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 29 August 2008 05:26 BST

Cities switch off lights to show need for climate action

Monday, 31 Mar 2008 08:52
The Colosseum was one of the landmarks unlit for an hour

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Millions of people in hundreds of cities switched off their lights for one hour on Saturday to highlight the need for action on climate change.

The 'Earth Hour' event was supported by 370 cities and events took place in 26 international Earth Hour flagship cities in ten countries across the globe.

Some of the world's most iconic landmarks were unlit during the hour, including the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco; Brighton Pier in the UK; Sydney Opera House; and the Colosseum in Rome.

Lights first went off in Canberra, Australia, between 20:00 and 21:00 local time.

As well as lights, participants switched off appliances including televisions.

Earth Hour claims there was an 11.4 per cent drop in electricity consumption during the hour across the city.

"The overwhelming support for Earth Hour from Australians across the country has amazed us and shows the willingness of both business and individuals to start cutting emissions," said Earth Hour director Andy Ridley.

James Leape, director general of WWF International, added: "The challenge now is to build on the momentum Earth Hour has created, to use it to propel us forward.

"It is time that governments around the world matched the concerns of their citizens with actions, for corporations to cut their carbon emissions, and for individuals to do what they can to reduce energy consumption."
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