Green Jobs

Switch Off to Switch On Earth Hour - Saturday 28 March 2009, 8:30PM - 10 February 2009

The hour the world unites in a stand against global warming

Bold, simple and accessible, Earth Hour 2009 has one major aim: to show governments, individuals and businesses that it is possible to take action on global warming. The world can no longer wait; and the first step is as easy as turning off a light.

In what we hope will be the world's largest mass participation event, Earth Hour will be the culmination of one billion people around the globe, in more than 1000 cities from business, government and the community turning off lights as a message to leaders of the world in the run up to the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference in December 2009 that we need a commitment to actions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the short and long term benefit of the planet.

At a time when economic pressures are high, and anxiety about the worlds' economic and environmental futures are burdening governments and its people, there could be no better time to advocate solutions driven action that will make a positive difference.

Earth Hour 2009 will be a major call to action for every individual, government and business to take responsibility and play a part in ensuring a sustainable future. Iconic buildings and landmarks across Africa, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and The Americas will go dark. People will join together to celebrate, discuss and think about the future.

• Companies will engage with staff and customers and reap the benefits of delivering genuine corporate social responsibility strategies
• Mayors and politicians on all sides of government will embrace the large scale recognition of such an importance public campaign and engage on the burning issues in their electorates
• School children across the globe will discuss Earth Hour in classrooms and at home with their families
• Parents will embrace the opportunity to defend their children's future; and
• The internet generation will blog, email and text to rally friends to take part

WWF South Africa is planning an exciting countrywide Switch Off to Switch On campaign to get 1 million dwellings and offices to switch off their lights and 3 million South Africans to sign up on www.earthhour.org.

Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille has pledged her support for Earth Hour 2009 and we urge you to also become involved. Major landmarks in Cape Town, such as Table Mountain, will go dark for an hour.

Sign up now at www.earthhour.org and tell your friends and family to do the same. Switch off on 28 March 2009, 20h30 to 21h30 - at work as well as at home.

Already, through the extensive WWF International network, Earth Hour will be delivered in over 60 countries, the number growing each day.

Our campaign needs your commitment - from participation, organisation or potential sponsorship.

Earth Hour is a message of hope and action. Imagine what we can do if we act together