ISLAMABAD: Marking one ofthe world’s largest grassroots environmental movements,the country’s leadership, celebrities, athletes and children wore team jackets to observe the Earth Hour on Saturday night which coincided with Pakistan Day.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said Earth Hour served as a beacon of positivity, hope and inspiration to rally as many people as possible in particular those who were not fully engaged with the environmental crisis yet.

Since its inception in 2007, Earth Hour has been known for its “lights off” moment. Supporters were invited to symbolically switch off and ‘Give an hour for Earth’, spending 60 minutes doing something positive for our planet. In 2023, over 410,000 hours were given to our planet by supporters in 190 countries and territories, representing 90 per cent of the planet, making it the biggest hour for earth.

President House, Parliament House, Pak-China Friendship Centre, Convention Centre, Election Commission of Pakistan and offices of various corporate entities in the federal capital switched off their lights to show commitment for the earth.

President says climate change poses serious challenge to social, environmental and economic development

President Asif Ali Zardari in his statement said climate change posed a serious challenge to social, environmental and economic development in Third World countries such as Pakistan.

The effects of global climate change are evident in the form of growing frequency of droughts, flooding, erratic weather patterns and reduction in freshwater supply and biodiversity loss.

He said, “It is our collective responsibility to educate the people to conserve energy and other valuable natural resources for future use. Earth Hour provides us an opportunity to become part of the global environmental movement which transcends geographical and cultural boundaries to show broader commitment for sustainable living and climate resilient future.”

WWF-Pakistan Director General Hammad Naqi Khan said Pakistan was among 10 countries worst affected due to adverse impacts of climate change. In 2022, the country witnessed widespread rains and devastating floods, resulting in more than 1,700 human casualties, economic losses and serious damages to infrastructure and agriculture. What is urgently needed is to embark on a climate resilient development model, promote nature-based solutions and conserve energy and water resources.

The “Give an hour for Earth” call-to-action aimed at making participation easy and fun, encouraging individuals not only to switch off lights symbolically but also to take 60 minutes to do good for the planet while doing something they loved.

Renowned TV actress and WWF-Pakistan Goodwill Ambassador Ushna Shah said since the beginning of this movement, Earth Hour had been a beacon of hope for the planet and this time it coincided with Pakistan Day, giving people greater reason to come together.

She appealed to the people to join this event in creating the Biggest Hour for Earth.

“It is 60 minutes of pure positivity doing anything and everything to benefit our beautiful planet,” she observed.

Adventure athlete Samar Khan said Earth Hour was more than just turning off lights. It is coming together for one shared home.

“Whether you are a foodie, a fitness enthusiast, a lover of entertainment, or just want to enjoy some quality family time, there is something for everyone. So come on, let us give an hour to Earth because every small action counts.”

WWF said Earth Hour 2024 activities were launched in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad with private and underprivileged school students. More than 975 students were engaged giving more than 2,900 hours through a series of fun and engaging activities, including nature scavenger hunt, origami and mural art painting to promote climate stewardship.

Earth Hour is more than a moment, said WWF. “It is a movement that for the last 18 years has continued to inspire and mobilise people globally, reminding us of our collective responsibility to create a more hopeful and resilient future for our planet,” said WWF.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2024