Turn off lights for a bright future

DUBAI — It’s that time of the year again. Earth Hour 2012 is around the corner and residents across the UAE are all set to switch their lights off and switch on to the cause. Observed across the globe on March 31, the country is prepping up for the big event under the slogan “I will, if you will”.

Earth Hour is the largest global environmental event where millions of people across the world come together against climate change, by turning off all unnecessary lights and electrical equipment between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on March 31.

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (SCE) in partnership with Emaar and Emirates Wildlife Society announced the participation of Dubai for the fifth consecutive year for Earth Hour.

Yas Hotel, Abu Dhabi in all its glory, and the hotel during Earth Hour in 2010. — KT file photos

Earth Hour 2011 in Dubai saved 204,000 kWh electricity and 122,000kg of carbon emissions through the participation of individuals, businesses, government departments and educational institutions. Festivities held by Dewa in Burj Plaza adjacent to the Burj Khalifa attracted over 6,000 people last year.

“Under the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and in accordance with the long-term ‘Green Economy’ strategy announced earlier this year, Dubai is committed to becoming a world leader in the field of green economy,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice-Chairman of the SCE and MD and CEO of Dewa.

“Reducing CO2 emissions is a global challenge and as the largest voluntary environmental action in the world, Earth Hour 2012 and Dewa is requesting that we all take action to show our solidarity to building a sustainable environment for future generations,” he said.

Ahmed Al Matrooshi, Managing Director, Emaar Properties PJSC, said: “All our properties, including Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and The Address Hotels and Resorts will observe Earth Hour 2012.”

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE