3.31.2008 8:07 AM

Did Earth Hour Make a Difference?

Worldwide Event Credited with Carbon Reduction

Comments

The lights of Golden Gate Bridge are turned off for Earth Hour.

Photo: World Wildlife Fund

By Dan Shapley

According to some initial results, it appears that Earth Hour not only inspired people around the world to have some creative fun in the dark, but also tamped down pollution that fuels global warming.

Earth Hour, organized this year by the environmental group WWF, asked governments, businesses and individuals to shut off their lights for one hour Saturday night. The exercise was meant to show people how little actions could make a difference in the fight against global warming, to reinvigorate community-centric activity ... and, yes, to actually make a small difference in the rate of emissions of carbon dioxide.

By switching off lights, Chicago saved an estimated 420 tons of carbon dioxide, according to the local utility, ComEd. Because most U.S. electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels, especially coal, reducing electricity use reduces pollution by reducing the amount of fuel burned.

COMMENTS ()