At 8:30 p.m. on March 28, the world will turn off its lights for just one hour─Earth Hour─to show it is possible to take action on climate change. Switching off your lights is just one simple action that you can take to help make a difference and it sends a powerful message that we care about our planet.

Last year, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) pioneered Earth Hour globally and it was a huge success! More than 30 countries participated in this exciting initiative. In Canada, almost 10 million Canadians participated in more than 150 cities across the country.

People and businesses from coast-to-coast celebrated with candle-light parties, moonlight walks and other events to commemorate the hour power down.

This year, WWF is hoping to make Earth Hour more than a symbolic event but they need your help to make it happen. It is important people understand that we each have an important role to play in the fight against climate change. Our everyday actions, like turning off unnecessary lights, individually add up to make a big difference. Individual action also is important because it sends a strong signal to business and government that Canadian want action.

Why Participate
Climate change is the biggest environmental threat to our planet and the number one concern for Canadians. We are already seeing its impact. Participating in Earth Hour is a simple way to show that you want to be a part of the solution and sends a powerful message to others that, together, we can make a difference.

Globally, we are also up against a deadline to stop dangerous climate change. In 2012, the Kyoto Accord, the most significant international agreement to control greenhouse gas emissions, will expire.

In December, 2009, world leaders, including Canada's Prime Minister, will meet in Copenhagen to try and come to a new agreement which extends past Kyoto. It is important to start this process now because it will take 2-3 years for ratification and to ensure a seamless transition.

Scientists are showing that climate change is happening even faster than we thought. These global negotiations represent one of the last opportunities for responsible governments to put the brakes on spiraling temperature increases and protect the Earth's weather systems, ecosystems, communities and our collective livelihood from irreversible harm.

EarthHourCanada.org
Climate change is a global problem that requires global cooperation. Our nations' leaders must work together to achieve a fair, effective, science-based treaty in Copenhagen. We must dramatically cut global greenhouse gas emissions by 25-40% by 2020 and by at least 80% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. This is the 'hour of truth' for the planet. By participating in Earth Hour, you are demonstrating to the world's leaders that you want to see them take immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What you can do:
1. Sign-up for Earth Hour at www.EarthHourCanada.org and turn off your lights on March 28 at 8:30 p.m. for one hour
2. Promote Earth Hour to your friends, family, and colleagues
3. Make every hour Earth Hour. Consider what else can be done within your home and workplace to drive change in behaviour and practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information on how to participate, or who is participating, visit the Canada page on www.EarthHourCanada.org. There are also useful tools to help you promote Earth Hour including posters, FAQ's, logos and more.

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The Salvation Army's Position Statement on the Environment

As people made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), we have been entrusted with the care of the earth's resources (Genesis 2:15). Stewardship requires that we use these resources in a manner which ensures the well-being of present and future generations. God's instruction to 'subdue' the earth and 'rule' over every living thing (Genesis 1:28) cannot be interpreted to justify abuse or disregard for any life, not only human life. The privileges granted require our accountability to Him and one another.

Given the finite resources of our world, its expanding population, and the impact of industrialization, development must take account of environmental needs.

Salvationists as individuals and The Salvation Army as an organization should accept responsibility for the environment by taking practical steps to regenerate and conserve God's creation.