Thoughts after Earth Hour 2010
Today, we observed Earth Hour 2010. I can help but to wondering, how does switching off non-essential light for 60 min will save the Earth when the same organization waste electricity on these light for 8759 hours per year and setting the air con temperature at icy cold temperature when it is so hot outdoor.
Just around 8.20pm, about 10 minutes before the Earth Hour observation, I was at Raffles Place.
When I walked past a bank building, I could feel icy cold wind blowing from the bank. The bank was not opened on Saturday. The entrance was opened because there were some contractors working there.
I wonder, do the bank need to set the air conditioning temperature to so low.
I wonder how much energy was consumed for cooling the building to such low winter temperature.
I wonder, how much carbon diode was produced to generate the require energy.
When I reached Singapore River, I saw a technician waiting at the switch board, looking at the time at his mobile phone. He told me, he was waiting for 8.30pm to switch off the non-essential light.
I had the opportunity to observe the difference. The first picture below was taken minutes before the light was switch off and the second picture was taken minutes after the light was switched off.
Singapore River just before Earth Hour 2010
Singapore River minutes just after the start of Earth Hour 2010
I am not surprised that, most would not notice the difference. Basically, the only the light at the edge of the pavement at the river bank was switch off.
I wonder, are these light needed in the first place.
As I walked further down, the really dark place was Esplanade Park, where the concert was held. I watched for a while before moving on to have dinner.
Walking along Esplanade Park during Earth Hour 2010
Esplanade Park during Earth Hour 2010
Earth Hour 2010 Performance at Esplanade Park
Earth Hour 2010 is over…. but what have we achieved? The non-essential light was switched on again for another 8759 hours till Earth Hour 2011. The air con temperature is still set as icy cold as before.
No commitment, no actual plan, no target set on how to save the Earth.
2 Responses to “Thoughts after Earth Hour 2010”
April 8th, 2010 saat: 6:53 am
I can say that, even if there are still organizations, houses who didn’t participate in the earth hour last March 27, 2010. Many did participate around the world. And I believe through that simple activity in a short time we’ve achieved something worthwhile. Saving our Earth lies in our own hands, if we decided to do on our own without waiting for other people to make the move, we could make the first move and lead others in protecting our environment. There are simple ways that you can do that can create a huge contribution to save the earth. By unplugging unused appliances, turning off unused lights, tree planting, using a stainless steel container instead of plastic bags, there are various kinds of eco-friendly stuffs that are durable and affordable. In fact, when you apply it daily, it has a big effect. You can also encourage others to do the same thing, if you do, that would benefit all of us. I, on the other hand, have started already. I hope you too, could start making a change for our Mother earth. Thank you!
May 1st, 2010 saat: 7:46 am
Hi Ara,
Thanks for your comment.
I agree with you that, everything simple that we do would contribute to global warming or saving the Earth. And as long as everyone contributes our part, we would create wonders.
I do not know where you are from. I am living in a very hot country, summer throughout the year. We can be sweating most of the time. However, we get indoor, we have to wear jackets to keep warm because of the air-conditioning. This is one of the areas which I am disappointed on.
There are also many talks about global warming. But there was little being done.
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