Armenia's own input in "Earth Hour 2009" - global action against climate change

Millions of people around the globe united for one hour and switched off their lights to show that they care about our living planet. Citizens, businesses and public authorities in almost 4000 cities and towns in 88 countries across 25 time zones turned off their lights for one hour at 8.30pm on 28 March in support for decisive action on climate change.

“Earth Hour” is a global WWF climate change initiative. The event began in Sydney in 2007, when 2 million people switched off their lights to show their support for action on climate change. In 2008, more than 50 million people around the globe participated.

Along with the great metropolises of the world, Earth Hour 2009 also saw the lights go out on some of the most recognized landmarks on the planet, including Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Table Mountain in Cape Town, Merlion in Singapore, Eiffel Tower in Paris, Sydney Opera House, CN Tower in Toronto, Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Federation Tower in Moscow and the world’s tallest constructed building Taipei 101.

WWF-Armenia together with the Ministry of Nature Protection, RA supported this initiative first time ever in our country and called on the Armenian public, business and ordinary citizens to participate in “Earth Hour 2009” global initiative by turning power down locally. Yerevan Municipality also joined and supported this initiative. For one hour the street lights went out at some central streets as well as in the suburbs of Yerevan.

The enthusiasm for turning lights out extended to some representatives of the local business sector in Armenia. Among them are WWF-Armenia partners. Armenia Marriott Hotel participated in the action by switching off the lights at the hotel for one hour. HSBC Bank Armenia cjsc switched off the lights at all its local branches and offices in support to this huge, global and symbolic action.

The media partnership with “Lyunse” youth program of Armenian Public Radio ensured extensive coverage of this global event locally and involved people in casting their “vote for earth” in Armenia.

For more information on the results of “Earth Hour 2009” worldwide click here


For further information:
Arthur K. Khoyetsyan, Marketing Manager
Tel: (+374 10) 52 47 12 , 54 61 56 (ext. 16)
Email: akhoyetsyan@wwfcaucasus.am