80 Million Americans Vote For Action On Climate Change During World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009As Congress Debates Clean Energy/Climate Legislation and World Governments Negotiate Global Climate Agreement, American People Issue Clear Mandate for Action
WASHINGTON, DC, May 20, 2009 – An estimated 80 million Americans reported turning off their lights for Earth Hour 2009 in an unprecedented global vote for action on climate change, World Wildlife Fund officials announced today. Globally, nearly one billion people are estimated to have participated in the March 28 event, in which more than 4,100 cities and iconic landmarks around the world went dark for one hour.
According to polling conducted by Penn, Schoen and Berland Associates on behalf of WWF, nearly 30% of US adults surveyed reported taking part in Earth Hour, with 85% of those surveyed agreeing that climate change is an important global issue that affects all of us and must be addressed before it becomes an even bigger problem.
“The American people have sent a clear mandate to our nation’s decision-makers: they want action on climate change,” said WWF President and CEO Carter Roberts. “From coast-to-coast, more than 300 cities went dark as citizens, businesses, communities, and state governments, turned out the lights to take a stand on this defining issue of our time. As members of Congress debate a new clean energy jobs package that would dramatically reduce global warming pollution, they should take note of the clear call for action from their constituents.”
Of those surveyed, 80 percent said they support the negotiation of an international agreement to address climate change. WWF officials said the finding is particularly relevant because negotiations are currently underway on a global climate accord that is expected to be finalized in December in Copenhagen.
“With world governments in the throes of negotiations on a new global climate agreement, the results of the post-Earth Hour survey are particularly noteworthy,” said Dr. Richard H. Moss, WWF vice president for climate change. “By an overwhelming majority, the American people want the U.S. to reengage in the effort to secure a climate deal. Simply put, they want an agreement in Copenhagen.”
On Saturday, March 28th at 8:30 p.m., people in more than 4,100 cities in 87 countries, on all seven continents turned off their lights in the first global vote for action on climate change. In the US, more than 300 cities turned off non-essential lighting including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York, San Francisco and Washington D.C. Additionally, seven states officially took part: Arkansas, California, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and New York.
Thousands of buildings and landmarks across the US participated including the Las Vegas Strip, the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings in New York City, the Space Needle in Seattle, Church of Latter-Day Saints Temple in Salt Lake City, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the National Cathedral in Washington DC. International landmarks going dark included the Great Pyramids of Giza, Parthenon in Athens, St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Big Ben and Houses of Parliament in London, Paris’ Elysee Palace and Eiffel Tower, Beijing’s Birds Nest and Water Cube, Symphony of Lights in Hong Kong, Sydney’s Opera House and Christ de Redeemer status in Rio de Janeiro.
Among other notable findings of the polling, the number of people who said they were very interested in taking additional action against climate change rose 6 percentage points after Earth Hour, while nearly 8 in 10 people said they planned to participate in Earth Hour 2010
Survey Methodology
WWF commissioned a survey which was conducted by Penn, Schoen and Berland Associates. PSB conducted a quantitative benchmark and tracking study to determine pre-post evaluation of WWF’s 2009 Earth Hour. Two waves of 2009 Earth Hour research were conducted via web-based surveys of the general public including oversamples in 10 key media markets across the United States.
B Roll:
More information about Earth Hour can be found at www.EarthHourUS.org. Video footage and photographs from Earth Hour 2009 can be found at http://www.earthhourus.org/mediacenter.php.
About World Wildlife Fund and Earth Hour
Earth Hour (www.EarthHourUS.org) is a global initiative of WWF in which millions of people around the world cast a vote in favor of action on climate change by turning off their lights for one hour on March 28, 2009 at 8:30 pm. By voting with their light switches, Earth Hour participants sent a powerful, visual message to their leaders demanding immediate action on climate change. WWF is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries for nearly half a century. With the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, stop the degradation of the environment and combat climate change. Visit www.worldwildlife.org to learn more.
The Buzz Weekend Recap
Monday, March 30, 2009by Jon Brooks
March 29, 2009 09:43:52 PM
This weekend, people turn off their lights when they don't really feel like it, a sexy hamburger commercial has people clicking, and the World Figure Skating Championships draws a lot of online attention. Just a few of the most popular stories the past couple of days in Yahoo! Buzz ...
Lights out
OK everyone, what were you doing Saturday night from 8:30 to 9:30 pm? Well, the buzz is that if you were home you probably sat around with the lights low, doing your bit for Earth Hour 2009 (or at least thinking about doing it). People in 88 countries in every time zone turned off or lowered their lights for one hour Saturday, an event sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund as part of a campaign to highlight the threat from global warming. Clicks on articles related to the great dim-out were frequent all weekend, and searches across the Yahoo! network were also high. Interestingly enough, 60% of queries came from females, just 40% from males. Meaning ...what? Nope, not going there.
Landmarks Darken Around the Globe for Earth Hour
Sunday, March 29, 2009By VOA News
29 March 2009
Time zone by time zone, nearly 4,000 cities and towns in 88 countries marked Earth Hour Saturday, by dimming nonessential lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
From an Antarctic research station, to the Great Pyramids of Egypt and several buildings in Washington, including the Smithsonian Castle, famous structures went dark in a campaign to highlight the threat of climate change.
China participated for the fist time, cutting the lights at Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium and the Water Cube.
In the Chilean capital of Santiago lights were turned off at a number of buildings, including the Presidential Palace where President Michelle Bachelet hosted a dinner by candlelight for U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden.
Earth Hour organizers say there is no uniform way to measure how much energy was saved worldwide.
The event was first organized in Sydney in 2007.
Obama plans climate change summit
Mr Obama hopes to create a global consensus on greenhouse emissions
US President Barack Obama has invited figures from the world's 16 major economies to Washington for a meeting on climate change at the end of April.
The event will be the first meeting of what the White House styles "the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate".
It will focus on increasing the supply of clean energy and cutting greenhouse gas emissions, the White House said. It was announced as millions worldwide observed Earth Hour, turning off lights in a protest against climate change.
The Washington meeting is scheduled to take place on 27-28 April and the sessions will culminate in a July meeting in Italy. International agreement
The forum - which will bring together representatives of the 16 major economies and the UN secretary general - is designed to help broker a UN agreement on global warming, the White House said in a statement.
It aims to create dialogue between nations and "help generate the political leadership necessary to achieve a successful outcome at the UN climate change negotiations that will convene this December in Copenhagen", the statement said.
That pact that would take over from the Kyoto Protocol - an international agreement setting targets for industrialised countries to cut their greenhouse gas emissions.
Some 190 countries will be represented in the German city of Bonn on Sunday for talks on a new treaty on curbing greenhouse gases after 2012, when the provisions of the Kyoto Protocol expire.
The world's major economies include: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, South Africa the UK and the US.
Field Report for U.N. Climate Talks in Bonn, Germany
Earth Hour truly managed to impress people here. Colleagues from other NGOs, UNFCCC officials and journalists from major agencies have congratulated us on the Earth Hour event. After the reception here last night to bring Earth Hour to the delegates negotiating the new global deal, we - today and together with local reps from the World Scout Movement - handed over a ballot box with the Earth Hour vote to Yvo de Boer, the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC. A couple of hours later we are now sitting in the UNFCCC opening plenary, and our Vote Earth branded ballot box is standing on the panel table next to Yvo de Boer. In his opening speech he just made a prominent reference to Earth Hour last night, calling on the many delegates in the room to hear the public call and take action!
CITY OF ANGELS JOINS MORE THAN 3,900 CITIES AROUND THE WORLD TO GO DARK FOR “EARTH HOUR L.A. 2009”
World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Will.I.Am, Baron Davis, and other A-Listers Join Hundreds of Millions of People Around the World in Raising Awareness For Climate Change
(LOS ANGELES) March 28, 2009 – Tonight “Earth Hour 2009” was celebrated on the West Coast in true Hollywood style as thousands of Angelino’s gathered at L.A. LIVE in a united call for action on climate change. As WWF and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa marshaled the countdown to lights-out, the city, residents and business owners all over the city turned out their lights in homes, iconic buildings, landmarks, and corporate office complexes, creating a citywide, indelible visual for the entire city.
To kick off the festivities, TV personality Leeza Gibbons and Broadway singer/songwriter Douglas Ladnier joined emcee Tony Okungbowa from "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" to usher in this historic event. The much anticipated moment of darkness didn’t disappoint as WWF and Mayor Villaraigosa called the New Years Eve like countdown to lights out at 8:30pm sharp. Hundreds gathered in the L.A. Live plaza and held their LED candles high in the air to show their support and continue representing the message that started at the other side of the world almost 23 hours ago. Other performances followed throughout the evening including the L.A. Agape Choir, local urban artist Gina Rene, whose song “Be The Change” was chosen as the official anthem of Earth Hour L.A., and local student group "The Life Drum Core," who debuted a performance piece called “Funeral for Fossil Fuels,” created especially for Earth Hour L.A.
The much anticipated moment of darkness didn’t disappoint as the Mayor called the New Years Eve like countdown to the lights out plaza of L.A. Live. Thousands gathered in the plaza and held their LED candles high in the air to show their support and continue representing the message that started at the other side of the world almost 23 hours ago. A hush passed over the crowd as the Mayor flipped the switch. One by one small points of light were raised in honor of Earth Hour2009 and a loud cheer began to swell eventually rippling throughout the crowd.
Hollywood’s Elite Turned Out…
Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Alanis Morissette, Will.I.Am, Baron Davis, Janeane Garofalo, Big Kenny of Big & Rich, Los Angeles Kings, Tom Bergeron of "Dancing with the Stars," Mary Hart of "Entertainment Tonight," “The Insider,” "American Idol," "Bones," "Family Guy," "Good Day L.A.," FOX 11 News, FOX Sports West, "CSI," "The Insider," "The Price Is Right," all went dark to celebrate “Earth Hour L.A.” Many of the celebrities donated their time to create PSAs and shout-outs, which are now available on the Earth Hour L.A. Web site (http://www.EarthHourUS.org/losangeles).
Los Angeles Iconic Buildings Turned Out…
Andre Balazs Properties including Chateau Marmont, The Standard Hollywood, The Standard Downtown LA, BP’s Helios House, The Gibson Amphitheater, The Los Angeles Times, UCLA’s Royce Hall, Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Wilshire Christian Church, Wilshire United Methodist Church, The Griffith Observatory, Getty Center, STAPLES Center, Chris Burden’s outdoor installation Urban Light at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), El Capitan Theatre, the Capitol Records Tower, Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel, the pylons at LAX, City Hall, Amoeba Records; I.O. West, Groundlings, Upright Citizens Brigade, The Comedy Store, Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Clara Shortridge Foltz Courthouse, Hall of Records, and Department of Health Service Administration all turned out their lights for Earth Hour L.A.
Dine By Candlelight…
Participating hotels, restaurants and bars: Akasha - the first "all green" fine dining restaurant in LA, Tender Greens - Culver City, The Corner Hollywood, M Cafe – Melrose, Chaya - Venice, Beverly Hills, Downtown, Euphoria Loves Rawvolution, Mani's Bakery – Fairfax, and Gyenari - Culver City. At L.A. LIVE, all the restaurants participated: The Farm of Beverly Hills - L.A. LIVE, Boca at The Conga, ESPN Zone, Fleming's Prime Steak House and Wine Bar, New Zealand Natural, Rock N' Fish, Starbuck's Coffee, The Yard House, and Club Nokia.
After reaching Los Angeles city limits, Earth Hour 2009 had traveled through 25 time zones, with individuals, businesses and governments in more than 3,900 cities in 88 countries across the globe turning off non-essential lights in support.
Other dignitaries and special guests in attendance included WWF’s Curt Tamkin, Tim Leiweke, President/CEO of AEG and L.A. LIVE, and political figures Jan Perry and Cynthia Ruiz.
Through AEG's participation with Earth Hour L.A., 28 AEG properties around the world turned out and took action in their local time zones on March 28th. Additionally real estate company CB Richard Ellis turned off all non-essential lighting and equipment in 80 managed office buildings totaling nearly 20 million square feet in L.A.
National partners for WWF's Earth Hour 2009 are Esurance, Cox Enterprises, The Coca-Cola Company, Wells Fargo and Hewlett-Packard.
About World Wildlife Fund and Earth Hour
Earth Hour (www.EarthHourUS.org
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Contacts:
Dan Forman, WWF, O): 202-495-9546 C): 202-758-7940, dan.forman@wwfus.org
Ron Roecker, Enfluence Group, C): 310.384.5641, ron@enfluencegroup.com
Kimberly Moran-Blad, Enfluence Group, C): 818.694.3103, kimberly@enfluencegroup.com
WORLD TURNS OUT FOR WWF’S EARTH HOUR
Saturday, March 28, 2009With a Flick of a Switch, Hundreds of Millions in the U.S. and
Around World Cast Vote in Support of Action on Climate Change
WASHINGTON – March 29, 2009 – In a bold and unprecedented symbolic global statement, hundreds of millions of people around the world paused Saturday night for one hour, Earth Hour, and with their light switch as their ballot, cast their vote for action in the first global election on climate change.
Earth Hour was marked on all seven continents, and in more than 3,900 cities in 88 countries, according to World Wildlife Fund, the world’s largest multinational conservation organization, and global organizer of Earth Hour.
As Earth Hour was celebrated as it cascaded through the world’s time zones, individuals, villages, towns, major cities, organizations and corporations, and the world’s most recognizable landmarks, all united in a truly global effort.
From candlelit dinners at home to the darkening of the world famous Las Vegas Strip, Americans from coast to coast participated in Earth Hour by turning off lights wherever they were, sending a clear message they care about the future of the planet, and stand with the rest of the world in seeking to find solutions to the escalating climate crisis.
“The true power of Earth Hour can be seen in the tremendous opportunity for individuals, communities, businesses, and governments around the world to unite for a common purpose, against a common threat which affects us all,” said WWF President and CEO Carter S. Roberts. “As the world witnessed Saturday night, the simple action of turning off lights can inspire people around the world to take action, and to make a serious long-term commitment to living more sustainable lives. On behalf of WWF, I want to thank all participants for making Earth Hour a truly memorable hour for the entire planet.”
Some of the nation’s most famous skylines darkened on Saturday night, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York, Salt Lake City, St. Louis, Tucson and Washington, D.C. Pennsylvania, California, Arkansas, New Mexico and Michigan are participating officially, statewide.
Earth Hour activities involved many of America’s most iconic landmarks and attractions, including a broad array of people, places and things, including:
- Golden Gate Bridge
- St. Louis Gateway Arch
- Church of Latter-Day Saints Temple in Salt Lake City
- Empire State Building
- Chrysler Building
- Broadway Theater Marquees
- U.N. Headquarters
- Las Vegas Strip
- National Cathedral in D.C.
- Space Needle in Seattle
- Santa Monica Pier & Ferris Wheel
- Thomas Edison’s Laboratory in West Orange, NJ
- Hundreds of buildings and landmarks across the country
Additionally, around the country people celebrated Earth Hour in their own unique ways. In Washington, D.C. families organized a candle-light walk to observe the city in the dark. In Nashville and Los Angeles crowds gathered to watch their Mayors flip the switch and kick off Earth Hour in their cities. While in Chicago families gathered around flashlights for game night.
The event on March 28th was just one step in an ongoing effort to fight climate change. After Earth Hour, WWF hopes that conversations will continue on climate change and that people will take initiatives to make small changes in their lives to be more carbon efficient.
National partners for WWF's Earth Hour 2009 are Esurance, Cox Enterprises, The Coca-Cola Company, Wells Fargo and Hewlett-Packard.
More information about Earth Hour and ways to get involved can be found at http://www.EarthHourUS.org/.
Note to Editors: B-roll and Earth Hour videos and images are available on a special FTP site:
Hostname: imgdropbox.interfacevideo.com
Username: ImageHighlights (not case sensitive)
password: mediaimages (all lowercase)
Or on the web, at:
http://imgdropbox.interfacevideo.com
Username ImageHighlights (not case sensitive)
Password mediaimages (all lowercase)
About World Wildlife Fund and Earth Hour
Earth Hour (www.EarthHourUS.org) is a global initiative of WWF in which millions of people around the world will cast a vote in favor of action on climate change by turning off their lights for one hour on March 28, 2009 at 8:30 pm local time. By voting with their light switches, Earth Hour participants will send a powerful, visual message to their leaders demanding immediate action on climate change. WWF is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries for nearly half a century. With the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, stop the degradation of the environment and combat climate change. Visit www.worldwildlife.org to learn more.
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