during the 60 minutes of Earth Hour in the shopping center while they lit the candles of four 60+, with the support of volunteers of Cali’s Zoo and the environmental authority of the city.
In Bogota, the celebration was lead by the jugglers of Cabeza de Martillo and Circolino. Adding to the party atmosphere were storytellers, local rock band playing ska, rock and music. When the hour arrived, they lit the candles that formed part of 60+ arranged by an artist with the support of young volunteers. During the lighting of the candle a flutist played for the audience. Later, a mantra was sung for the earth. When the hour was up, the nearly 1000 people who had attended the event in the Plaza Usaquen returned home.
Mocoa (Putumayo), in the Andean Amazon piedmont wasn’t left behind. Almost three thousand people crammed in to the Jardin coliseum to see various cultural shows led by schools, artistic groups and dance troupes. The director of Corpoamazonia (the agency responsible for sustainable development in the southern Amazon) announced a fund of 50 million pesos to support the best project to save energy presented by a school or committee board.
Medellin, the capital of Antioquia, also took part. In the Lineal Ciudad del Rio park, people celebrated Days of Air, an initiative lead by Corriente Ciudadana Respira Profundo and the Metropolitan Area of the Valle de Aburra, whose goal is cut down on air pollution. At 6 pm, the cycle routes for Trochas opened with nearly 150 cyclists arriving to Ciudad del Rio, lead by Santiago Botero. The Festival of Alternative Use collective prepared a montage for 60+ with old electronic appliances, surrounded by candles. At 8:30 pm the park’s lights were turned off and so began 60+ with a concert by Medellin’s Philharmonic Orchestra for the 4,000 people that took part in Earth Hour.
Medellin’s local television station, TeleMedellin, suspended transmission and for 60 minutes messages appeared on a black screen inviting viewers to participate in the event. Adding to the central event in the Medellin, three other parts of the city hosted celebrations in honor of 60+.
Other events took place in Neiva, Yumbo and Pereira. The local council of Pereira held its session in darkness and Yumbo turned off the lights of the Mayor’s building. The capital of Neiva unplugged the La Gaitana monument, the symbol of the city, and a video room was given to children to the Promocion Social de Neiva school in order to educate children in conservation. People exchanged stories on the importance of the environment, tips for protecting the planet and more than 200 trees were planted.
The institutions across Colombia also participated. More than 70 organizations, both public and private, joined the campaign. All urged their partners, suppliers and clients to get involved. Alliances were made with national and local media to urge viewers and readers to participate in Earth Hour. Where the events took place, coverage was massive and ongoing.
Among the buildings and monuments that turned off their lights across Colombia were:
Bogota
- Presidential Palace
- Seguros Bolivar Tower
- Monserrate Temple
- Colpatria Tower
- The congress
- Lievano Palace
- Usaquen Plaza
- Maloka
- Gold Museum
Cali
- Cerro de Las Tres Cruces
- Cristo Rey
- Seguros Bolivar Building
- Corridors Shopping Center Jardin Plaza
- Reducing energy for the 14 of Calima
Medellin
- Center for Administration of Alpujarra (mayor’s building)
- Metropolitian Area Building
- EPM’s intelligent building
- Park of Lights
- EPM's Library and Interactive Museum
- Central Bancolombia Building
- Seguros Bolivar center
- Lineal Ciudad del Rio Park
Neiva
- La Gaitana monument
Pereira
- The local council held its session in the dark
- Plaza Civica Ciudad Victoria
- Lucy Tejada building
In Panama, earth hour lasted an additional 30 minutes
Panama’s Earth Hour saw people keep their lights off for more than 90 minutes. While there was talk that 1,000 people took part, some media estimated the figure was higher than 2,000. The event included folklore dances and national artists such as Ness, Mayito Son and Roba Morena. The central celebration occurred in the administrative building of the Panama Canal Authority and the lights were turned off across the area up to the Correo de Balboa, the Fuente Goethal and Prado.
Further information:
Andrés Leonardo Rosales García
Media consultant
WWF Colombia
+ 57 3114453416
andresrosalesgarcia@gmail.com
Bogotá, Colombia
Bogota, March 29, 2011. It was a sunny day that saw Colombia hold an unprecedented environmental event. From the beginning, television channels, radio stations, newspapers and social networks urged people to get involved with “Earth Hour”, while Google registered more than 27,000 entries.
As the day progressed, the sense of solidarity with the planet grew ever stronger. Even President Juan Manuel Santos took to his Twitter account and pushed for Colombians to take part in the event. On Facebook, a group created to encourage people to participate, had 6,000 followers. Adding to the festive spirit, clocks on the internet and a screen of Publik (partner of WWF) counted down to the hour when Earth Hour would begin.
One of the centers of this worldwide event was Cali. In the early evening, spectators were treated to an ecological runway show in the Jardin Plaza shopping center. The 32 models showed off clothes made from manila envelopes, computer disks and even used paper. Prior to lights out, the 45 children of the orchestra La Esperanza de Jamundi gave a recital, followed by some songs by the rock group Flor de Hito. Then the audience was able to see Hugo Candelario, director of Grupo Bahia. While this occurred, actors and jugglers of Casa Naranja passed through the shopping center reminding shoppers to take part in the event.
Around 2,000 people took part during the 60 minutes of Earth Hour in the shopping center while they lit the candles of four 60+, with the support of volunteers of Cali’s Zoo and the environmental authority of the city.
In Bogota, the celebration was lead by the jugglers of Cabeza de Martillo and Circolino. Adding to the party atmosphere were storytellers, local rock band playing ska, rock and music. When the hour arrived, they lit the candles that formed part of 60+ arranged by an artist with the support of young volunteers. During the lighting of the candle a flutist played for the audience. Later, a mantra was sung for the earth. When the hour was up, the nearly 1000 people who had attended the event in the Plaza Usaquen returned home.
Mocoa (Putumayo), in the Andean Amazon piedmont wasn’t left behind. Almost three thousand people crammed in to the Jardin coliseum to see various cultural shows led by schools, artistic groups and dance troupes. The director of Corpoamazonia (the agency responsible for sustainable development in the southern Amazon) announced a fund of 50 million pesos to support the best project to save energy presented by a school or committee board.
Medellin, the capital of Antioquia, also took part. In the Lineal Ciudad del Rio park, people celebrated Days of Air, an initiative lead by Corriente Ciudadana Respira Profundo and the Metropolitan Area of the Valle de Aburra, whose goal is cut down on air pollution. At 6 pm, the cycle routes for Trochas opened with nearly 150 cyclists arriving to Ciudad del Rio, lead by Santiago Botero. The Festival of Alternative Use collective prepared a montage for 60+ with old electronic appliances, surrounded by candles. At 8:30 pm the park’s lights were turned off and so began 60+ with a concert by Medellin’s Philharmonic Orchestra for the 4,000 people that took part in Earth Hour.
Medellin’s local television station, TeleMedellin, suspended transmission and for 60 minutes messages appeared on a black screen inviting viewers to participate in the event. Adding to the central event in the Medellin, three other parts of the city hosted celebrations in honor of 60+.
Other events took place in Neiva, Yumbo and Pereira. The local council of Pereira held its session in darkness and Yumbo turned off the lights of the Mayor’s building. The capital of Neiva unplugged the La Gaitana monument, the symbol of the city, and a video room was given to children to the Promocion Social de Neiva school in order to educate children in conservation. People exchanged stories on the importance of the environment, tips for protecting the planet and more than 200 trees were planted.
The institutions across Colombia also participated. More than 70 organizations, both public and private, joined the campaign. All urged their partners, suppliers and clients to get involved. Alliances were made with national and local media to urge viewers and readers to participate in Earth Hour. Where the events took place, coverage was massive and ongoing.
Among the buildings and monuments that turned off their lights across Colombia were:
Bogota
- Presidential Palace
- Seguros Bolivar Tower
- Monserrate Temple
- Colpatria Tower
- The congress
- Lievano Palace
- Usaquen Plaza
- Maloka
- Gold Museum
Cali
- Cerro de Las Tres Cruces
- Cristo Rey
- Seguros Bolivar Building
- Corridors Shopping Center Jardin Plaza
- Reducing energy for the 14 of Calima
Medellin
- Center for Administration of Alpujarra (mayor’s building)
- Metropolitian Area Building
- EPM’s intelligent building
- Park of Lights
- EPM's Library and Interactive Museum
- Central Bancolombia Building
- Seguros Bolivar center
- Lineal Ciudad del Rio Park
Neiva
- La Gaitana monument
Pereira
- The local council held its session in the dark
- Plaza Civica Ciudad Victoria
- Lucy Tejada building
In Panama, earth hour lasted an additional 30 minutes
Panama’s Earth Hour saw people keep their lights off for more than 90 minutes. While there was talk that 1,000 people took part, some media estimated the figure was higher than 2,000. The event included folklore dances and national artists such as Ness, Mayito Son and Roba Morena. The central celebration occurred in the administrative building of the Panama Canal Authority and the lights were turned off across the area up to the Correo de Balboa, the Fuente Goethal and Prado.
Further information:
Andrés Leonardo Rosales García
Media consultant
WWF Colombia
+ 57 3114453416
andresrosalesgarcia@gmail.com
Bogotá, Colombia
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
EARTH HOUR BRAZIL
Celebrating Earth Hour three times due to its different time zones, Brazil is the largest country in Latin America. Home to an incredible biodiversity spread among 10 different biomes, the country is home to 14% of the world's freshwater, 10% of the world's plant and animal species, and one third of the remaining tropical forests. Brazil is a leader in various environmental issues and can become even more ambitious in many others. Nonetheless, it faces serious environmental challenges such as deforestation and the curent debate over its Forest Code.
EH 2011 - GENERAL NUMBERS
Brazil beats previous mark during Earth Hour 2011
Turn off your lights to see a brighter world
With the participation of Manaus (State of Amazonas), Porto Alegre (State of Rio Grande do Sul) and Belo Horizonte (State of Minas Gerais), 20 state capitals in a total of 123 cities are participating in Earth hour, a new record since the global event began in the country. In 2009, 113 cities participated and in 2010, 98. All will witness homes, monuments, public buildings, companies and others switching off their lights in a gesture aimed at reflecting upon environmental issues, particularly global warming, and calling people to action.
Alongside cities and capitals, 1.948 companies and organizations signed up in the official Brazilian website which not only offered stories and tips on how to participate in the Earth Hour campaign, but also banners, movies, posters, images, wallpapers, screen savers and twibbons for Twitter and Facebook.
WWF-Brasil asks participating cities to make nature conservation their priority and to develop projects which aim at long term environmental sustainability. Promotion of less polluting means of transportation and waste sorting are some of the actions which can be undertaken which also include the creation of conservations areas, the protection of river headwaters and the respect of environmental legislation.
“The participation of people, organizations and governments in Earth Hour is a gesture towards the search for sustainability. It signifies that we are concerned and watchful of global warming and that we want to do our share for our children and grandchildren’s right to a habitable planet”, stated Denise Hamú, WWF-Brazil’s CEO.
Institutional Support – Earth Hour received institutional support from the National Front of Mayors (FNP) and the Brazilian Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters (Abert) and was sponsored by Banco do Brasil, Coca-Cola, Tim, HSBC and Rossi.
“Our city has to be the symbol of sustainability and take part in the fight for the climate and for the conservation of our water and natural wealth”, highlighted Governor Agnelo Queiroz.
Rio de Janeiro - People of Rio celebrate Earth Hour dancing samba at the Arcos da Lapa
Around 3,000 people danced to rhythm of the samba in front of the Arcos da Lapa, monumental arches where the illumination was switched off during Earth Hour 2011
For the third time running Rio de Janeiro is the official capital of Earth Hour in Brazil, but the emotion of seeing the lights switched off in the “wonderful city” of Rio is always unique.
This year the global movement event in the city took on a different aspect and for the first time the people of Rio celebrated Earth Hour in a public event with lively music and dancing in front of one of the city’s many monumental landmarks that had their lights switched off.
Even before the lights went off, musician Toni Garrido was warming up the crowd at the event promoted by WWF-Brazil with support given by Coca Cola Brazil, TIM and the Bank of Brazil, clearly demonstrating their concern with environmental problems and climate change.
After the show, at the invitation of WWF-Brazil, all present observed a very moving minute of silence to pay homage to the victims of floods in Brazil at the beginning of the year that so greatly affected Rio de Janeiro and to the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
The silence was broken by the voice of WWF-CEO Denise Hanú in a speech thanking everyone for their presence. Then Rio de Janeiro’s Municipal Conservation Secretary Carlos Osório; vice-president of the Bank of Brazil’s Human Management and Sustainable Development Division, Robson Rocha; Director of Corporate Communication at Coca-Cola Brasil, João Domenech Oneto; TIM’s Communication and Sustainability Officer, Maurício Bacellar; Rio de Janeiro’s State Secretary for the Environment, Carlos Minc; and the Brazilian Minister for the Environment, Izabella Teixeira, together with Hamú made the gesture that has now become a traditional part of the last week in March and threw the large symbolic switch that put out the city’s lights.
Darkness announced the beginning of Earth Hour 2011 Almost immediately the lights went off at the Christ the Redeemer Statue, the Copacabana Shoreline Promenade, the Arpoadar rock, the Sugar Loaf Rock, the Penha Church, the Fiocruz Castelinho Bulding, the Monument to Brazilian Soldiers, and the Jockey Club.
“Today Brazil is joining more than one hundred other countries around the world to call attention to the need to take care of the Planet. Protecting the environment means protecting life and the Brazilian people can turn around the present situation of degradation. It depends on you and all of us,” declared Minister Izabella Teixeira to the listening crowd.
Right after the lights went out, the happy beat of the percussion groups of four of the city’s most famous samba ‘schools’: Mangueira; Portela; União da Ilha; and Grande Rio broke the silence and took charge of the celebration and people of Rio danced samba for an hour.
“Today is the day, and sadness must keep away,” sang the people and 34 year-old Simone Pessanha chimed in, “The event is great. Initiatives like Earth Hour are very important ways of calling people’s attention to environmental issues.”
Even the people that run the stalls on the streets of this famous bohemian district of Rio joined the movement wholeheartedly, substituting the electric lights of their innumerable stalls with alternative forms of illumination like lanterns and candles. “The least I can do is to put out the lights on my stall and that is what I’m doing. I can tell you it is actually fun to be working almost in the dark like this,” said 28 year-old stallholder Edeildo Francisco.
Another form of illumination with a hypnotic effect was used by the Andef dance company of the Niteroi Association of Disabled Persons in an emotive performance that further enlivened the event.
At 9:30 pm the percussionists stopped playing but the Earth Hour spirit carries on. WWF-Brazil has called on Rio de Janeiro and all the municipal authorities that have adhered to the movement to go beyond the single hour and work to make their cities increasingly environmentally sustainable.
“We are delighted with the success of this edition of Earth Hour in the city of Rio. Many people have come here to the Lapa district to take part in this worldwide movement and demonstrate their concern for the wellbeing of the Planet. Also many people who just happened to be in the district came to see the celebration and received the message about how necessary it is do their part in fighting global warming. That in itself is very important,” said WWF-Brazil’s CEO Denise Hamú.
The following people all took part in the Earth Hour event at Arcos da Lapa:
Carlos Alberto de Mattos Scaramuzza, Conservation Director for WWF-Brazil: “I would hate to live in a world without nature, with no clean water, no trees... That is why we are calling on you to re-think your actions and join us in the quest for a world with more Nature”.
Sérgio Besserman, WWF-Brazil councillor: “Earth Hour is a magic moment that brings together two fundamental dimensions of contemporary civilisation: climate change and the global connection for freedom.”
Carlos Osório, Rio de Janeiro’s Municipal Conservation Secretary
Robson Rocha, vice-president of the Bank of Brazil’s Human Management and Sustainable Development Division: “Sometimes we forget to look after what is actually our our home and we are called to attention to reflect on that. This is one of those moments to reflect and to make sure that we leave a better Brazil for our children and grandchildren.”
João Domenech Oneto, Director of Corporate Communication at Coca-Cola Brasil: “Earth Hour is a symbolic act that reminds each one of us of the need to take action in our daily lives. It has been a great satisfaction to Coca Cola to take part in the event.”
Maurício Bacellar, TIM’s Communication and Sustainability Officer:
Izabella Teixeira, Brazilian Minister of the Environment:
Carlos Minc, Rio de Janeiro’s State Secretary for the Environment:
Toni Garrido: “It is very gratifying to take part in this struggle to ensure that the environment can continue to save our lives.”
Nilo Sérgio, in charge of the Portela percussion group: “It is a great honour for Portela to participate in the Earth Hour movement and make Brazil aware that the Planet needs help. In our neighbourhood of Madureira all the lights are out, including the Madureira Shopping Mall.”
Leila da Lapa, stallholder in the nocturnal market ‘Feira Noturna da Lapa Legal’ : “It is very nice (legal) for us to feel that we can do our share. The Lapa did really well and it is good that younger people are beginning to realise that they need to take care of the planet.”
Brasília – the capital of the country will also participate in Earth Hour after the Federal District handed in its official participation document on Thrusday (24/03). It was signed by Governor Agnelo Queiroz in the Buriti Palace. The capital’s Legislative Assembly and the Parliamentary Front in Defense of the Environment also joined the movement. In Brasília, the Buriti Palace and its Annex, JK Memorial, National Theater, Cathedral, Indian Museum, Cultural Complex of the Republic and the JK Bridge will have their lights turned off.
SECOND BRAZILIAN TIME ZONE
Campo Grande, in the second time zone, celebrates Earth Hour with a public event
Right on the outskirts of the Pantanal, one of the most important Brazilian biomes and the biggest wetland in the world, Campo Grande, capital of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, participated for the third time in the Earth Hour movement. The campo-grandenses not only turned off their lights to show their concern for the environment but also participated in a public event organized by the Municipal Foundation for Culture (Fundac) in the Praça do Rádio in which participated artists from the city.
The event began in 19h30 with presentations of capoeira circles, a samba school and the municipal band. Right before the clock struck 20h30, local time, Nelson Trad Filho, mayor of the city, started the countdown for the lights to be turned off. Other monuments and public buildings of the capital also had their lights switched off and the show continued with the square illuminated by torches.
Lights turned off – various icons stayed in the dark during Earth Hour including the historical building Morada dos Baís, the Citizen Help Center and the Obelisks, all located in the center of town. Lights were also turned off in the Horto Florestal, the parks Jacques da Luz (Moreninhas neighborhood), Tarsila do Amaral (Vida Nova neighborhood), Belmar Fidalgo and the Elias Gadia square.
In Manaus, in the Amazon Forest, Earth Hour is celebrated with boi-bumbá, music and poetry
For the third time in a row, the Amazonas Theater, one of the biggest icons of the city of Manaus, State of Amazonas, switched off its lights for an hour. The initiative, led by the organizers of the Second World Sustainability Forum, was part of the international movement Earth Hour. The campaign is organized annually by the WWF Network to raise the awareness of people, governments, companies and organizations about the gravity of climate change.
Many other “manauaras” symbols have had their lights turned off to show their participation in the campaign organized by the WWF Network like the Praça da Saudade, the Amazonas Shopping and the State Prosecutor building. In the center of the capital, artists of all sort recited poetry and short stories, and performed musical pieces. As stated Michelle Andrews, the objective was to rescue old Amazonian habits. “Like small talk on door steps, an exchange of ideas under candle light on a sidewalk”, she said.
Inside the Amazonas Theater, the State Secretary of Culture organized a performance of the Amazonas Chamber Orchestra and of the Parintins, Garantido and Caprichoso Bumbás. In the Praça da Saudade, the Municipal Secretariat for the Environment distributed folders on climate change and saplings from the municipal gardens.
The Amazonas shopping turned off its exterior lights and those from its corridors. The AmazonSat, which has aired campaign videos throughout the week, also switched off its lights and air conditioning equipment.
THIRD BRAZILIAN TIME ZONE
The Brazilian state of Acre takes part again in Earth Hour
Four towns in the state of Acre, in the Brazilian Amazon, turned off the lights during Earth Hour 2011. It is the third time in a row that the state participates in the global movement. Acre is known as a state where there is high awareness about conservation issues, and is also the home state of environmental icons like Chico Mendes, killed in 1988, and Marina Silva, former senator and candidate in the Brazilian 2010 elections for president, voted by more than 20 million people.
The Acrean towns of Rio Branco (state capital), Xapuri, Santa Rosa do Purus and Sena Madureira took part officialy in the Earth Hour movement. In Rio Branco, the state government palace had the lights turned off for one hour. There was also a public concentration in front of the palace.
According to state secretary for the Environment, Edgard de Deus, Acre’s participation in Earth Hour shows a concern of the local society about conservation and environmental issues. “It is not a matter of saving energy, but to think about what we have been doing to the world”, he states.
Chico Mendes’ town participates in Earth Hour 2011
In Xapuri, the lights of the house where the biggest icon of the Brazilian socio-environmental movement used to live and was assassinated in 1988 for fighting deforestation, have been turned off during Earth Hour
The bullets which took the life of the environmental and union leader Chico Mendes in December, 1988, were not enough to silence the voices of the people of the forests, pioneers in the fight against deforestation. Today, the socio-environmental movement is stronger than ever and millions of people around the world are fully aware of the importance of the Amazon Forest to the planet.
The Earth Hour movement, coordinated by the WWF Network throughout the world, gave homage to Chico Mendes - the last home where he lived with his family until the day of his death, in the municipality of Xapuri in the State of Acre, had its lights turned off between 20h30 and 21h30 this Saturday, March 26th.
Elenira Mendes, daughter of Chico Mendes, is pleased that her father was honored in a global scale movement such as Earth Hour. “It’s an unique symbolism, of great importance. My father, who has shown to the world the Amazon and the importance of the forest, would be very happy to know that our house has been part of this worldwide movement”, she concluded.
According to Dande Tavares, head of the WWF-Brazil office in the State of Acre, the participation of Xapuri reinforces to the world the revolutionary ideas defended by Chico Mendes. “He represents the culmination of the socio-environmental movement that brought the Amazon to the international spotlight, alerting people worldwide about the problems of deforestation”, he said.
Nowadays, the house works as a memorial in honor of the historical rubber tapper. The town of Xapuri will also turn off the lights of City Hall and of the historical monuments Casa Branca and Chapurys Museum. Although born in a small community in the forest, it was in Xapuri that Chico Mendes built most of his career as an environmental and union leader.
Celebrating Earth Hour three times due to its different time zones, Brazil is the largest country in Latin America. Home to an incredible biodiversity spread among 10 different biomes, the country is home to 14% of the world's freshwater, 10% of the world's plant and animal species, and one third of the remaining tropical forests. Brazil is a leader in various environmental issues and can become even more ambitious in many others. Nonetheless, it faces serious environmental challenges such as deforestation and the curent debate over its Forest Code.
EH 2011 - GENERAL NUMBERS
Brazil beats previous mark during Earth Hour 2011
Turn off your lights to see a brighter world
With the participation of Manaus (State of Amazonas), Porto Alegre (State of Rio Grande do Sul) and Belo Horizonte (State of Minas Gerais), 20 state capitals in a total of 123 cities are participating in Earth hour, a new record since the global event began in the country. In 2009, 113 cities participated and in 2010, 98. All will witness homes, monuments, public buildings, companies and others switching off their lights in a gesture aimed at reflecting upon environmental issues, particularly global warming, and calling people to action.
Alongside cities and capitals, 1.948 companies and organizations signed up in the official Brazilian website which not only offered stories and tips on how to participate in the Earth Hour campaign, but also banners, movies, posters, images, wallpapers, screen savers and twibbons for Twitter and Facebook.
WWF-Brasil asks participating cities to make nature conservation their priority and to develop projects which aim at long term environmental sustainability. Promotion of less polluting means of transportation and waste sorting are some of the actions which can be undertaken which also include the creation of conservations areas, the protection of river headwaters and the respect of environmental legislation.
“The participation of people, organizations and governments in Earth Hour is a gesture towards the search for sustainability. It signifies that we are concerned and watchful of global warming and that we want to do our share for our children and grandchildren’s right to a habitable planet”, stated Denise Hamú, WWF-Brazil’s CEO.
Institutional Support – Earth Hour received institutional support from the National Front of Mayors (FNP) and the Brazilian Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters (Abert) and was sponsored by Banco do Brasil, Coca-Cola, Tim, HSBC and Rossi.
“Our city has to be the symbol of sustainability and take part in the fight for the climate and for the conservation of our water and natural wealth”, highlighted Governor Agnelo Queiroz.
Rio de Janeiro - People of Rio celebrate Earth Hour dancing samba at the Arcos da Lapa
Around 3,000 people danced to rhythm of the samba in front of the Arcos da Lapa, monumental arches where the illumination was switched off during Earth Hour 2011
For the third time running Rio de Janeiro is the official capital of Earth Hour in Brazil, but the emotion of seeing the lights switched off in the “wonderful city” of Rio is always unique.
This year the global movement event in the city took on a different aspect and for the first time the people of Rio celebrated Earth Hour in a public event with lively music and dancing in front of one of the city’s many monumental landmarks that had their lights switched off.
Even before the lights went off, musician Toni Garrido was warming up the crowd at the event promoted by WWF-Brazil with support given by Coca Cola Brazil, TIM and the Bank of Brazil, clearly demonstrating their concern with environmental problems and climate change.
After the show, at the invitation of WWF-Brazil, all present observed a very moving minute of silence to pay homage to the victims of floods in Brazil at the beginning of the year that so greatly affected Rio de Janeiro and to the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
The silence was broken by the voice of WWF-CEO Denise Hanú in a speech thanking everyone for their presence. Then Rio de Janeiro’s Municipal Conservation Secretary Carlos Osório; vice-president of the Bank of Brazil’s Human Management and Sustainable Development Division, Robson Rocha; Director of Corporate Communication at Coca-Cola Brasil, João Domenech Oneto; TIM’s Communication and Sustainability Officer, Maurício Bacellar; Rio de Janeiro’s State Secretary for the Environment, Carlos Minc; and the Brazilian Minister for the Environment, Izabella Teixeira, together with Hamú made the gesture that has now become a traditional part of the last week in March and threw the large symbolic switch that put out the city’s lights.
Darkness announced the beginning of Earth Hour 2011 Almost immediately the lights went off at the Christ the Redeemer Statue, the Copacabana Shoreline Promenade, the Arpoadar rock, the Sugar Loaf Rock, the Penha Church, the Fiocruz Castelinho Bulding, the Monument to Brazilian Soldiers, and the Jockey Club.
“Today Brazil is joining more than one hundred other countries around the world to call attention to the need to take care of the Planet. Protecting the environment means protecting life and the Brazilian people can turn around the present situation of degradation. It depends on you and all of us,” declared Minister Izabella Teixeira to the listening crowd.
Right after the lights went out, the happy beat of the percussion groups of four of the city’s most famous samba ‘schools’: Mangueira; Portela; União da Ilha; and Grande Rio broke the silence and took charge of the celebration and people of Rio danced samba for an hour.
“Today is the day, and sadness must keep away,” sang the people and 34 year-old Simone Pessanha chimed in, “The event is great. Initiatives like Earth Hour are very important ways of calling people’s attention to environmental issues.”
Even the people that run the stalls on the streets of this famous bohemian district of Rio joined the movement wholeheartedly, substituting the electric lights of their innumerable stalls with alternative forms of illumination like lanterns and candles. “The least I can do is to put out the lights on my stall and that is what I’m doing. I can tell you it is actually fun to be working almost in the dark like this,” said 28 year-old stallholder Edeildo Francisco.
Another form of illumination with a hypnotic effect was used by the Andef dance company of the Niteroi Association of Disabled Persons in an emotive performance that further enlivened the event.
At 9:30 pm the percussionists stopped playing but the Earth Hour spirit carries on. WWF-Brazil has called on Rio de Janeiro and all the municipal authorities that have adhered to the movement to go beyond the single hour and work to make their cities increasingly environmentally sustainable.
“We are delighted with the success of this edition of Earth Hour in the city of Rio. Many people have come here to the Lapa district to take part in this worldwide movement and demonstrate their concern for the wellbeing of the Planet. Also many people who just happened to be in the district came to see the celebration and received the message about how necessary it is do their part in fighting global warming. That in itself is very important,” said WWF-Brazil’s CEO Denise Hamú.
The following people all took part in the Earth Hour event at Arcos da Lapa:
Carlos Alberto de Mattos Scaramuzza, Conservation Director for WWF-Brazil: “I would hate to live in a world without nature, with no clean water, no trees... That is why we are calling on you to re-think your actions and join us in the quest for a world with more Nature”.
Sérgio Besserman, WWF-Brazil councillor: “Earth Hour is a magic moment that brings together two fundamental dimensions of contemporary civilisation: climate change and the global connection for freedom.”
Carlos Osório, Rio de Janeiro’s Municipal Conservation Secretary
Robson Rocha, vice-president of the Bank of Brazil’s Human Management and Sustainable Development Division: “Sometimes we forget to look after what is actually our our home and we are called to attention to reflect on that. This is one of those moments to reflect and to make sure that we leave a better Brazil for our children and grandchildren.”
João Domenech Oneto, Director of Corporate Communication at Coca-Cola Brasil: “Earth Hour is a symbolic act that reminds each one of us of the need to take action in our daily lives. It has been a great satisfaction to Coca Cola to take part in the event.”
Maurício Bacellar, TIM’s Communication and Sustainability Officer:
Izabella Teixeira, Brazilian Minister of the Environment:
Carlos Minc, Rio de Janeiro’s State Secretary for the Environment:
Toni Garrido: “It is very gratifying to take part in this struggle to ensure that the environment can continue to save our lives.”
Nilo Sérgio, in charge of the Portela percussion group: “It is a great honour for Portela to participate in the Earth Hour movement and make Brazil aware that the Planet needs help. In our neighbourhood of Madureira all the lights are out, including the Madureira Shopping Mall.”
Leila da Lapa, stallholder in the nocturnal market ‘Feira Noturna da Lapa Legal’ : “It is very nice (legal) for us to feel that we can do our share. The Lapa did really well and it is good that younger people are beginning to realise that they need to take care of the planet.”
Brasília – the capital of the country will also participate in Earth Hour after the Federal District handed in its official participation document on Thrusday (24/03). It was signed by Governor Agnelo Queiroz in the Buriti Palace. The capital’s Legislative Assembly and the Parliamentary Front in Defense of the Environment also joined the movement. In Brasília, the Buriti Palace and its Annex, JK Memorial, National Theater, Cathedral, Indian Museum, Cultural Complex of the Republic and the JK Bridge will have their lights turned off.
SECOND BRAZILIAN TIME ZONE
Campo Grande, in the second time zone, celebrates Earth Hour with a public event
Right on the outskirts of the Pantanal, one of the most important Brazilian biomes and the biggest wetland in the world, Campo Grande, capital of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, participated for the third time in the Earth Hour movement. The campo-grandenses not only turned off their lights to show their concern for the environment but also participated in a public event organized by the Municipal Foundation for Culture (Fundac) in the Praça do Rádio in which participated artists from the city.
The event began in 19h30 with presentations of capoeira circles, a samba school and the municipal band. Right before the clock struck 20h30, local time, Nelson Trad Filho, mayor of the city, started the countdown for the lights to be turned off. Other monuments and public buildings of the capital also had their lights switched off and the show continued with the square illuminated by torches.
Lights turned off – various icons stayed in the dark during Earth Hour including the historical building Morada dos Baís, the Citizen Help Center and the Obelisks, all located in the center of town. Lights were also turned off in the Horto Florestal, the parks Jacques da Luz (Moreninhas neighborhood), Tarsila do Amaral (Vida Nova neighborhood), Belmar Fidalgo and the Elias Gadia square.
In Manaus, in the Amazon Forest, Earth Hour is celebrated with boi-bumbá, music and poetry
For the third time in a row, the Amazonas Theater, one of the biggest icons of the city of Manaus, State of Amazonas, switched off its lights for an hour. The initiative, led by the organizers of the Second World Sustainability Forum, was part of the international movement Earth Hour. The campaign is organized annually by the WWF Network to raise the awareness of people, governments, companies and organizations about the gravity of climate change.
Many other “manauaras” symbols have had their lights turned off to show their participation in the campaign organized by the WWF Network like the Praça da Saudade, the Amazonas Shopping and the State Prosecutor building. In the center of the capital, artists of all sort recited poetry and short stories, and performed musical pieces. As stated Michelle Andrews, the objective was to rescue old Amazonian habits. “Like small talk on door steps, an exchange of ideas under candle light on a sidewalk”, she said.
Inside the Amazonas Theater, the State Secretary of Culture organized a performance of the Amazonas Chamber Orchestra and of the Parintins, Garantido and Caprichoso Bumbás. In the Praça da Saudade, the Municipal Secretariat for the Environment distributed folders on climate change and saplings from the municipal gardens.
The Amazonas shopping turned off its exterior lights and those from its corridors. The AmazonSat, which has aired campaign videos throughout the week, also switched off its lights and air conditioning equipment.
THIRD BRAZILIAN TIME ZONE
The Brazilian state of Acre takes part again in Earth Hour
Four towns in the state of Acre, in the Brazilian Amazon, turned off the lights during Earth Hour 2011. It is the third time in a row that the state participates in the global movement. Acre is known as a state where there is high awareness about conservation issues, and is also the home state of environmental icons like Chico Mendes, killed in 1988, and Marina Silva, former senator and candidate in the Brazilian 2010 elections for president, voted by more than 20 million people.
The Acrean towns of Rio Branco (state capital), Xapuri, Santa Rosa do Purus and Sena Madureira took part officialy in the Earth Hour movement. In Rio Branco, the state government palace had the lights turned off for one hour. There was also a public concentration in front of the palace.
According to state secretary for the Environment, Edgard de Deus, Acre’s participation in Earth Hour shows a concern of the local society about conservation and environmental issues. “It is not a matter of saving energy, but to think about what we have been doing to the world”, he states.
Chico Mendes’ town participates in Earth Hour 2011
In Xapuri, the lights of the house where the biggest icon of the Brazilian socio-environmental movement used to live and was assassinated in 1988 for fighting deforestation, have been turned off during Earth Hour
The bullets which took the life of the environmental and union leader Chico Mendes in December, 1988, were not enough to silence the voices of the people of the forests, pioneers in the fight against deforestation. Today, the socio-environmental movement is stronger than ever and millions of people around the world are fully aware of the importance of the Amazon Forest to the planet.
The Earth Hour movement, coordinated by the WWF Network throughout the world, gave homage to Chico Mendes - the last home where he lived with his family until the day of his death, in the municipality of Xapuri in the State of Acre, had its lights turned off between 20h30 and 21h30 this Saturday, March 26th.
Elenira Mendes, daughter of Chico Mendes, is pleased that her father was honored in a global scale movement such as Earth Hour. “It’s an unique symbolism, of great importance. My father, who has shown to the world the Amazon and the importance of the forest, would be very happy to know that our house has been part of this worldwide movement”, she concluded.
According to Dande Tavares, head of the WWF-Brazil office in the State of Acre, the participation of Xapuri reinforces to the world the revolutionary ideas defended by Chico Mendes. “He represents the culmination of the socio-environmental movement that brought the Amazon to the international spotlight, alerting people worldwide about the problems of deforestation”, he said.
Nowadays, the house works as a memorial in honor of the historical rubber tapper. The town of Xapuri will also turn off the lights of City Hall and of the historical monuments Casa Branca and Chapurys Museum. Although born in a small community in the forest, it was in Xapuri that Chico Mendes built most of his career as an environmental and union leader.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Crowds gather for maiden Earth Hour in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan joined the world for Earth Hour this year for the first time with crowds coming together for a host of events across the country, including the city of Baku, where people gathered for an Earth Hour event to switch off the symbol of the national capital - the Maiden Tower.
While the main event took place in Baku, through the use of modern broadcasting technologies event organisers were able to engage participation of other cities in Azerbaijan including Sabirabad and Lahij who held Earth Hour events at various places of significance, showing how quickly Azerbaijanis have taken to Earth Hour’s global celebration of the planet.
“At first all our actions related to Earth Hour Azerbaijan started at 5pm at IRELI Youth Center. We couldn’t believe it when after around 250 youngsters came to participate. All process was broadcast live on IRELI’s internet TV,” said Earth Hour Azerbaijan manager, Rauf Mardiyev.
After the opening ceremony and introduction about Earth Hour, an hour of organized ecological training took place around the question “Why we should switch the light off?”, followed by one of the most interesting elements of the event; City Game, where 3 different teams took part in activities through the streets of Baku leading them to the final destination - Maiden Tower.
Following an opening ceremony speech from Mardiyev, the crowd stood for a minute’s silence to pay homage to the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami.
At 8:29pm local time, an excited crowd in front of Maiden Tower counted down to Earth Hour followed by an event program of competitions and music that created a festive atmosphere in what was a joyous inaugural Earth Hour for Azerbaijan.
“That was indescribably amazing to see the happy faces all around and the reiterated sayings like: ‘We also did it!’,” said Mardiyev.
“We believe that we made a good start in Earth Hour campaign and will do our best for upcoming events to be more successful,” he added.
For more information about Earth Hour Azerbaijan contact:
Rauf Mardiyev
Earth Hour Azerbaijan Manager
IRELI Public Union
E: r.mardiyev@ireli.az
While the main event took place in Baku, through the use of modern broadcasting technologies event organisers were able to engage participation of other cities in Azerbaijan including Sabirabad and Lahij who held Earth Hour events at various places of significance, showing how quickly Azerbaijanis have taken to Earth Hour’s global celebration of the planet.
“At first all our actions related to Earth Hour Azerbaijan started at 5pm at IRELI Youth Center. We couldn’t believe it when after around 250 youngsters came to participate. All process was broadcast live on IRELI’s internet TV,” said Earth Hour Azerbaijan manager, Rauf Mardiyev.
After the opening ceremony and introduction about Earth Hour, an hour of organized ecological training took place around the question “Why we should switch the light off?”, followed by one of the most interesting elements of the event; City Game, where 3 different teams took part in activities through the streets of Baku leading them to the final destination - Maiden Tower.
Following an opening ceremony speech from Mardiyev, the crowd stood for a minute’s silence to pay homage to the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami.
At 8:29pm local time, an excited crowd in front of Maiden Tower counted down to Earth Hour followed by an event program of competitions and music that created a festive atmosphere in what was a joyous inaugural Earth Hour for Azerbaijan.
“That was indescribably amazing to see the happy faces all around and the reiterated sayings like: ‘We also did it!’,” said Mardiyev.
“We believe that we made a good start in Earth Hour campaign and will do our best for upcoming events to be more successful,” he added.
For more information about Earth Hour Azerbaijan contact:
Rauf Mardiyev
Earth Hour Azerbaijan Manager
IRELI Public Union
E: r.mardiyev@ireli.az
Philippines Clinches Top Spot for Third Straight Year
1554 Cities and Towns Switch Off for Earth Hour 2011
MANILA, Philippines - When the clock struck 8:30PM last night, the Philippines was again engulfed in 60 minutes of darkness. A record-breaking 1554 Filipino towns, cities and municipalities joined the rest of the world in taking a stand against climate change. Reinvigorated by its new ‘60+’ logo, Earth Hour 2011 aimed to make its effects felt not for a mere 60 minutes – but for an entire year. Organizers are elated by the immense outpouring of support from the government, private corporations and individuals.
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. 1076 cities and municipalities switched off in 2010, 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.
Ten million Filipinos saved at least 611MWh of electricity during the 2009 switch-off alone – 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. “We are elated to clinch the top spot for the third year in a row,” beams Earth Hour National Director Atty. Gia Ibay. “More than the numbers though, Earth Hour espouses the importance of our actions beyond the hour.”
“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 every day. Pledges really depend on the individuals – who can personally assess what changes they can adopt to reduce their consumption of electricity and water.”
A record 131 countries and territories took part in Earth Hour 2011. Numerous global organisations joined nearly a billion people across all continents to heed the hour. “It is only through the collective action of business, organisations, 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.
Thousands of people gathered at the main switch-off ceremony, held at the SM Mall of Asia grounds. Says Philippine Climate Change Commissioner Lucille Sering, “Our collective effort today shows another kind of people power - where different colours and sizes meet - a force so strong that it can make all things move. Tonight’s switch-off is a strong move towards a healthy, safe and climate-resilient nation.”
Earth Hour Philippines is a yearly effort of WWF-Philippines and its allies in the public and private sector. 2011 partners include the Yuchengco Group of Companies, Coca-Cola under its Live Positively Platform, Honda Cars Philippines, McDonald’s, Meralco, SM Supermalls, Discovery Suites, Smart Communications, Philips and Canon.
Media allies have grown to include ABS-CBN, TV5, GMA-7, Net-25, Solar TV, CLTV-36, Discovery Channel, AXN, AXN Beyond, Animax, National Geographic Channel, Lifestyle Network, BTV, Knowledge Channel, Solar Sports, Solar TV, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, BusinessMirror, Expat, Aftercall Magazine, Mega Publishing Group, Metro Magazine, Metro Society, Experience Travel and Living, Radyo Veritas, Globaltronics, QCreativs, Clickthecity.com, Sulit.com.ph and numerous other stations and publications.
Public allies include the Philippine Climate Change Commission, Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Transportation and Communications, League of Cities of the Philippines, League of Municipalities of the Philippines and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.
"Climate change presents us with an opportunity to make the Philippines a better nation, because addressing its impacts means we have to change the way we chart our journey. Earth Hour serves as a reminder of this opportunity, and beyond that hour, we continue to strive to make a difference," adds Philippine Climate Change Commissioner and former Earth Hour Philippines Head Yeb Saño.
Earth Hour 2011 has garnered international support from global companies and organisations as diverse as: Nokia, PWC, FIFA, the International Olympic Committee, Canon, Baidu, Naver, National Geographic Channel Asia, Bloomberg, Starcom, Mindshare Pocoyo, Clearchannel, Credit Suisse AG, Coca Cola, IKEA, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Hostel World and CB Richard Ellis.
“Earth Hour Philippines 2011 was our biggest so far and is a resounding success,” concludes Ibay. “It is a brilliant example of public and private sector collaboration and a true celebration of climate solutions.” Rough estimates peg that at the very least, over 15 million Filipinos joined this year’s switch-off. Earth Hour organizers wish to thank all groups and sectors for again showing leadership in observing the global phenomenon.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Atty. Gia Ibay
Earth Hour Philippines National Director
gibay@wwf.org.ph
MANILA, Philippines - When the clock struck 8:30PM last night, the Philippines was again engulfed in 60 minutes of darkness. A record-breaking 1554 Filipino towns, cities and municipalities joined the rest of the world in taking a stand against climate change. Reinvigorated by its new ‘60+’ logo, Earth Hour 2011 aimed to make its effects felt not for a mere 60 minutes – but for an entire year. Organizers are elated by the immense outpouring of support from the government, private corporations and individuals.
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. 1076 cities and municipalities switched off in 2010, 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.
Ten million Filipinos saved at least 611MWh of electricity during the 2009 switch-off alone – 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. “We are elated to clinch the top spot for the third year in a row,” beams Earth Hour National Director Atty. Gia Ibay. “More than the numbers though, Earth Hour espouses the importance of our actions beyond the hour.”
“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 every day. Pledges really depend on the individuals – who can personally assess what changes they can adopt to reduce their consumption of electricity and water.”
A record 131 countries and territories took part in Earth Hour 2011. Numerous global organisations joined nearly a billion people across all continents to heed the hour. “It is only through the collective action of business, organisations, 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.
Thousands of people gathered at the main switch-off ceremony, held at the SM Mall of Asia grounds. Says Philippine Climate Change Commissioner Lucille Sering, “Our collective effort today shows another kind of people power - where different colours and sizes meet - a force so strong that it can make all things move. Tonight’s switch-off is a strong move towards a healthy, safe and climate-resilient nation.”
Earth Hour Philippines is a yearly effort of WWF-Philippines and its allies in the public and private sector. 2011 partners include the Yuchengco Group of Companies, Coca-Cola under its Live Positively Platform, Honda Cars Philippines, McDonald’s, Meralco, SM Supermalls, Discovery Suites, Smart Communications, Philips and Canon.
Media allies have grown to include ABS-CBN, TV5, GMA-7, Net-25, Solar TV, CLTV-36, Discovery Channel, AXN, AXN Beyond, Animax, National Geographic Channel, Lifestyle Network, BTV, Knowledge Channel, Solar Sports, Solar TV, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, BusinessMirror, Expat, Aftercall Magazine, Mega Publishing Group, Metro Magazine, Metro Society, Experience Travel and Living, Radyo Veritas, Globaltronics, QCreativs, Clickthecity.com, Sulit.com.ph and numerous other stations and publications.
Public allies include the Philippine Climate Change Commission, Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Transportation and Communications, League of Cities of the Philippines, League of Municipalities of the Philippines and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.
"Climate change presents us with an opportunity to make the Philippines a better nation, because addressing its impacts means we have to change the way we chart our journey. Earth Hour serves as a reminder of this opportunity, and beyond that hour, we continue to strive to make a difference," adds Philippine Climate Change Commissioner and former Earth Hour Philippines Head Yeb Saño.
Earth Hour 2011 has garnered international support from global companies and organisations as diverse as: Nokia, PWC, FIFA, the International Olympic Committee, Canon, Baidu, Naver, National Geographic Channel Asia, Bloomberg, Starcom, Mindshare Pocoyo, Clearchannel, Credit Suisse AG, Coca Cola, IKEA, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Hostel World and CB Richard Ellis.
“Earth Hour Philippines 2011 was our biggest so far and is a resounding success,” concludes Ibay. “It is a brilliant example of public and private sector collaboration and a true celebration of climate solutions.” Rough estimates peg that at the very least, over 15 million Filipinos joined this year’s switch-off. Earth Hour organizers wish to thank all groups and sectors for again showing leadership in observing the global phenomenon.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Atty. Gia Ibay
Earth Hour Philippines National Director
gibay@wwf.org.ph
Saturday, March 26, 2011
EARTH HOUR BRAZIL
Celebrating Earth Hour three times due to its different time zones, Brazil is the largest country in Latin America. Home to an incredible biodiversity spread among 10 different biomes, the country is home to 14% of the world's freshwater, 10% of the world's plant and animal species, and one third of the remaining tropical forests. Brazil is a leader in various environmental issues and can become even more ambitious in many others. Nonetheless, it faces serious environmental challenges such as deforestation and the curent debate over its Forest Code.
EH 2011 - GENERAL NUMBERS
Brazil beats previous mark during Earth Hour 2011
Turn off your lights to see a brighter world
With the participation of Manaus (State of Amazonas), Porto Alegre (State of Rio Grande do Sul) and Belo Horizonte (State of Minas Gerais), 20 state capitals in a total of 123 cities are participating in Earth hour, a new record since the global event began in the country. In 2009, 113 cities participated and in 2010, 98. All will witness homes, monuments, public buildings, companies and others switching off their lights in a gesture aimed at reflecting upon environmental issues, particularly global warming, and calling people to action.
Alongside cities and capitals, 1.948 companies and organizations signed up in the official Brazilian website which not only offered stories and tips on how to participate in the Earth Hour campaign, but also banners, movies, posters, images, wallpapers, screen savers and twibbons for Twitter and Facebook.
WWF-Brasil asks participating cities to make nature conservation their priority and to develop projects which aim at long term environmental sustainability. Promotion of less polluting means of transportation and waste sorting are some of the actions which can be undertaken which also include the creation of conservations areas, the protection of river headwaters and the respect of environmental legislation.
“The participation of people, organizations and governments in Earth Hour is a gesture towards the search for sustainability. It signifies that we are concerned and watchful of global warming and that we want to do our share for our children and grandchildren’s right to a habitable planet”, stated Denise Hamú, WWF-Brazil’s CEO.
Institutional Support – Earth Hour received institutional support from the National Front of Mayors (FNP) and the Brazilian Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters (Abert) and was sponsored by Banco do Brasil, Coca-Cola, Tim, HSBC and Rossi.
“Our city has to be the symbol of sustainability and take part in the fight for the climate and for the conservation of our water and natural wealth”, highlighted Governor Agnelo Queiroz.
Rio de Janeiro - People of Rio celebrate Earth Hour dancing samba at the Arcos da Lapa
Around 3,000 people danced to rhythm of the samba in front of the Arcos da Lapa, monumental arches where the illumination was switched off during Earth Hour 2011
For the third time running Rio de Janeiro is the official capital of Earth Hour in Brazil, but the emotion of seeing the lights switched off in the “wonderful city” of Rio is always unique.
This year the global movement event in the city took on a different aspect and for the first time the people of Rio celebrated Earth Hour in a public event with lively music and dancing in front of one of the city’s many monumental landmarks that had their lights switched off.
Even before the lights went off, musician Toni Garrido was warming up the crowd at the event promoted by WWF-Brazil with support given by Coca Cola Brazil, TIM and the Bank of Brazil, clearly demonstrating their concern with environmental problems and climate change.
After the show, at the invitation of WWF-Brazil, all present observed a very moving minute of silence to pay homage to the victims of floods in Brazil at the beginning of the year that so greatly affected Rio de Janeiro and to the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
The silence was broken by the voice of WWF-CEO Denise Hanú in a speech thanking everyone for their presence. Then Rio de Janeiro’s Municipal Conservation Secretary Carlos Osório; vice-president of the Bank of Brazil’s Human Management and Sustainable Development Division, Robson Rocha; Director of Corporate Communication at Coca-Cola Brasil, João Domenech Oneto; TIM’s Communication and Sustainability Officer, Maurício Bacellar; Rio de Janeiro’s State Secretary for the Environment, Carlos Minc; and the Brazilian Minister for the Environment, Izabella Teixeira, together with Hamú made the gesture that has now become a traditional part of the last week in March and threw the large symbolic switch that put out the city’s lights.
Darkness announced the beginning of Earth Hour 2011 Almost immediately the lights went off at the Christ the Redeemer Statue, the Copacabana Shoreline Promenade, the Arpoadar rock, the Sugar Loaf Rock, the Penha Church, the Fiocruz Castelinho Bulding, the Monument to Brazilian Soldiers, and the Jockey Club.
“Today Brazil is joining more than one hundred other countries around the world to call attention to the need to take care of the Planet. Protecting the environment means protecting life and the Brazilian people can turn around the present situation of degradation. It depends on you and all of us,” declared Minister Izabella Teixeira to the listening crowd.
Right after the lights went out, the happy beat of the percussion groups of four of the city’s most famous samba ‘schools’: Mangueira; Portela; União da Ilha; and Grande Rio broke the silence and took charge of the celebration and people of Rio danced samba for an hour.
“Today is the day, and sadness must keep away,” sang the people and 34 year-old Simone Pessanha chimed in, “The event is great. Initiatives like Earth Hour are very important ways of calling people’s attention to environmental issues.”
Even the people that run the stalls on the streets of this famous bohemian district of Rio joined the movement wholeheartedly, substituting the electric lights of their innumerable stalls with alternative forms of illumination like lanterns and candles. “The least I can do is to put out the lights on my stall and that is what I’m doing. I can tell you it is actually fun to be working almost in the dark like this,” said 28 year-old stallholder Edeildo Francisco.
Another form of illumination with a hypnotic effect was used by the Andef dance company of the Niteroi Association of Disabled Persons in an emotive performance that further enlivened the event.
At 9:30 pm the percussionists stopped playing but the Earth Hour spirit carries on. WWF-Brazil has called on Rio de Janeiro and all the municipal authorities that have adhered to the movement to go beyond the single hour and work to make their cities increasingly environmentally sustainable.
“We are delighted with the success of this edition of Earth Hour in the city of Rio. Many people have come here to the Lapa district to take part in this worldwide movement and demonstrate their concern for the wellbeing of the Planet. Also many people who just happened to be in the district came to see the celebration and received the message about how necessary it is do their part in fighting global warming. That in itself is very important,” said WWF-Brazil’s CEO Denise Hamú.
The following people all took part in the Earth Hour event at Arcos da Lapa:
Carlos Alberto de Mattos Scaramuzza, Conservation Director for WWF-Brazil: “I would hate to live in a world without nature, with no clean water, no trees... That is why we are calling on you to re-think your actions and join us in the quest for a world with more Nature”.
Sérgio Besserman, WWF-Brazil councillor: “Earth Hour is a magic moment that brings together two fundamental dimensions of contemporary civilisation: climate change and the global connection for freedom.”
Carlos Osório, Rio de Janeiro’s Municipal Conservation Secretary
Robson Rocha, vice-president of the Bank of Brazil’s Human Management and Sustainable Development Division: “Sometimes we forget to look after what is actually our our home and we are called to attention to reflect on that. This is one of those moments to reflect and to make sure that we leave a better Brazil for our children and grandchildren.”
João Domenech Oneto, Director of Corporate Communication at Coca-Cola Brasil: “Earth Hour is a symbolic act that reminds each one of us of the need to take action in our daily lives. It has been a great satisfaction to Coca Cola to take part in the event.”
Maurício Bacellar, TIM’s Communication and Sustainability Officer:
Izabella Teixeira, Brazilian Minister of the Environment:
Carlos Minc, Rio de Janeiro’s State Secretary for the Environment:
Toni Garrido: “It is very gratifying to take part in this struggle to ensure that the environment can continue to save our lives.”
Nilo Sérgio, in charge of the Portela percussion group: “It is a great honour for Portela to participate in the Earth Hour movement and make Brazil aware that the Planet needs help. In our neighbourhood of Madureira all the lights are out, including the Madureira Shopping Mall.”
Leila da Lapa, stallholder in the nocturnal market ‘Feira Noturna da Lapa Legal’ : “It is very nice (legal) for us to feel that we can do our share. The Lapa did really well and it is good that younger people are beginning to realise that they need to take care of the planet.”
Brasília – the capital of the country will also participate in Earth Hour after the Federal District handed in its official participation document on Thrusday (24/03). It was signed by Governor Agnelo Queiroz in the Buriti Palace. The capital’s Legislative Assembly and the Parliamentary Front in Defense of the Environment also joined the movement. In Brasília, the Buriti Palace and its Annex, JK Memorial, National Theater, Cathedral, Indian Museum, Cultural Complex of the Republic and the JK Bridge will have their lights turned off.
SECOND BRAZILIAN TIME ZONE
Campo Grande, in the second time zone, celebrates Earth Hour with a public event
Right on the outskirts of the Pantanal, one of the most important Brazilian biomes and the biggest wetland in the world, Campo Grande, capital of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, participated for the third time in the Earth Hour movement. The campo-grandenses not only turned off their lights to show their concern for the environment but also participated in a public event organized by the Municipal Foundation for Culture (Fundac) in the Praça do Rádio in which participated artists from the city.
The event began in 19h30 with presentations of capoeira circles, a samba school and the municipal band. Right before the clock struck 20h30, local time, Nelson Trad Filho, mayor of the city, started the countdown for the lights to be turned off. Other monuments and public buildings of the capital also had their lights switched off and the show continued with the square illuminated by torches.
Lights turned off – various icons stayed in the dark during Earth Hour including the historical building Morada dos Baís, the Citizen Help Center and the Obelisks, all located in the center of town. Lights were also turned off in the Horto Florestal, the parks Jacques da Luz (Moreninhas neighborhood), Tarsila do Amaral (Vida Nova neighborhood), Belmar Fidalgo and the Elias Gadia square.
In Manaus, in the Amazon Forest, Earth Hour is celebrated with boi-bumbá, music and poetry
For the third time in a row, the Amazonas Theater, one of the biggest icons of the city of Manaus, State of Amazonas, switched off its lights for an hour. The initiative, led by the organizers of the Second World Sustainability Forum, was part of the international movement Earth Hour. The campaign is organized annually by the WWF Network to raise the awareness of people, governments, companies and organizations about the gravity of climate change.
Many other “manauaras” symbols have had their lights turned off to show their participation in the campaign organized by the WWF Network like the Praça da Saudade, the Amazonas Shopping and the State Prosecutor building. In the center of the capital, artists of all sort recited poetry and short stories, and performed musical pieces. As stated Michelle Andrews, the objective was to rescue old Amazonian habits. “Like small talk on door steps, an exchange of ideas under candle light on a sidewalk”, she said.
Inside the Amazonas Theater, the State Secretary of Culture organized a performance of the Amazonas Chamber Orchestra and of the Parintins, Garantido and Caprichoso Bumbás. In the Praça da Saudade, the Municipal Secretariat for the Environment distributed folders on climate change and saplings from the municipal gardens.
The Amazonas shopping turned off its exterior lights and those from its corridors. The AmazonSat, which has aired campaign videos throughout the week, also switched off its lights and air conditioning equipment.
THIRD BRAZILIAN TIME ZONE
The Brazilian state of Acre takes part again in Earth Hour
Four towns in the state of Acre, in the Brazilian Amazon, turned off the lights during Earth Hour 2011. It is the third time in a row that the state participates in the global movement. Acre is known as a state where there is high awareness about conservation issues, and is also the home state of environmental icons like Chico Mendes, killed in 1988, and Marina Silva, former senator and candidate in the Brazilian 2010 elections for president, voted by more than 20 million people.
The Acrean towns of Rio Branco (state capital), Xapuri, Santa Rosa do Purus and Sena Madureira took part officialy in the Earth Hour movement. In Rio Branco, the state government palace had the lights turned off for one hour. There was also a public concentration in front of the palace.
According to state secretary for the Environment, Edgard de Deus, Acre’s participation in Earth Hour shows a concern of the local society about conservation and environmental issues. “It is not a matter of saving energy, but to think about what we have been doing to the world”, he states.
Chico Mendes’ town participates in Earth Hour 2011
In Xapuri, the lights of the house where the biggest icon of the Brazilian socio-environmental movement used to live and was assassinated in 1988 for fighting deforestation, have been turned off during Earth Hour
The bullets which took the life of the environmental and union leader Chico Mendes in December, 1988, were not enough to silence the voices of the people of the forests, pioneers in the fight against deforestation. Today, the socio-environmental movement is stronger than ever and millions of people around the world are fully aware of the importance of the Amazon Forest to the planet.
The Earth Hour movement, coordinated by the WWF Network throughout the world, gave homage to Chico Mendes - the last home where he lived with his family until the day of his death, in the municipality of Xapuri in the State of Acre, had its lights turned off between 20h30 and 21h30 this Saturday, March 26th.
Elenira Mendes, daughter of Chico Mendes, is pleased that her father was honored in a global scale movement such as Earth Hour. “It’s an unique symbolism, of great importance. My father, who has shown to the world the Amazon and the importance of the forest, would be very happy to know that our house has been part of this worldwide movement”, she concluded.
According to Dande Tavares, head of the WWF-Brazil office in the State of Acre, the participation of Xapuri reinforces to the world the revolutionary ideas defended by Chico Mendes. “He represents the culmination of the socio-environmental movement that brought the Amazon to the international spotlight, alerting people worldwide about the problems of deforestation”, he said.
Nowadays, the house works as a memorial in honor of the historical rubber tapper. The town of Xapuri will also turn off the lights of City Hall and of the historical monuments Casa Branca and Chapurys Museum. Although born in a small community in the forest, it was in Xapuri that Chico Mendes built most of his career as an environmental and union leader.
Brazilian Mayors Organisation to take part in Earth Hour
The third edition of the movement calling on Brazilians to take part in this huge clamour for a more sustainable way of life will take place on March 26 at 08:30 pm.
Once again Brazil is getting ready for large-scale participation in WWF-Network’s Earth Hour event in which people around the world switch off their lights for 60 minutes in the world’s biggest single mobilisation against global warming. WWF-Brazil will be running the third national edition of the event on March 26 at 8:30 pm.
This Tuesday’s (22) adherence of the Brazilian Mayors Organisation (Frente Nacional de Prefeitos-FNP) to the Earth Hour movement is a great achievement. “It is a tremendous gain in terms of multiplying the initiative among the municipalities. The idea is for Brazil to participate in an intense and creative manner that will put it in a leading position in this worldwide movement”, enthuses WWF-Brazil´s Earth Hour director Regina Cavini.
“It is in the municipalities that people’s daily lives take place. It is essential to take advantage of the power the mayors and municipal authorities have to mobilise and engage their populations. When we manage to get the mobilisation down to the municipal sphere it is reflected in the form of effective changes in society’s behaviour. We are expecting at least 10% of Brazilian municipalities to officially participate in the movement”, declared João Coser, mayor of Vitória (capital of Espirito Santo state) and president of the FNP during the signing ceremony of adherence to the Earth Hour initiative.
The FNP embraces all political parties and brings together around 400 mayors from the City halls of large and medium sized cities and the big metropolitan regions, among which are 26 State Capitals and 11 cities with over a hundred thousand inhabitants, that is, 40% of the entire Brazilian population.
In 2010, Brazilians in 98 cities, including 20 state capitals, switched off their lights to show their concern about the global warming. National icons like the statue of Christ the Redeemer, the famous Cable-stayed Bridge in São Paulo, the National Congress Building and the Amazonas Theatre were all kept in darkness for sixty minutes.
Mobilisation for Earth Hour 2011 has already begun. The site www.horadoplaneta.org.br is already online to provide citizens, companies and organisations with information, and receive comments and suggestions. The advertising agency ‘141 Soho Square’, has developed this years publicity campaign this year producing material to be run in the printed media, and on TV, radio and the internet. “The campaign uses simple language that will find resonance in all spheres of society “, explains 141 Soho Square CEO Mauro Motorin.
The 60+ Platform
Earth Hour continues to gather force as more and more people take on responsibility for demonstrating that it is feasible to confront the threats posed by climate change by means of collective actions. To ensure that the Earth Hour ideals make themselves felt on every day of the year, WWF-Brazil is launching a platform called “60+”, a mobilisation tool designed to involve people in concrete actions that lead them to change their daily habits. This year the “60+” campaign will be focussing on the question of recycling. The idea is to inform and influence Brazilians in regard to the importance of separating and recycling waste and to involve
governments, companies and society at large.
About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a WWF Network global initiative to address climate change. Since it was first run in 2007 the Earth Hour movement has never stopped growing. What began as an isolated event in a single city (Sidney, Australia), has now become a global action involving hundreds of millions of people in more than 4,400 cities and 128 countries.
The first time the event took place, 2 million people switched off their lights. In 2008 more than 50 million people around the world took part. In 2009 when WWF-Brazil ran the Earth Hour event in Brazil for the first time, almost 1 billion people on the planet switched off their lights. Some of the world’s most famous monuments like the pyramids of Egypt, the Eiffel Tower, the Acropolis in Athens and even the city of Las Vegas were kept in darkness for sixty minutes.
About WWF-Brazil
WWF-Brazil is a Brazilian non-governmental organization dedicated to the conservation of nature aiming to harmonize human activity with biodiversity conservation and to promote the rational use of natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations. WWF-Brazil was created in 1996 in Brasilia and has several projects all over the country and is part of the International Network Environmental Organization WWF, which works in more than 100 countries and counts on the support of around 5 million people worldwide, including associates and volunteers.
WWF-Brasil Press Services:
Maristela Pessoa: + 55 (61)3364-7464 - maristela@wwf.org.br
Denise Oliveira: Head of Comms: + 55 (61) 3364.7497 – doliveira@wwf.org.br
wwf.org.br
Once again Brazil is getting ready for large-scale participation in WWF-Network’s Earth Hour event in which people around the world switch off their lights for 60 minutes in the world’s biggest single mobilisation against global warming. WWF-Brazil will be running the third national edition of the event on March 26 at 8:30 pm.
This Tuesday’s (22) adherence of the Brazilian Mayors Organisation (Frente Nacional de Prefeitos-FNP) to the Earth Hour movement is a great achievement. “It is a tremendous gain in terms of multiplying the initiative among the municipalities. The idea is for Brazil to participate in an intense and creative manner that will put it in a leading position in this worldwide movement”, enthuses WWF-Brazil´s Earth Hour director Regina Cavini.
“It is in the municipalities that people’s daily lives take place. It is essential to take advantage of the power the mayors and municipal authorities have to mobilise and engage their populations. When we manage to get the mobilisation down to the municipal sphere it is reflected in the form of effective changes in society’s behaviour. We are expecting at least 10% of Brazilian municipalities to officially participate in the movement”, declared João Coser, mayor of Vitória (capital of Espirito Santo state) and president of the FNP during the signing ceremony of adherence to the Earth Hour initiative.
The FNP embraces all political parties and brings together around 400 mayors from the City halls of large and medium sized cities and the big metropolitan regions, among which are 26 State Capitals and 11 cities with over a hundred thousand inhabitants, that is, 40% of the entire Brazilian population.
In 2010, Brazilians in 98 cities, including 20 state capitals, switched off their lights to show their concern about the global warming. National icons like the statue of Christ the Redeemer, the famous Cable-stayed Bridge in São Paulo, the National Congress Building and the Amazonas Theatre were all kept in darkness for sixty minutes.
Mobilisation for Earth Hour 2011 has already begun. The site www.horadoplaneta.org.br is already online to provide citizens, companies and organisations with information, and receive comments and suggestions. The advertising agency ‘141 Soho Square’, has developed this years publicity campaign this year producing material to be run in the printed media, and on TV, radio and the internet. “The campaign uses simple language that will find resonance in all spheres of society “, explains 141 Soho Square CEO Mauro Motorin.
The 60+ Platform
Earth Hour continues to gather force as more and more people take on responsibility for demonstrating that it is feasible to confront the threats posed by climate change by means of collective actions. To ensure that the Earth Hour ideals make themselves felt on every day of the year, WWF-Brazil is launching a platform called “60+”, a mobilisation tool designed to involve people in concrete actions that lead them to change their daily habits. This year the “60+” campaign will be focussing on the question of recycling. The idea is to inform and influence Brazilians in regard to the importance of separating and recycling waste and to involve
governments, companies and society at large.
About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a WWF Network global initiative to address climate change. Since it was first run in 2007 the Earth Hour movement has never stopped growing. What began as an isolated event in a single city (Sidney, Australia), has now become a global action involving hundreds of millions of people in more than 4,400 cities and 128 countries.
The first time the event took place, 2 million people switched off their lights. In 2008 more than 50 million people around the world took part. In 2009 when WWF-Brazil ran the Earth Hour event in Brazil for the first time, almost 1 billion people on the planet switched off their lights. Some of the world’s most famous monuments like the pyramids of Egypt, the Eiffel Tower, the Acropolis in Athens and even the city of Las Vegas were kept in darkness for sixty minutes.
About WWF-Brazil
WWF-Brazil is a Brazilian non-governmental organization dedicated to the conservation of nature aiming to harmonize human activity with biodiversity conservation and to promote the rational use of natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations. WWF-Brazil was created in 1996 in Brasilia and has several projects all over the country and is part of the International Network Environmental Organization WWF, which works in more than 100 countries and counts on the support of around 5 million people worldwide, including associates and volunteers.
WWF-Brasil Press Services:
Maristela Pessoa: + 55 (61)3364-7464 - maristela@wwf.org.br
Denise Oliveira: Head of Comms: + 55 (61) 3364.7497 – doliveira@wwf.org.br
wwf.org.br
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