Ten Videos: 2012 Earth Hour Celebrations

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1. The HeLL says:

   April 2, 2012

   If previous Earth Hours are any indication, Saturday’s annual ritual possess a curious blend of contradictory properties. Switching off the lights for an hour will have little effect on climate change, practical or symbolic, yet it will likely follow the established trend of growing participation each year. All good contradictions deserve an explanation, but the most likely ones in this case don’t bode well for our Western liberal Enlightenment tradition.
   Earth Hour will not reduce the consumption of resources. Even without the parties, concerts, or candle burning, Earth Hour could only delay consumption, not reduce it. A more effective way to pursue the goal of Earth Hour would be to calculate one’s annual income, divide it by the number of hours in a year and (cleanly) burn that much money—less money equals less future consumption.
   Some might say that misses the point, Earth hour is meant to be a symbol. But it won’t “send a message” to politicians (at least not the intended one), and its hollowness causes other problems. As a thought experiment, why isn’t it Earth two hours, or a whole day? And how many Earth Hour participants really enjoy sitting in the dark, as opposed to burning candles, playing flashlight tag and attending Earth Hour concerts? The real message Earth Hour sends politicians is that people think this fights climate change, and any policies which actually restrict access to carbon-based energy would be political suicide.
   Earth Hour is not just ineffective at promoting carbon emission reduction. Politically and practically, it achieves the opposite. Why would somebody who cared deeply about climate change want to be part of an event so wrong-headed? Just another publicity stunt.
   • Just sayin' says:

     April 2, 2012

     If it were 2 hours or a whole day, we couldn’t very well call it ‘Earth Hour’, now could we? . . . Earth Hour is a well-intentioned and enjoyable way to bring attention to climate change that has gained momentum across the globe. And, it leads up to Earth Day in April, when the focus on the environment continues.
2. Greenrock President says:

   April 2, 2012

   Totally agree that less consumption means using fewer resources, and is ultimately the only way to fight climate change. I also agree that Saturday’s very successful Earth Hour celebration possibly (taking advertising, poster production etc into account) used more resources than it saved in that hour. But that certainly misses the point – research and experience shows that unless there is an emotional connection to an issue (from heart disease to gun control) people find it hard to change their behaviour, people participate in Earth Day globally to make that connection with each other on the issue of climate change and to motivate each other to change their consumption habits.

   I also don’t agree that Earth Hour sends the message to politicians that policies which restrict access to carbon-based energy would be political suicide – on the contrary, it sends the message the people actually care and that businesses and individuals are already working towards reducing resources. We actively lobby government on this issue, but we need to be able to demonstrate that we are not alone.

   As with any issue, people will choose their own approach to making the point, so I am sure you are making a difference in your daily life. I participated in Earth Hour because I care deeply about climate change and want to show that commitment publicly.

   Go to our website at http://www.greenrock.org to see what else we are doing to reduce resource use or to register the things that you do on our Earth Day site at http://www.greenrock.org/earthday
3. The HeLL says:

   April 2, 2012

   Andrew Landeryou presented a graph of Sydney’s power demand on three Saturdays, the final one being Earth Hour. This past Saturday there was a large spike in usage BEFORE Earth Hour, presumably as people put forward the things they were intending to use electricity for so they could “save” power during Earth Hour.
   Awareness campaigns should be running every day all year round. Some use it as a publicity or promotional stunt Some argue the other reason for Earth Hour events are to simply have a good time. Coca-Cola is a major sponsor and they know how to back a good festival –just look at the Olympics. The festival hypothesis may explain the motives of mainstream participants, but not the chosen theme of the festival.
4. Whistling Frog says:

   April 3, 2012

   Bermuda has a lot of talent…. I’m assuming Gavin Smith is Bermudian. Props to them all..
   • R2012 says:

     April 3, 2012

     He’s the guy running chewstick!
5. Weldon Wade says:

   April 3, 2012

   Love you Joy!
6. Average says:

   April 5, 2012

   Gosh why so negative *smh* this island is like crabs in a bucket….sad.

   We always speak about coming together for some form of a difference in this country. There was a much bigger picture to the Earth Hour than POLITICS it’s about communities coming together. On top of that, there was also an opportunity to get a taste of a variety of foods prepared by young Bermudian certified female chefs. Our island is flooding with talent and skilled young people and when events such as these are presented to the community we must think beyond politics. Stop waiting on the media to present us with events after they happen then “crush” it down. This was a very positive event, something most of us are seeking for in this country because of all the negative things that are manifesting.

   From my persepective, the children that were there truly enjoyed themselves but more importantly it was lovely seeing FAMILY unity. Mothers AND Fathers with their kids; you very rarely see that, especially within the black community.

   I applaud all the entertainment and the Bermudian chefs as well as the other vendors who where there selling different things. Keep pressing forward with your talents and skills, stay encourage.