Recap: Earth Hour 2009
By Samantha Abernethy in News on Mar 30, 2009 5:40PM
Earth Hour 2009, a global initiative created by the World Wildlife Fund, took place worldwide on Saturday, and international landmarks showed their support by turning off non-essential lighting for one hour to make a statement about conservation and climate change. More than 200 large buildings in Chicago participated in the event, dramatically changing the view of the skyline. Chicago was one of 10 U.S. Earth Hour flagship cities. The event started in Sydney, Australia in 2007, and last year it spread worldwide. Chicago participated in 2008 as one of three flagship cities.
As the event continues to grow, WWF hoped to reach 1 billion participants worldwide this year, but official estimates have not yet been released. It seems that preliminary estimates in Chicago from ComEd show that the event may not have done as well this year as it did last. Last year's preliminary estimate showed Chicago area's energy use reducing by 5 percent, but later estimates showed it falling around 7 percent, saving more than 800 megawatt hours. However, preliminary estimates this year only show a 1 percent reduction in energy use, about 100 megawatt hours. The cold, rainy weather may be to blame, since more people might have stayed home and used appliances, but a weather-adjusted estimate is due today or tomorrow.
The visual spectacle of the event is unmistakable, though. (Well, what could be seen through the low clouds, a drizzle and sleet mix, and fog.) Sears, Hancock, Wrigley, the Ferris Wheel and all the big guys in Chicago showed their support. So did Times Square, the pyramids, Eiffel Tower, the Golden Gate bridge, McDonald's golden arches and a research base in Antarctica. For every action, though, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Some anti-global-warming organizations held their own counter-protests by turning every light on. A man who owns an ice cream shop in New Hope, Pa. called the Earth Hour event "nonsense" and planned to illuminate his store with extra theatrical lighting.