The WWF is run at a local level by the following offices...
- WWF Global
- Adria
- Argentina
- Armenia
- AsiaPacific
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Belgium
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Borneo
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Caucasus
- Central African Republic
- Central America
- Central Asia
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- European Policy Office
- Finland
"EARTH HOUR 2009" 10 Days to go
The number of cities and towns signed up to Earth Hour 2009 exceeds target of 1,000
EXCEEDS TARGET FOR HISTORIC EVENT
- The number of cities and towns signed up to Earth Hour 2009 exceeds target of 1,000
- In Hong Kong, iconic landmarks Tsing Ma Bridge and the Cultural Centre complex are added
- District Councils and major chambers of commerce are committed to support Earth Hour 2009
With 10 days to go before the globe switches off for Earth Hour, the number of cities and towns signing up to switch their lights off at 8.30pm on 28 March has already exceeded the ambitious target of 1,000 set by Earth Hour organisers. Currently 1,672 cities and towns across 80 countries are committed, with more coming on board every day.
In Hong Kong, over 500 companies and organizations; and 1000 buildings have pledged to support Earth Hour 2009. Of the 18 District Councils, 15 so far have pledged to support Earth Hour and will promote this campaign to the local community. Major chambers of commerce are also fully behind Earth Hour. Foreign chambers including AmChan, AustCham, BritCham, CanCham and the leading local chambers such as the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce are also on board.
The numbers of committed iconic buildings and landmarks are growing with the recent additions of the Shenzhen Bay Bridge, Tsing Ma Control Area and the Cultural Centre complex. The Transport and Housing Bureau will also turn off non-essential lighting for advertising purposes, common areas of public rental housing estates and other architectural lightings for signature transport infrastructure.The Earth Hour momentum is building around Hong Kong with all walks of life sharing the same vision to combat climate change. Renowned singer Sandy Lam urged everybody to join Earth Hour, "As a local Hong Kong citizen, I can tell that this city consumes a lot of resources. Living in a bustling metropolis like Hong Kong, most of us take the rich resources we enjoy for granted. Even the amazing night view the city is so famous for is sustained by tremendous amount of resources. However, climate change is happening - I can feel it every day. It does not only affect our daily life, but also threatens our beautiful nature and the ecology. It's time to act."
"Earth Hour is a simple but meaningful campaign. It only requires you to turn off your lights at 8:30 pm on 28 March, and you can be part of the global climate change initiative, helping to arouse awareness of the problem. During Earth Hour on the 28 March, I encourage you to go outside and feel the power of this global campaign."
Alex Fong, CEO of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce says, "Earth Hour is a meaningful initiative to show Hong Kong being a global citizen. Everyone in the community has a responsibility to reduce carbon footprint so that collectively, we can create a better living environment for ourselves and future generations. Let's flick a switch!"
Facebook user May Cheng committed to support the campaign said, "I will do that! It can help the earth. "Save energy, keep clean." Tai Hang Youth Centre pledged.
Restaurants and bars are also pledging their support and providing unique Earth Hour experiences in Hong Kong. Life Cafe is celebrating with an acoustic candle-powered concert. MIX is going to have guitar playing performance at the Hollywood Road store, to invite customers to share this wonderful hour in the dark.. And people dining in DotCod will be able to enjoy Earth Hour by candle light as well as dining on organic and sustainably sourced food.
On 28 March 2009, from the Hong Kong to the Arctic Sea, people from all corners of the world will turn off their lights for Earth Hour to cast their vote for action on climate change.
The historic event will see millions of people gathered in parks, streets, town squares and homes around the world to witness the lights going out on iconic landmarks and city skylines, while taking in the atmosphere of some truly unique Earth Hour events.
In Sydney, where Earth Hour began in 2007, every ferry in the city's famous harbour will sound its horn at precisely 8.30pm to herald the beginning of Earth Hour in Australia, while in Melbourne a people-pedal-powered concert will be underway at Federation Square.
On the other side of the world, arrangements will be underway for a host of concerts and parties in cities across Europe.
Earth Hour Executive Director, Mr Andy Ridley, says Earth Hour is more than just a call to action on climate change.
"Earth Hour is an opportunity for the global community to speak in one voice on the issue of climate change, while at the same time coming together in celebration of the one thing every single person on the planet has in common – the planet," he said.
With participation levels now exceeding all expectations, and with more cities and towns signing up every day to be a part of this historic event, the success of Earth Hour 2009 is limited only by the will of the global community to want a say in the future of their planet.