In solidarity with worldwide concerns regarding the future of the planet, Suriname is turning off the lights for an hour on March 26, 2011, at 9:30pm. At the launch of Suriname’s leg of Earth Hour, a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) event that takes place annually all over the world since 2007, Dominiiek Plouvier (of WWF Guianas) said, “Our planet is in danger; we’re using too much energy, and it’s evident in climate change.” This is the first time Suriname takes part.
Plouvier explained that to encourage Surinamers to turn off their lights on March 26, WWF has erected a billboard (at Henck Arron Street) meant to make people more aware of wastefulness. He stressed that “it is important that people be more considerate toward the environment; people still use too much water and energy and still continue to discard plastic bottles carelessly. Forests have to make way for housing projects. We need to be aware of what we’re doing to our planet.”
Media production company Chetskeys was contracted to roll out the Suriname initiative; besides producing the billboard, the company also produced a television infomercial that is played on local television stations. WWF officials will furthermore as of Friday visit schools throughout the country to make students more aware of the importance of Earth Hour. Environment Minister Ginmardo Kromosoeto has urged the community to participate in the initiative.
Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. [. . .] On Saturday 27 March, Earth Hour 2010 became the biggest Earth Hour ever. A record 128 countries and territories joined the global display of climate action. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the planet. Earth Hour 2011 will take place on Saturday, March 26 at 8:30PM.
For full article, see http://www.baiganchoka.com/blog/suriname-plans-to-go-dark-for-one-hour/
