On Saturday, March 31, 2012, residents, companies and organizations are encouraged to "vote," to show their concern for excessive energy consumption as well as climate change and celebrate Earth Hour in Montreal (or anywhere in the world) by going dark for one hour, from 8:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., shutting off all the lights. Or take it step further and turn off televisions, stereos, computers, and generally avoid using anything requiring electricity.
The First Earth Hour in Montreal
Saturday, March 29, 2008 marked the first Earth Hour in Montreal and a 5% decrease in energy consumption for the duration of the event was the result. But it wasn't only private homes that showed their support. City hall, Place Ville-Marie's beacon, the Université du Québec à Montréal's properties and other downtown commercial buildings turned their lights off as well. And as of the 2009 edition, the lit cross atop Mount Royal is annually shut off to honor the occasion.
Where Earth Hour Began and Where It Is Going
It was 2.2 million people in Sydney, Australia who initiated the energy-saving statement in 2007, a city-wide observance that's turned into a global warming awareness movement, one hoping to inspire over 1000 cities worldwide to go dark just for one hour, representing one billion concerned global citizens.
Sources: World Wildlife Fund Canada, Montreal Gazette, Earth Hour
Evelyn Reid's Montreal Earth Hour article was originally published March 1, 2009.
