FROM SKYLINES TO TIMELINES, EARTH HOUR SHINES A LIGHT ON CLIMATE ACTION

Earth Hour: Saturday 19th March 8:30pm-9.30pm

Following a landmark year for climate change WWF’s (World Wide Fund for Nature) Earth Hour is calling on people around the world to escalate the charge and be a part of the global momentum. Earth Hour 2016 will be celebrated on Saturday, 19 March between 8:30pm and 9:30p.m. local time. Earth hour, Sri Lanka requests everyone to join this global initiative by switching off non-essentialsources of power and light in their homes and workspaces during the time, and use this time to reflect and spend time with loved ones.  

Last year was the hottest year on record. It was also the year countries came together to work against climate change at the historic summit in Paris. With the world at a climate crossroads, Earth Hour 2016is our time to shine a light on climate action and build the foundation for a better future for our planet and future generations. 

“Climate action todaywill decide what tomorrow looks like for years to come. Earth Hour empowers each individualto be a part of making climate change history, be it through a social event, interactive campaigns and even social networks,” said Siddarth Das – Executive Director, Earth Hour Global. 

2016 marksthe tenth lights out event since Earth Hour’s debut in Sydney in 2007. In the past nine years, WWF and Earth Hour teams around the world 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.

In 2016, Earth Hour will continue to power grassroots efforts to change climate change.
In addition, as the world’s most iconic landmarks prepare to switch off their lights for Earth Hour, supporters are also invited to take a stand for climate action on their own personal landmarks – their social media accounts. From donating their Facebook feeds to spread climate awareness and action on earthhour.org/climateaction to adding a custom-made Earth Hour filter to Facebook and Twitter profile pictures, users can show their friends and followers they care about the planet in a few simple clicks.

“Social media knows no physical boundaries and neither does climate change,” added Das. “A simple action on social media is the kind of powerful statement that can excite friends and communities to be a part of the climate action we need to take on this global challenge.”

“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. We need to take action now to save this beautiful planet, which is our only Home” said Abdul Qadir Uvais, Country Manager and Coordinator of Earth Hour Sri Lanka. 

This Earth Hour, Earth Hour Sri Lanka is calling on all Sri Lankan’s to address climate change to preserve our beautiful country. Through traditional and social media, the campaign aims to shine a light on the positive actions Sri Lanka’s 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, the local Earth Hour Country Manager and Coordinator, Abdul Qadir Uvais 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 on Saturday 19th March 2016 from 8.30 pm- 9.30 pm 
•    Help spreadawareness about climate change issues and be part of this cause by adding your voice as well inspiring their friends and family to join them in this global call for action by following three simple steps; 

a)    Visit www.earthhour.org/climateaction
b)    Select 'Worldwide (All)' 
c)    Accept and post to Facebook

•    Going beyond the symbolic gesture of switching off non-essential lights for Earth Hour and to drive climate action throughout the year and leadan 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 170countries and territories to act for a sustainable future.