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Beyond Earth Hour: Taking steps to combat climate change

Published on 9 March 2015 Philippines

WWF Philippines is urging the public to go beyond the usual 60-minute light switch-off event at this year's Earth Hour on March 28 and take action against climate change in their own ways.

 "You don't have to go to the main event itself. Of course, we encourage people to celebrate with us, but they can do it in simple ways and I think that message resonates with a lot of people," Earth Hour Philippines head Gia Ibay told GMA News Online at the event's press launch on February 27.

An offshore residence in Beton, Palawan. Mavic Matillano/WWF  An offshore residence in Beton, Palawan. Mavic Matillano/WWF "We like fiestas, and we like coming together and celebrating meaningful things," Ibay said, noting that the Philippines has topped participation records from 2009 to 2013.

The switch-off will be held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. The WWF urged attendees to come in sporty attire and bright colors for a zumba session.

Still, Ibay emphasized that it isn't so much about Earth Hour as taking sustainable action. "We hope they will continue to imbibe the true message of Earth Hour that we have to go do our part to change climate change in our own little way," she said.

Ibay said this can be as simple as not using airconditioning on full blast, despite the summer heat. She also suggested that schools or corporations create policies that encourage people to dress in lighter clothing. "Those are things you can simply do. It's a way to adapt, and adapting to change is a national priority and that's something everyone should start thinking of," she said.

The Earth Hour event began in Sydney, Australia in 2007, and has grown to include 163 countries. Symbolizing the need for climate change solutions, Earth Hour calls on people to switch off their lights for 60 minutes.

Jose Palma, CEO and president of WWF Philippines, also said people should always strive for local solutions. "We, too, are part of the solution, and we begin at Earth Hour," he said.


The gift of light

Joy Dominquez studies by candlelight. Gregg Yan/WWFJoy Dominquez studies by candlelight. Gregg Yan/WWF

Noting that around 15 million Filipinos lack regular access to electricity, WWF called for online donations for the deployment of solar lamps to communities that rely on flammable and expensive lamps.

"We have no choice but to use them," 11-year-old Kyla Dominguez says of the kerosene lamps that allow her to do her homework after sunset. Dominguez, whose dream is to become a teacher, will be one of the first to benefit from The Gift of Light.

The Gift of Light is the second project under Earth Hour Blue, a crowdfunding platform which WWF set up in 2014 to "complete the shift from event to movement." Last year's project was Bancas for the Philippines, where fishing communities affected by Typhoon Yolanda were provided with fiberglass boats.

For the first wave, Earth Hour Philippines will bring portable solar lamps to Beton, an island community in Northern Palawan. Apart from deploying the solar lamps, the collected funds will also be used for training and research. Ibay said they had been doing a lot of work in Palawan, and decided this would be a good way to give back to the community.

"We now recognize we are all partly to blame," said WWF international director general Marco Lambertini, who noted that unlike before, people are now coming to terms with climate change.

 

Source: GMA News Online 2 March 2015