DATE: 26 March 2009
Australian Embassy supports Earth Hour 2009 in Hanoi
The Australian Embassy in Hanoi will switch off its lights on Saturday 28 March to support the people of Hanoi participating in the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Earth Hour 2009 campaign.
WWF Australia started Earth Hour in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes made the simple decision to switch off their lights for one hour. This year, the movement has spread to over 1,700 cities, including for the first time Hanoi, Hai Phong, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City.
At 8.30pm on Saturday 28 March, Hanoi’s icons will join the ranks of some of the most recognisable landmarks in the world switching off lights, such as the Burj Dubai (the world’s tallest hotel), the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. In Hanoi, lights will go out at Hoan Kiem Lake, Huc Bridge, Ly Thai To’s statue, Ngoc Son Temple, the Opera House and Turtle Tower.
“Political leadership in both Australia and Vietnam has placed climate change at the top of the agenda,” Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Allaster Cox said.
“However, there is much that ordinary people can do to help the environment. The Earth Hour symbolises this commitment to work together.
“With the current economic downturn, it makes sense to save both money and the environment by cutting down on unnecessary costs – such as turning lights off when they are not needed, or installing energy efficient light bulbs and other electrical appliances.”
The Australian Embassy is proud to join with businesses and organisations throughout Hanoi to turn off their non-essential lights and power on Saturday 28 March.