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From darkness, new light

Millions of people in 26 cities around the world who switched off lights in homes, offices, and hotels during “Earth Hour” recently were living up to the inspiring Gandhian precept — they became the change that they wanted to see. A voluntary blackout for an hour may be only symbolic in addressing the problem of climate change, but the call has captured the imagination of a great many people since it was given a year ago by WWF-Australia. This year’s event has witnessed the participation of many city governments ranging from Chicago and San Francisco to Bangkok and Manila. The lights-out programme covered illuminated landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, and the Colosseum in Rome, besides famous skyscrapers; and it garnered greater support among businesses. With their spectacular gesture, concerned citizens hope to convince policymakers that the time for resolute action on carbon emissions has come. This is vital to avert the blistering “carbon summer” that Nobel laureate Al Gore fears could wilt the entire planet. Indeed, the message from the citizens is that collective global action on climate change can no longer be delayed.

The high point in the campaign to slow climate change will come from major policy actions, but there are many individual steps that can help the cause. These are summarised in simple terms by former U.S.Vice President Gore on his website, www.climatecrisis.net. Some initiatives, such as tree planting, are well-known, while all the ideas are eminently feasible. It is within the power of individuals, for example, to replace old light bulbs with efficient ones; opt for locally grown, preferably organic food (to store more carbon in the soil) in place of the exotic; avoid heavy packaging; choose recycled materials; walk, bike and ride buses and trains wherever possible; pool cars rather than drive alone; and fly less or at the very least, offset emissions with other green measures. There is little doubt that official policy can aid the kind of heart-warming commitment displayed by citizens during “Earth Hour 2008.” International assistance is available, and cities in the fast-growing economies can use it to reduce carbon emissions. This is possible through anti-sprawl urban design, land use policies, and choice of technologies for lighting, transport and so on. Governments can certify and advertise energy efficient consumer products, and allow generous tax breaks. Only with such support will consumers find it easier to make ethical choices.

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