Earth Hour – Saturday 28 March 2009, 8:30PM

At a time when economic pressures are high, and anxiety about the worlds’ economic and environmental futures are burdening governments and its people, there could be no better time to advocate solutions driven action that will make a positive difference.

Earth Hour 2009 will be a major call to action for every individual, government and business to take responsibility and play a part in ensuring a sustainable future. Iconic buildings and landmarks across Africa, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and The Americas will go dark. People will join together to celebrate, discuss and think about the future. Cities that have already signed up include: Sydney (Australia), London (UK), Rome (Italy), Dubai (UAE), Los Angeles (USA) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) among others.

• Companies will engage with staff and customers and reap the benefits of delivering genuine corporate social responsibility strategies
• Mayors and politicians on all sides of government will embrace the large scale recognition of such an importance public campaign and engage on the burning issues in their electorates
• School children across the globe will discuss Earth Hour in classrooms and at home with their families
• Parents will embrace the opportunity to defend their children’s future; and
• The internet generation will blog, email and text to rally friends to take part

WWF South Africa is planning an exciting national campaign to get 1 million dwellings and offices to switch off their lights and 3 million South Africans to sign up on www.earthhour.org.za.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has honoured us by agreeing to be the patron of Earth Hour 2009 and City of Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille has also pledged her support. To demonstrate South Africa’s commitment we will switch off the lights illuminating Table Mountain for an hour on 28 March.

Sign up now at www.earthhour.org.za and tell your friends and family to do the same.

Switch off on 28 March 2009, 8.30 to 9.30pm – at work as well as at home.

Already, through the extensive WWF International network, Earth Hour will be delivered in over 60 countries, the number growing each day. Our campaign needs your commitment – from participation, organisation or potential sponsorship.

Earth Hour is a message of hope and action. Imagine what we can do if we act together.