Earth Hour 2009

Earth Hour 2009 is from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time, 2009-03-28. Currently, 82 countries and more than 2100 cities are 'committed to Earth Hour 2009, a huge increase from people participating in 35 countries for Earth Hour 2008. billion 'votes' is the stated aim for Earth Hour 2009, in the context of the pivotal 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference.

Among the participants this year is, for the first time, the United Nations headquarters in New York City

Conserving Wetlands through Awareness in School Children

Famous Indian Pop musician Rabbi Shergill was the chief guest at the event

Students from Ryan International School,Noida during the event.

02 Feb 2009
Delhi, February 2, 2009: World Wetlands day on Feb 2, 2009 is celebrated world over so as to create awareness on the need to protect this highly fragile ecosystem.WWF-India celebrated world wetlands day with a difference

Wetlands are some of the world's most alive and productive ecosystems on which several species of birds, fish, amphibians, mammals and human settlements thrive and coexist. They truly bring out the life-sustaining characteristics of water along with its rich cultural and economic values (agriculture and fisheries). Therefore, it is necessary to create awareness on the necessity of conserving this very important ecosystem.

As a precursor to the event on Feb 2, a musical extravaganza called 'Aqua symphony' was held on Jan 31st, from 10.00 am onwards. Several schools across the city competed with zeal, each by presenting their original compositions on the central theme of water and wetlands. The event was held at the WWF-India auditorium. Among those judging the competition were. Sam Lal,Editor Blender magazine,Randeep (from the band Men who Pause) and Gaurav Gilani(from the band Crimson)

On Feb 2, World Wetlands Day was formally commemorated. The event started at 5.00pm with the winning bands- Ryan International, Laxman Public School and G.D. Goenka Public School being awarded. The teams performed their winning compositions. Famous Indian Pop musician Rabbi Shergill was the chief guest at the event.

Mr Ravi Singh SG& CEO, WWF-India urged the student community to join in large numbers to ensure that the environment is protected and conserved with the role of each ecosystem in maintaining the ecological balance well understood

Dr Parikshit Gautam, Director Freshwater and Wetlands-WWF-India affirmed the need for preserving wetland ecosystems and said that such events will raise awareness on the importance of this ecosystem and the need to conserve this.

The chief guest Mr Rabbi Shergill , speaking on the occasion felt that these original compositions by the bands showed the extent of awareness amongst the present generation on the importance of wetlands

Additionally, WWF-India's film on Ladakh, 'Living with Change' was showcased on the day. The film bears the testimonies of communities which are coping to survive in a changing ecosystem since the region has several High Altitude Wetlands dotting the arid Trans-Himalayan landscape.

WWF-India Statement on GMOs and Bt Cotton

This is to clarify WWF-India’s stand on GMOs(Genetically Modified Organism) in general and Bt(Bacillus thuringiensis) Cotton in particular, given the recent debate on the issue and the allegations against our organization.

At the outset, we would like to categorically state that WWF-India does not support GMOs either in policy or practice. Our mandate is to focus on biodiversity and natural resource conservation. In this context we work on “thirsty crops” such as sugarcane, cotton and rice to promote Better Management Practices (BMPs) that lead to greater efficiency in water use and reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thus improving the health of the ecosystem while also having positive impacts on the livelihoods and health of farmers.

Our work with cotton farmers in Andhra Pradesh has been targeted by various groups and WWF-India has been accused of “promoting” Bt Cotton. This is patently untrue and defamatory as WWF-India has never promoted Bt Cotton. It is a fact that over 90% of the farmers in Warangal were already using Bt Cotton well before WWF-India started working there. While seed selection is left to the farmers, we clearly explain the potential problems with use of Bt Cotton and lay out the GMO debate.

Working on issues related to GMOs and the environment is not WWF-India’s mandate or area of expertise. Our work with farmers does not lead to promotion of Bt Cotton but in fact we feel that it could lead to them opting for BMPs that do not rely on Bt Cotton. The criticism leveled against WWF-India on the BT Cotton issue is therefore completely unfounded.

We would also like to state that WWF-India is not a member of the Round Table on Sustainable Soy (RTRS) and we have raised our concerns regarding this with WWF International. We understand that the WWF network is currently reviewing its position on this.

WWF-India Reintroduces 131 Gharials into River Ganges

Dr. Parikshit Gautam, Director, Freshwater & Wetlands, WWF-India with released gharial
© WWF-India

26 Feb 2009
January 29^th and February 12^th can be marked on WWF-India’s calendar as historical. In a task that was no shorter than being termed as herculean, WWF-India along with the UP State Forest Department reintroduced the Gharial into River Ganga at the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary (HWLS), U.P.

The status of the crocodilian species Gharial, Gavialis gangeticus has recently been revised by the IUCN to Critically Endangered. The surviving population is spread in less than half a dozen habitats eg-Ken, Son, Mahanadi, Chambal, Girwa and Ramganga. Estimates indicate that 1400 individuals survive in the wild. In order to address the conservation needs of this species, it is necessary to locate viable alternative habitats which supplement the extremely few habitats where the species currently occur.


The target reintroduction area was very well suited for the release. The site was selected after a survey conducted by the state forest department officials and WWF-India. The area has been inhabited by wild Gharials in fairly recent times. A female Gharial (3.63 m) inhabited this area as late as 1994. Another Gharial was rescued here in 2006-07 and released into the Ganges at a spot further up stream near Bijnor. Also, easily recognizable features of Gharial habitat like perennial stream with deep pools, undisturbed mid-river sand bars, high and steep sand banks for nesting, and multi-stream braided channels with stagnant eddy counter-currents occur in this stretch of the river. An awareness drive amongst the local communities was also conducted along the river bank to ensure community participation prior to reintroduction of these species into the Ganga.

Immediately below the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, the Ganges River and its environs downstream to the Ganga Irrigation Barrage at Narora have been declared as a Ramsar Site with its own conservation implications. The area is currently the focus of a dolphin conservation programme of WWF-India which will definitely benefit Gharial conservation, monitoring and protection.

In Total 131 Gharials were released in a phased manner. These gharials were breed at the Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Centre at Lucknow and belonged to the 2005-2006 batch. They were in the age group of 2-3.8 years In the first phase 60 Gharials were released in which there were 18 males and 42 females. They measured approximately 1.20-1.68 m in length and weighed approximately 7-12 kg.

In the second phase 71 Gharials were released of which there were 19 males and 52 females. These weighed 7-16 kg and measured approximately 1.20-1.80 m in length. Intensive post-release monitoring is underway and it has been observed that these individuals have negotiated 10 kilometer downstream and 2.5 km upstream of the release site. These release programmes will be sustained for a number of years until a resident breeding population of Gharial is established at a favourable location in the river.

The objectives of the reintroduction will be achieved through people participation and regular monitoring of sections of the Ganga River and studying the response of the released Gharial in terms of ability to permanently adapt to the environment. Rescue operations for Gharial individuals will also be done, which could drift downstream of protected areas. The local communities have expressed support and solidarity for ensuring the return of the Gharial in this area. With the success of this project it is hoped that these species sees resurgence.

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Parikshit Gautam
Director, Freshwater & Wetlands,
WW- India,
E-mail: pgautam@wwfindia.net
T: +91 11 41504820

Earth Hour receives unprecedented support

Earth Hour logo
© Earth Hour

Related links

• Earth Hour India website

27 Mar 2009
New Delhi: This Saturday, 28th March 2009, hundreds of thousands of Indians will take a stand towards calling for action on climate change by participating in Earth Hour and switching off their lights from 8.30 to 9.30 pm. From Kochi to Shimla and Guwahati to Ahmedabad citizens, corporates and governments are joining this campaign to voice their concern.

Some of Mumbai’s best known landmarks, like the Reserve Bank of India and Air India building will be switching off. In Delhi, PVR Cinemas, and educational institutions like Delhi University, Jamia Milia are joining in. Hotels chains including ITC Welcome and Indian IT giants like WIPRO and Infosys, leading banks such as ICICI, HDFC, HSBC, Standard Chartered, ING Vyasa, industry leaders Godrej Group, Genpact, Tata Indicom, Nokia, Nestle, and many more have come forward to observe Earth Hour.
Utilities like BEST and NDPL in Mumbai and Delhi respectively have been promoting the campaign through innovative means like showcasing Earth Hour promos in BEST Buses and reaching out through their model RWA associations.

The Government of NCT of Delhi has been proactively supporting the campaigning by urging citizens to participate in large numbers. Public service announcements have been appealing to citizens to participate in global movement. They have reached out to over 2000 RWAs and schools in the city.
The Mayor of Mumbai has also been actively promoting Earth Hour through media and other channels.
Mr Ravi Singh, Secretary General and CEO, WWF-India, addressing the media said, “It is heartening to learn the tremendous support that the campaign is receiving from all sections of the society across the country. Earth Hour shows the power of collective action towards a vote for the planet”.

Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachhan, Sachin Tendulkar and several other prominent individuals have extended their support for the campaign and urged citizens to turn off their lights. Noble peace prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu and UN secretary General Ban Ki Moon have also supported this campaign and have appealed global citizens to sign up.

Earth Hour 2009 is reaching out to 1 billion people across the world. It was initiated in Australia on 31st March 2007 where 2 million people and two thousand corporate houses turned out their lights for one hour and became a part of the event. The campaign became wider with 35 countries and about 50 million people participating across the globe in 2008. So far over 2000 cities from 85 countries will be participating in this campaign.

EARTH HOUR IN INDIA – A SNAPSHOT

No. of cities: Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore over 25*

No. of Corporates signed up: 50*

School Outreach: Over 200,000 students in Mumbai and Delhi alone

Major Landmarks:

National:
ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and HSBC Bank - Head Office and all branches, All offices of United Nations agencies, Infosys, HP, Google, Wipro, BirlaSoft, properties managed by CB Richard Ellis

Mumbai:
Air India Building, RBI Building, Hiranandani Gardens, IIT Powai.

Delhi:
The Raj Niwas, The Ashok Hotel, all ITC Welcome Group Hotels, PVR Cinemas, DLF Luxury Homes, Aralia; Swastik Kunj, Rohini.

Bangalore:
Forum Mall, Shops on Brigade Road, SJR Apartments, Sarjapur; Redwood Apartments, Hebbal

For more information, please contact:

Shaila Sam, Senior Manager – Communications
Tel: +91-11-4150 4797

Earth Hour- India

On 28 March 2009 millions of people around the globe will unite for one hour and switch off their lights to show that they care about our living planet.

Actor & Filmmaker Aamir Khan joins Earth Hour 2009, as the face of the campaign in India "Climate Change is undoubtedly and regrettably, the biggest immediate long-term environmental challenge we face. A failure to come to sound policy outcomes on climate change will not only have a negative environmental impact but also social and economic consequences for all of us. Stand up and join us in the fight against climate change. Support Earth Hour." Aamir Khan, Noted Bollywood actor & filmmaker

VOTE EARTH YOUR LIGHT SWITCH IS YOUR VOTE

This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF is urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights.

In 2009, India joins Earth Hour for the first time. New Delhi and Mumbai are among 825 cities across 80 countries and territories that have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009. This number is growing everyday.

Noted film actor and icon Mr Aamir Khan will be leading the campaign in India. Many companies such as HP, HSBC and Wipro are also supporting the campaign. WWF-India Secretary General and CEO Ravi Singh says: “Earth Hour is a step in the world's efforts to combat the threat of Climate Change and it holds tremendous potential to influence sound policy and people's participation on the issue. Earth Hour is an unprecedented communication initiative to make people understand what they must”.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet.

People from 825 cities across 80 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour on Saturday, March 28, 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm local time.

Earth Hour in India

India will observe “Earth Hour” by switching off all lights and electrical appliances for an hour from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm.to save energy on 28th March. According to WWF, 50 lakh citizens of 377 cities in 74 nations are participating in the initiative this year. The campaign began two years ago when people in Sydney switched off lights for one hour in order to save energy and create awareness amongst people about global warming and conservation of the environment and natural resources.

It is a very good initiative to create awareness about global warming. We all should observe Earth Hour

Earth Hour: Thiruvananthapuram to switch off lights on March 28

---

Over a billion people in 74 countries are expected to participate in Earth Hour this year.

---

8.30 p.m. on March 28, people in Thiruvananthapuram will join people in cities across the world in voluntarily switching off lights for one hour as part of an international campaign to fight global warming.

Over a billion people in 74 countries are expected to participate in Earth Hour this year. For India, which is participating in the lights-out campaign for the first time, Earth Hour 2009 highlights the fact that climate change is no less a threat than terrorism.

Lights on buildings will be dimmed and pivotal landmarks and monuments throughout city centres will be plunged into darkness as thousands of people join hands to campaign for an international treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In India, the programme is promoted by WWF and supported by various institutes and corporates such as HSBC, Wipro, ITC Welcom group, HP, Taj group, HUDCO, HSBC, Google, Standard Chartered India and PVR Films. Bollywood star Aamir Khan is the brand ambassador for the campaign.

In Kerala, the event is being organised by the Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS), WWF, Energy Management Centre, Doordarsan, Kerala State Electricity Board and environmental agencies. Actor Suresh Gopi will be the honorary ambassador.

Highlighting the need for voluntary involvement in the campaign, CESS director M. Baba says it would go a long way in creating awareness of the need for a global mandate for action on climate change.

earthhour.org, the portal for the campaign, says that more than 681 cities in 76 countries have already signed up to turn their lights out on March 28.

Origin in Sydney

Earth Hour is a movement initiated in Sydney in 2007 when over 2.2 million homes and business establishments switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008, the movement became a global one, with over 50 million people participating by voluntarily switching off their lights.

Earth Hour assumes greater importance as 2009 is a critical year for action on climate change, with the world’s leaders due to meet at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December to sign a new deal to supersede the Kyoto Protocol.

Earth Hour 2009

Switch Off your lights for Earth Hour 28 March 2009 (Saturday) 8.30PM to 9.30 PM (for 1 hour)

75 countries including India have committed to participate in WWF’s Earth Hour in 2009. The campaign, which hopes to reach out to more than one billion people in 1000 cities around the world, encourage individuals, businesses and governments to switch off lights for just one hour on Saturday March 28, 2009 at 8:30pm to convey their support for action on climate change. Cities already committed to Earth Hour include Los Angeles, Las Vegas, London, Hong Kong, Sydney, Rome, Manila, Oslo, Cape Town, Warsaw, Lisbon, Singapore, Istanbul, Mexico City, Toronto, Dubai and Copenhagen.

2009 is a critical year in terms of the political decisions that will be made at global climate negotiations in December 2009. Earth Hour, aims to highlight the voice of the people of the world and represent a visual mandate for meaningful policy on climate change.