Sunday, April 25, 2010

Switching off lights for an hour!

On 27th March 2010, more than 100 crore people world over joined hands to express their voice against the increasing perils of global warming. This gigantic movement led by WWF is held in more than 1000 cities spread over 120 plus countries. Supporting this movement by casting a symbolic vote for EARTH, lights were switched off for one hour on March 27 from 8:30-9:30pm.

The city of Cochin joined hands with this international movement under the aegis of JCI Cochin (Junior Chamber International) with the perils of global warming signaling its presence in Cochin. They also requested the citizens of Cochin to support this event by switching off their lights on March 27th from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. Last year, I too took part in this movement by switching off lights at home for one hour.

(Watch the media report at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alR1_QM2tVM)

The greenhouse gases like water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons etc are the major contributors to global warming. The increase in indiscriminate developmental activities especially of the developing countries is augmenting the menace called global warming. The Kyoto Protocol, which controls the emission of these harmful Greenhouse Gases in developed nations, is ceasing to exist in 2012.
Earth Hour assumes greater importance as no substantial decision was taken in the recently concluded UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009. The organizers said they are looking forward from the world leaders that an agreement leading to a sustainable outcome will come that suitably address climate change.
As this is a noble cause for making Earth a better place to live in, join your hands to support the event in 2010, if you aren't already in the list! Spread the message and encourage more people to be a part of this next year.