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EARTH HOUR
Posted by Renddy Rose Rodriguez
on
4/06/2009 12:54:00 AM
On Saturday, the world went dark for Earth Hour. At tourist destinations, businesses, and private homes, lights were dimmed or switched off for one hour at precisely 8:00 pm. The purpose was to emphasize the need for radical change to the world's current energy policies, and thereby encourage people everywhere to make much-needed changes to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
It's estimated that more than one billion people in over ninety countries took part in the event. Executive director Andy Ridley said that such a conscious change, even if for one hour, would raise awareness and generate discussions on what can and should be done to reduce energy consumption. Even in the dismal economic climate, when most people are focused on job security, meeting financial obligations, and cutting expenses, the conversation on greenhouse gases and global warming must continue. Such widespread participation, said the organizers of the event, clearly indicated that people desire strong action on climate change.
Others weren't so optimistic, and actually stopped just short of outright condemnation. The problem wasn't in the event itself, which successfully received media coverage and generated a moderate amount of awareness. Here the organizers and press touting the event as successful were correct. However, critics said that Earth Hour most likely gave participants the false illusion that they had made a change. Yet one hour doesn't equal the drastic adjustments required of everyone every day. People must opt for public transportation, green technology in homes and workplaces, and clean energy sources. In the long run, Earth Hour could actually cause more harm than good.
Do you agree or disagree? Why?
1. I use too much energy!
2. People in my country use too much energy!
3. I am very concerned about global warming and the future.
4. The environment and changes in climate will be much worse in twenty years.
5. The planet is becoming warmer, but global warming isn't caused by humans.
Talk about the following questions:
1. Did you participate in Earth Hour? If yes, how so? If no, why not?
2. How do you protect the environment? Please explain.
3. What's your opinion on Earth Hour? Is it favorable or negative? Why?
4. Do you think Earth Hour will have long-term effects on climate change? Why/not?
5. Because of global warming, what do you think the future will be like? Please explain.
It's estimated that more than one billion people in over ninety countries took part in the event. Executive director Andy Ridley said that such a conscious change, even if for one hour, would raise awareness and generate discussions on what can and should be done to reduce energy consumption. Even in the dismal economic climate, when most people are focused on job security, meeting financial obligations, and cutting expenses, the conversation on greenhouse gases and global warming must continue. Such widespread participation, said the organizers of the event, clearly indicated that people desire strong action on climate change.
Others weren't so optimistic, and actually stopped just short of outright condemnation. The problem wasn't in the event itself, which successfully received media coverage and generated a moderate amount of awareness. Here the organizers and press touting the event as successful were correct. However, critics said that Earth Hour most likely gave participants the false illusion that they had made a change. Yet one hour doesn't equal the drastic adjustments required of everyone every day. People must opt for public transportation, green technology in homes and workplaces, and clean energy sources. In the long run, Earth Hour could actually cause more harm than good.
Do you agree or disagree? Why?
1. I use too much energy!
2. People in my country use too much energy!
3. I am very concerned about global warming and the future.
4. The environment and changes in climate will be much worse in twenty years.
5. The planet is becoming warmer, but global warming isn't caused by humans.
Talk about the following questions:
1. Did you participate in Earth Hour? If yes, how so? If no, why not?
2. How do you protect the environment? Please explain.
3. What's your opinion on Earth Hour? Is it favorable or negative? Why?
4. Do you think Earth Hour will have long-term effects on climate change? Why/not?
5. Because of global warming, what do you think the future will be like? Please explain.
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