–at the National Park

THE World Wildlife Fund Guyana (WWF) is all set and ready to execute their annual activity to recognise Earth Hour at the National Park (Thomas Lands entrance), tomorrow evening.
Taking the form of a ‘Lights Out’ concert, the main event will commence at 18:30hrs, with the switching off of non-essential lights until 21:30hrs.

WWF Guyana Communications Consultant, Dionne Cush-Barnwell told ‘the Buzz Magazine’ that the concert will consist of cultural pieces, presentations from partnering organisations, environmental pledges by the national and international communities, and the symbolic lighting of the 60+ emblem.

The main act for this year, she disclosed, is Guyanese gospel artiste, Saiku Andrews.
Giving a brief history on Earth Hour, Cush-Barnwell said that it is an annual global event organised by the WWF and observed on the last Saturday in March.

“It puts the spotlight on climate change by bringing people together, urging action against climate change, and reminding them that personal actions matter,” she said, adding that over the years, the WWF would host the activity, and the main and simplest action everyone can take on the given date and time is the switching off of non-essential lights for one hour, symbolising their commitment to taking some kind of action to combat climate change.

“Earth Hour 2019 will be observed all across the world, and many international landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building will turn their lights off for the occasion. Last year in Guyana, the Bank of Guyana joined these international landmarks by turning off their non-essential lights, and lighting up a 60+ emblem,” Cush-Barnwell said.

She said that Earth Hour helps people to become more aware of what is around them, and how they can protect their environment and secure their future through simple actions.

“We help them understand that climate change is real and simpler than one might think, and we ask that everyone join the movement and do something. This can be simply turning off non-essential lights for one hour, but we hope people will act prior to and beyond the hour, because we want everyone to get involved in Earth Hour campaigns and activities, and even start a movement in their own community.”

She said that it is preferable if the candles being used are 100% beeswax or soy, as they are gentler on our planet.

“These are smoke-free, non-toxic and non-allergenic, made of natural products, and not petroleum-based materials, so they are effectively carbon-neutral. LED can also be used to promote energy-efficient lighting, which is a key for any sustainable future,” Cush-Barnwell said.

Earth Hour in Guyana is managed and organised by WWF Guianas Guyana Country Office, in close collaboration with a series of partners: Guyana Youth and Environment Network; Protected Areas Commission; Office of Climate Change; Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Guyana; and Environmental Protection Agency.