14 DAY TRIAL // In addition to the momentous space achievement that the world saw today, as 13 astronauts flew in orbit at the same time, our planet will also see one of its largest and most popular movements in action. Earth Hour 2009 promises to be a grand event, in which more than 1 billion people from over 89 countries will be participating.
Some 2,500 cities have already announced their commitment to this noble effort. All those who wish to participate simply have to turn the lights in their homes off for an hour, between 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm local time. People could also unplug everything else from the sockets, so as to prevent vampire power from consuming electrical current.
“For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009,” a press release says on the campaign's US website, earthhour.
“Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday,” the release also says.
People need to realize that the importance of saving our planet and making a statement about something they truly believe in is larger than other interest they may have tonight. That is to say, soccer matches, TV shows and other such trivial things should be switched off at least for tonight, regardless of their so-called importance. It's paramount that world leaders hear the voices of everyone involved in this action, so that their decisions would be influenced by the outcome of this day. Only then will we see if our voices are indeed heard, or if our governments prefer to decide whatever they want for us.