Earth Hour - Solidarity With The Poor

So we're turning off the lights for an hour tonight in celebration of Earth Hour.

Turning off the lights hopefully only being the umbrella term for 'shut down all energy-sucking appliances, take the plugs out of the socket, turn off the power bars, don't drive your car, ... really, really, really try and get off the grid for at least one hour'. Naturally, essential services not-withstanding.

I'm really excited about tonight for a variety of reasons. The big one being that individuals and companies around the world are on-board for this event which is not only symbolic but will have a real impact on reduction of carbon emissions even just from the one hour. This is a big deal because it shows recognition of the climate crisis situation and an outlet to do something about it. Obviously, one hour with the lights off will not solve our problems but what lifestyle changes we continue to implement in our lives definitely can. The World Wildlife Fund's thought of that and created The Good Life, a handy checklist that you can consume in easy-to-chew bite size pieces.

But the real hope I have for tonight's event is that as people shut off the lights the proverbial lightbulb will go on in their heads and maybe they will make a connection to those around the world who just don't have it as easy as we do. In fact our greedy consumption of energy and resources causing the climate crisis we're in has adversely impacted the poor... who didn't even create the problem.

By reducing our impact on the world's resources to what should only be our fair share; if we make a conscious effort to curb our consumption of energy then not only will we be doing right by our planet but also showing solidarity with the poor.