When the lights go out next week in Borough Hall, it won’t be quitting time–it’ll be time to rally for global climate change. Beginning at 8:30 p.m. on March 28, Borough Hall will be among the individuals and organizations around the city turning off non-essential lighting on some of the most recognizable structures that make up the Manhattan skyline. The symbolic gesture is called Earth Hour 2009, and is being organized by the World Wildlife Fund.
Brooklyn’s ‘capital’ building will join the global movement that has spread to more than 1,000 cities in 80 countries.
“This will be a pivotal year in the future of our planet as we look to Congress, President Obama and global leaders to take immediate and decisive action on climate change,” said Carter Roberts, CEO of World Wildlife Fund.
In the United States, the New York joins Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville and San Francisco in dimming its skyline to cast a vote for action on the climate crisis.
“Having New York City go dark for Earth Hour will send a powerful message to the world that the U.S. is ready to assume a leadership position in solving one of the most serious challenges facing our planet today. By turning out the lights, the people of New York City will be casting a vote in support of the future of the Earth,” Roberts added.
During Earth Hour 2009, lights are slated to go out in some of New York City’s most renowned buildings and landmarks including the Empire State Building, New York Public Library, 7 World Trade Center, and the Citigroup Center, on East 53rd Street in Manhattan.
Joining these properties are top New York City organizations and institutions including Columbia University, Pace University, the Building Owners and Managers Association of New York, and the U.S. Green Building Council New York.
Icons around the world are also committed to Earth Hour, including the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Sydney Opera House in Australia, and the Stockholm Castle in Sweden.
WWF officials stressed the importance of safety during Earth Hour, noting that all lighting related to public safety will remain on.
The ambassador for Earth Hour is Oscar nominated actor and New York City resident Edward Norton, who knows a bit about being green: On the big screen, he plays the Incredible Hulk.
