16 March 2016 01:43 pm Views - 1903
Global Compact Network Sri Lanka partnered with Earth Hour Sri Lanka to celebrate Earth Hour by promoting the cause of sustainability and raising awareness on the need to Change Climate Change! WWF’sEarth Hour is the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment and it is further strengthened through this partnership to create awareness on sustainability and climate change related issues among Sri Lankans.
Dr. Rohan Fernando – Chairman of Global Compact Network,Sri Lanka said“UN Global Compact is an UN initiative that seeks to bring businesses together UN agencies, labour organizations and civil societies to work together to support 10 universal principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. Through the power of collective action the Global Compact seeks to promote responsible corporate citizenship and work towards the realization of the vision of a more sustainable and inclusive global economy.”
This year marks Earth Hour’s tenth lights out event. In the past nine years, WWF and Earth Hour teams worldwide have harnessed the power of the movement to raise support and funds for access to renewable energy, protection of wildlife and their habitats, building sustainable livelihoods and driving climate-friendly legislation and policy.
“It’s evident that Climate Change is real and it’s the most urgent threat our planet is facing today. For an issue of this magnitude we need to work collectively together in order to Change Climate Change. Our actions today will decide what tomorrow looks like for years to come. This partnership with Global Compact Network Sri Lanka will surely strengthen the call urging corporates to drive sustainability in to their DNA which will help us Change Climate Change and take Climate action now” said, Abdul QadirUvais – Country Manager, Earth Hour,Sri Lanka.
In 2016, Earth Hour will continue to power grassroots efforts to change climate change including driving a petition for 100% renewable energy in Spain, protecting forests and biodiversity in Africa and helping devise a comprehensive solution to Southeast Asia’s persistent haze crisis by working with governments, businesses and civil society simultaneously on peatland protection and sustainable palm oil.
Commenting on the partnership, SutheashBalasubramaniam – Representative of UN Global Compact, Sri Lanka Network said “The partnership with Earth Hour Sri Lanka will enable the platform to create awareness about climate change among the corporate arena. This will encourage companies to be more sustainable in their initiatives and be mindful of the environment.”
This Earth Hour, Saturday, 19 March 2016 8:30 p.m. local time, the world’s most iconic landmarks prepare to switch off their lights, supporters will be invited to take a stand for climate action on their own personal landmarks on their Facebook and Twitter accounts. Through traditional and social media, the campaign aims to shine a light on the positive actions Sri Lanka can take both as individuals and as communities to change climate change and help protect our country’s incredible natural resources.
When asked about what actions individuals can do to be part of this global campaign, Abdul QadirUvais- Earth Hour Country Manager and Coordinator, had this to say “In Sri Lanka, Earth Hour is asking the government, businesses, organizations & individuals to be part of this cause by switching off non-essential lights, signage’s on Saturday 19thMarch 2016 from 8.30 pm- 9.30 pm. Help spread awareness about climate change issues and be part of this cause by adding your voice in this global call for action by following three simple steps;
1. Visit www.earthhour.org/climateaction
2. Select 'Worldwide (All)'
3. Accept and post to Facebook
Finally going beyond the symbolic gesture of switching off non-essential lights for Earth Hour drive climate action throughout the year, to lead an environmentally conscious lifestyle.”
Since 2007, Earth Hour has mobilized businesses, organizations, governments and hundreds of millions of individuals in over 7,000 cities and more than 170 countries and territories to act for a sustainable future.
About Earth Hour:
Earth Hour 2016 will be celebrated on Saturday, 19 March 2016 between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. local time. Log on to www.earthhour.org for more stories and articles on teams using the Earth Hour movement to shine a light on climate action. This is our time to change climate change.
Earth Hour is WWF's global environmental movement. Born in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has grown to become the world's largest grassroots movement for the environment, inspiring individuals, communities, businesses and organizations in over 170 countries and territories to take tangible climate action. Celebrating the tenth edition of its signature lights out event in March 2016, the Earth Hour movement continues to harness the power of its millions of supporters to shine a light on climate action and the power of the individual to change climate change.
Link to photos on Earth Hour activities around the world:http://www.earthhour.org/photo-galleries
About WWF:
WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with over five million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.