Earth Hour

Lights Out, Chicago!

The Chicago Loop Alliance is asking you to turn off your lights from 8pm to 9pm on March 29th, 2008 as part of a global initiative on climate change called “Earth Hour”

Earth Hour is an initiative of World Wildlife Fund, which began with one successful event held in Sydney, Australia in March 2007. In 2008, Earth Hour will be celebrated globally in cities across with world, including Copenhagen, Manila, Tel Aviv and Toronto. Chicago has been chosen as the flagship city for the United States, with San Francisco, Phoenix and Atlanta also participating. We hope you’ll support this creative initiative and participate.

How is Chicago celebrating Earth Hour?

Earth Hour is meant to be celebrated while maintaining safety. Streetlights will remain on, as will any lights deemed to impact public safety like lobbies and elevators. All hospital and emergency services will be operating as usual – none of their lights will be turned off. However, the dramatic skyscape that is the Chicago Loop will make a powerful statement during Earth Hour if as many members as possible of the Chicago Loop Alliance participate!

Signs of Climate Change are Everywhere

Climate change is perhaps the most significant issue facing our planet today. We are beginning to witness dramatic impacts—from melting glaciers and frequent heat waves to increased intensity of hurricanes—as a result of the amount of carbon dioxide we load into the atmosphere. The 10 hottest years on record have occurred since 1990—2006 was the hottest yet. The U.S. is the world’s leading emitter of carbon dioxide, with over 20 tons per person produced every year. To alter the current course of climate change we must act now to curb our emissions. One person can make a difference, and millions of us working together can change the world.

Learn More About Earth Hour