Mumbai: In the lead up to 26th March, leading actor Vidya Balan has pledged support for Earth Hour 2011 at a press conference in Mumbai.
To bring attention to and to address the problem of Climate Change, Vidya encouraged Indians to not only switch off lights for Earth Hour but to go beyond the hour to protect the planet and added a PLUS sign to the '60' logo of Earth Hour.
This PLUS signifies a commitment to add a positive act in everyday life to benefit the environment that goes beyond the hour. Vidya was joined by Dr. Sejal Worah, Program Director, WWF India. ITC Welcomgroup, actively committed to environment friendly business practices will also observe Earth Hour at all their locations across the country. The event was organized at ITC Maratha.
"As the effects of Climate Change become more prevalent and more powerful, it is up to each one of us to take ownership of our collective future," Vidya said.
"WWF's Earth Hour has inspired millions across the globe and has created mass awareness on the colossal issue of Climate Change. It is inspiring and encouraging to see how a step as simple as switching off lights for an hour can unite the entire world towards a single cause. I too switched off lights last year, and will do so this year as well. But now, it feels great to be a part of the bigger Earth Hour family."
"For Earth Hour 2011, I pledge to not just switch off but to go beyond the hour. To be mindful of conserving resources, everyday, not just for an hour. From this year on, I pledge to use energy smartly. And urge you to do so as well. Each one of us has the power to make a difference. We just need to be conscious of it and make wise choices. When each of us take simple steps, together these actions add up. I am supporting the fight against Climate Change by adopting some of these steps. It's time you do too", Vidya added.
Earth Hour 2011 is expected to be a culmination of over one billion people around the globe, in more than six thousand cities across 130 countries worldwide. It is a commitment to a more sustainable way of living, not just for an hour but everyday.
Dr. Sejal Worah, Program Director, WWF India said, "Earth Hour 2010 got tremendous support across India as millions of citizens switched off. Earth Hour 2011 marks the beginning of a journey towards behavioral change for individuals and organizations on the path to environmental reform. We are hoping that Earth Hour 2011 will create awareness amongst one and all about the steps everyone can take beyond the hour to fight Climate Change."
Mobilisation for Earth Hour 2011 has already begun. The site www.earthhour.in is live to provide citizens, organisations, and governments with information and suggestions on the steps they can take to reduce their carbon footprint. Last week, over a hundred cyclists mobilised support for the campaign by participating in the Earth Hour cylcothon in New Delhi.
As Earth Hour continues to gather force, more and more people are taking on responsibility for demonstrating that it is feasible to confront the threats posed by increasing pressure on our resources through collective responsible actions.
WWF-India is in strong preparations to run Earth Hour, the country's largest environmental campaign for the third time this year since 2009.
Image: www.earthhour.in
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