Why you should turn off your lights tonight in Dubai

Dubai - And it's not just because it's going to have an impact on your electric bill

Tonight, Dubai will turn off its lights for a noble cause. The emirate, which has continuously driven towards sustainability will participate in the worldwide Earth Hour that will be taking place tonight at Business Bay. The event sees residents from around the city, shutting off their lights in their households for a full hour.
But why exactly do we have to shut off our lights at 8:30 pm? 
According to earthhour.org, the event has been an annual fixture for 10 years now. At 8:30 in the evening around the globe, governments and residents are encouraged to turn off all light sources for an hour. The goal of the hour is to raise awareness about climate change. It has also funded many initiatives and charities. In the 10 years that it has been held, it has brought solar power to households in India, provided fuel-efficient stove tops for families in Nepal and Madagascar, and it has also given those affected by Typhoon Haiyan a new lease in life by giving them motorized boats.
Having been to last year's Earth Hour, Dubai kicks it up a notch by making it into an eco-friendly neon light display. Artists make murals out of reflective paint. Participants of the Earth Hour fun run are given reflectorized caps and there is also a dedicated candlelight display, proving that Dubai is definitely into the spirit of making the world a greener place.
But you don't need to go all the way to Business Bay to participate! Earth Hour is a campaign that can be done anywhere. All you need to do is turn off the lights in your household by 8:30pm and you've done your part in saving the environment.
If that's not convincing enough - think of the practicality of turning off your lights: (1) You're tempted to sleep early and (2) You shed a couple of dirhams off your DEWA bill.
keith@khaleejtimes.com   

• Dubai