WWF Australia has linked up with media firm Fairfax and advertising agency Leo Burnett to launch a conservation movement, “Earth Hour”. On Saturday March 31 Sydney residents will be asked to turn off their lights for one hour, between 7.30 and 8.30 pm.
Earth Hour is about simple changes that will collectively make the 5% difference – from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty, to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby. The voiceover, provided by Cate Blanchett: “This March everyone can join in the fight against global warming. Turn off your lights. Just for one hour.”
Click on the image below to play the video.
With the support of The City of Sydney and the NSW Government, Earth Hour will be the highlight of a major campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the simple steps needed to cut their emissions by 5% in 2007.
Greg Bourne, CEO, WWF-Australia, said: “Sydney is renowned across the globe for its ability to make things happen – from the 2000 Olympics to its New Year celebrations. If we prove that together we can significantly cut our greenhouse gas pollution it will send a message to every city around the world that we have the power to take action against global warming.”
“Sydney cutting its carbon dioxide pollution by 5% in one year is achievable and lends itself to our overall vision – that every major city around the world endeavours to achieve the same target.”
“The Earth Hour campaign will send a powerful message to the world that it’s possible to work together to make a massive contribution to reducing the effects of global warming.”
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore MP, urged all city businesses, workers and residents to support Earth Hour. “The three CBDs of Sydney, North Sydney and Parramatta make up Australia’s largest business district – covering 30% of the country’s office space,” Ms Moore said.
“Australia’s commercial business sector is responsible for around 10% of national greenhouse gas emissions and all commercial businesses and their workers should join the community in supporting Earth Hour, but also take concrete actions to reduce energy use.”
“Leading businesses have joined the 3CBDs Greenhouse Initiative, run by the City of Sydney, with North Sydney and Parramatta City Council, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and complement Earth Hour to help reduce global warming.”
Proving that everyone can play a part, Sarah Bishop, a 22 year-old Brisbane resident, has announced her plans to walk from Brisbane to Sydney in early 2007 as a way of voicing young Australians’ concerns about global warming. As part of the two month 1000km walk, Sarah will exchange ideas and make presentations at communities along her journey illustrating the simple things people can do to make a difference.
Sarah said: “I’m doing this walk because I am concerned that we are going to face even worse droughts, bushfires and water restrictions in the future if we don’t start believing that we can and must make a difference today.”
To find out more about Earth Hour, Sydney residents and businesses can visit the official website www.earthhour.org. Visitors to the site can pledge their support and sign up to receive a free Earth Hour information pack which, in addition to providing further information on the campaign, gives them hints and tips on how to cut their household and office electricity bills and emissions.
Credits
The Earth Hour advertising campaign was developed at Leo Burnett, Sydney, by chairman Nigel Marsh, managing director Tim Castree, national creative director Mark Collis, planning director Todd Sampson, group business director Hazel Livingstone, creative group head/art director Michael Spirkovski, senior copywriter Grant McAloon, account manager Jodi McLeod, account manager Sam McGown, and agency producer Adrian Shapiro.
Filming was directed by Justin Kurzel and produced by Pip Smart at film production company Cherub Pictures with director of photography Anna Howard.
Sound and music were produced at Nylon Studios.