In an effort to draw attention to global climate change and promote energy
conservation, Saint Paul will join cities across the world for Earth Hour 2012.
Earth Hour, a global movement that encourages individuals, businesses and
governments to take positive steps toward sustainability, will take place
between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 31. For the second
consecutive year, buildings throughout Saint Paul will turn off their lights for
that hour, raising awareness about the importance of reducing energy consumption
and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Saint
Paul’s commitment to sustainability can be seen in every corner of our city.
From our new electric fleet vehicles to solar-powered charging stations to the
solar electric panels on buildings across the city, Saint Paul has become a
national leader in energy conservation and sustainability,” Mayor Chris Coleman
said. “On Saturday, we will join with cities from all over the world to
highlight the importance of preserving our most critical resource: the
environment.”
Local
landmarks participating in Earth Hour 2012 include Saint Paul City Hall
and Ramsey County Court House, the State Capitol, , Landmark Center,
Saint Paul Central Library, James J. Hill Reference Library, RiverCentre, Xcel
Energy Center, Wells Fargo Place, First National Bank Building, District Energy
and Rice Park. Residents of Saint Paul, businesses, houses of worship, and
others are also encouraged to participate by turning off non-essential lights
for the hour.
Earth
Hour is intended to raise awareness and inspire people to go “beyond the hour”
and make energy saving changes in their daily lives.
Earth
Hour began in Sydney, Australia in 2007 when 2 million individuals and 2000
businesses turned off their lights for one hour to take a stand on climate
change. In 2011, hundreds of millions of people and over 5,200 cities in 135
countries turned off their lights, making it the largest environmental event in
history.
For
more information, visit www.stpaul.gov/earthhour and www.earthhour.org