Greenrock and City Hall gear up for Earth Hour

As part of the observation, City Hall along with Greenrock will host an event from 7pm to 10pm.

According to a press statement, Earth Hour 2011 has reached record participation. One hundred and thirty countries and territories on the seven continents, all the G20 countries, and thousands of cities and iconic landmarks registered to take part. Public figures have pledged to join with millions across the world to celebrate action for the planet.

City Hall will turn off its electricity from 8:30pm until 9:30pm on Saturday as part of the event.

Mayor of Hamilton Charles Gosling said: “The City of Hamilton is proud to partner with Greenrock on this important global initiative.

“At 8:30pm on Saturday, non-essential lights within the City and in all City-owned buildings, including City Hall, will be turned off.

“The traffic lights and essential street lighting will remain operational to ensure public safety and security is maintained.”

Last year, hundreds of millions of people across the world, in 4,616 cities, in 128 countries and territories took part in Earth Hour.

Organisers are asking people to take it a step further and commit to an action that will help sustain the future of Bermuda.

Greenrock president Andrew Vaucrosson said: “We would like to encourage everyone to participate wherever possible by either joining us at the public gathering at City Hall or in turning off lights at home from 8:30 to 9:30pm on Saturday evening.

“Greenrock would like to thank the Mayor for graciously hosting Earth Hour at City Hall this year.”

Mr. Vaucrosson said at the event there will be fire spinners, limbo dancers, African and steel pan drummers, an a capella group, a public art mural and a group photo during “lights out”.

There will also be food vendors and other exhibitors.

The event is free.

Mr. Gosling said his team would look at other ways to reduce power consumption around the city.

“I am calling upon, and encouraging, every resident and business owner in the City to participate in Earth Hour.

“Begin by turning off all lights in businesses and homes for one hour and then continue to look for ways to reduce power consumption.