In response for calls to support Earth Hour 2008, tens of millions of people across the globe switched off their lights for one hour this weekend as part of a global campaign to throw the spotlight on climate change.
From Sydney to Asia, Europe, Canada and the US, "many tens of millions" of people flicked the switch on Saturday night, plunging cities, towns and homes into darkness, and organizers of the event say the response from around the world had been astounding.
When Earth Hour 2007 was launched in Sydney last year, around 2.2 million people took part – Estimates for participation this year reckon that around 100 million people will have been involved all around the world.
Here in the UK, although not officially signed up this year, organizers WWF-UK enlisted the support of 28 local authorities to switch off their lights between 8pm and 9pm on Saturday night, including London, Birmingham, Plymouth, Coventry, Bournemouth, Cardiff and Norwich, so perhaps you may have been part of a local initiative where you live.
But at the very least, we hope that you all joined in the campaign as part of our global Champions Club community! If you did, then thank you very much for your support, and very well done – even if your local area or country was not officially involved, at least you can say you did your part, and that you were at the leading edge of what is sure to become a worldwide phenomenon over the next couple of years or so as the campaign gathers momentum.
And as well as being a groundbreaker, you were also in very good company, as it is reported that The Prince of Wales's residence in Gloucestershire, was also among those plunged into darkness as part of Earth Hour 2008!
If you have been following the event, no doubt you will have heard the odd critical voice regarding the campaign – however, the resounding message, as echoed by the WWF must be that, “We are going to send out a big message that people around the world really care."
Thank you for supporting Earth Hour and Champions Club,
Guy Insull,
Founder,
Champions Club