Earth Hour 2009 in Chicago resulted in a 1 percent drop in energy usage as opposed to last year's 7 percent, but according to Com Ed this is still a significant reduction. With an area population of 9.6 million, Chicago was estimated to have reduced its electricity usage during Earth Hour by about about 100 megawatt hours. That energy reduction is the equivalent of removing 154,500 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, or planting 19 acres of trees.
The colder weather may have played a factor in the figure, however.
"The weekend's colder temperatures and rainy weather probably meant more people used their heaters, offsetting the energy savings from turning off the lights," Com Ed spokeswoman Rachel Gerds is quoted as saying in a Southtown Star article by Elizabeth Kilpatrick.
This year's global Earth Hour observance seems to have made lasting impression on at least one nation: India.
An article from the Hindustan Times says the Delhi government has proposed to hold an Earth Hour every month on the last working day of the month. All lights in government buildings will be switched off at 8:30 p.m. for one hour on these days.
“According to officials, Delhi managed to save a whopping 10,000 MW of power. The rainy evening had also attributed to power cuts but a major chunk of the saving was thanks to Earth Hour.”
Delhi government's environment secretary JK Dadoo said 2,000 residents welfare associations (RWAs), 2,000 students in school ecological clubs and market associations and so far two national monuments have also been asked to participate as well.
The government plans to advertise the monthly campaign and screen promotional videos in 50 cinema halls just as they promoted the global Earth Hour campaign on March 28.
“The Delhi government's action shows that positive voluntary action by citizens can lead to good things for larger benefits for environment. Secondly, I am sure that if Delhi takes the lead then other cities and states are likely to follow and can be pursued," said Ravi Singh of the World Wildlife Fund-India.”
-photo credit: Flipped Out, flickr
Wow! That is a really progressive policy for Dehli to put in place! It is great to see other countries leading the way - I love the idea of 4 day work weeks for gov't employees here. I'm sure many workers would love a 10 hour day 4xs a week and having Friday off! That would save tons of money and energy!!!
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Posted by: EcoLabel Fundraising | April 05, 2009 at 10:38 PM