Earth Hour is this Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., a time when we are all encouraged to turn off the lights to save energy. Since Toronto’s first participation in 2008, the city’s enthusiasm for the event has waned. In 2009, Toronto dropped 455 megawatts during Earth Hour and in 2010, the city achieved a decrease of 296 megawatts. In 2011, we saw only a 115 megawatt reduction and experienced a slight improvement in 2012 of 193 megawatts. Hopefully, 2013 will see more Torontonians participating in Earth Hour to spread the message. If you want to participate in some public Earth Hour events, below are a few happening in Toronto:
WWF’s Earth Hour Event in Toronto
World Wildlife Fund Canada’s Earth Hour event will take place in Roncesvalles Village this year. A community lantern walk begins at 8 p.m. at Grafton Avenue Park or the Revue Cinema (bring your own lantern or light source) and ends at the west side of Wright Avenue and Roncesvalles Avenue where a concert will be held. The outdoor concert, hosted by CBC’s Garvia Bailey, begins at 8:15 p.m. and features SPLASH, Andrew Huang, Lucas Stagg Band and Liam Titcomb. Free hot chocolate will be served.
Earth Hour at Ontario Science Centre 2013
Take advantage of the dark sky to view Jupiter and other stars at the Teluscape at Ontario Science Centre’s Earth Hour event. Sponsored by TVOKids and the Ontario Science Centre, this free event from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. located just outside the main entrance will allow you to use telescopes with members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Kids can also listen to stories told by Bruce Carmody, meet “night” creatures and participate in alternative energy activities. Music will be provided by the Samba Squad.
Earth Hour 2013 at the University of Toronto
Join grad students of U of T’s Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at their Earth Hour Observing Night on March 23, 2013 at 8 p.m. The free telescope observing session will take place at the McLennan Physical Labs, 60 St. George Street, 14th floor.
Will you be participating in Earth Hour this year? Will you be having a private Earth Hour party? Do you think Earth Hour is a valid exercise to raise awareness about climate change?
