Phoenix - 8pm March 29, 2008

 

On March 29, 2008, Phoenix residents will join millions of people around the world to voluntarily "turn off the lights" for an hour from 8-9 p.m. to make a bold statement about climate change. Earth Hour will demonstrate that by working together, each one of us can make a positive impact on this global issue. Governments, business, communities and individuals on six continents will participate in Earth Hour and agree to make changes that will curb their carbon dioxide emissions.

Everyone Can Have an Impact
We're asking everyone to take part in Earth Hour:

• Sign up at earthhour.org
• Turn off your lights from 8-9 p.m. local time on Saturday March 29, 2008
• During that hour replace your old light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs
• Commit to reducing your energy consumption in the year ahead.
• Visit earthhour.org and World Wildlife Fund's climate website at worldwildlife.org/climate to learn more about climate change and how you can respond.

Leading the Effort
Earth Hour Phoenix is a partnership with World Wildlife Fund, the city of Phoenix, APS, SRP and Downtown Phoenix Partnership and Moses Anshell. To help with coordination, education and participation, we are pleased to have support from the Phoenix steering committee and working group members: Arizona Education Association, Arizona Republic, Arizona Restaurant and Hospitality Association, Arizona School Boards Association, Arizona Science Center, Arizona State University, City of Phoenix, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau, Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau, Local First, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Molina Media, Phoenix Community Alliance, State of Arizona, The Nature Conservancy and Valley Forward Association. Phoenix Aviation, Fire and Police are also providing assistance for Earth Hour.

Phoenix Environmental Sustainability Program
The city of Phoenix has developed a variety of innovative, award-winning programs that demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and its strong environmental stewardship. The city has initiated and implemented many programs that go beyond regulatory requirements and laws, resulting in national recognition and a local leadership role.

The importance of environmental programs is reflected in the city management structure.

• The city has specialized offices that assist other departments on environmental issues, energy and water conservation programs, pollution prevention/hazardous materials, cultural resources issues, historic preservation and environmental law requirements.
• The Mayor and Council established a long-standing subcommittee specifically designed to review land use, environmental and natural resource issues.
• The city's citizen-based Environmental Quality Commission has been developing environmental policy and recommendations to help shape city programs since the 1980s.
• Departments have designated or hired environmental coordinators to manage environmental issues and programs.
• The city has developed numerous environmental policies and regulations that address environmental issues, many of which were developed in a collaborative, inter-departmental team approach.

In recent years, government and private organizations have adopted the concept of sustainability as a way to link and integrate a wide range of environmental issues and programs. Sustainability provides a framework to ensure that our actions today meet the needs of the present but do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

What to Expect During Earth Hour
We're asking buildings and businesses in the downtown area to voluntarily shut off the majority of their lights for Earth Hour. These buildings will capture Phoenix's commitment to participating in this worldwide effort. All street lights and lights vital to public safety will remain on. We encourage as many residents and businesses as possible to voluntarily participate, though people should not expect the city to go completely dark.

Signs of Climate Change are Everywhere
Climate change is perhaps the most significant issue facing our planet today. We are beginning to witness dramatic impacts–from melting glaciers and frequent heat waves to increased intensity of hurricanes–as a result of the amount of carbon dioxide we load into the atmosphere.

The 10 hottest years on record have occurred since 1990—2005 was the hottest yet. The U.S. is the world's leading emitter of carbon dioxide, with over 20 tons per person produced every year. To alter the current course of climate change we must act now to curb our emissions. One person can make a difference, and millions of us working together can change the world.

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