Australian Embassy in RP to join 'big switch off' on Saturday

MANILA, Philippines - The Australian Embassy in Manila will join the "big switch off" worldwide for Earth Hour on Saturday night. A statement on the Australian Embassy Wednesday night said it will join the a stand against the global threat of climate change by turning off lights for one hour to stress the need for action against global warming. "First launched in Australia on March 31, 2007, for one hour over 2.2 million Sydney residents and over 2,100 businesses switched off, leading to a 10.2% energy reduction across the city. What began as one city taking a stand against global warming has now gained worldwide momentum," it said in a statement posted on its website. In 2008, 24 global cities, including Manila, will participate in Earth Hour at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Earth Hour encourages businesses, communities and individuals to take simple steps needed to cut their emissions on an ongoing basis. "The Australian Embassy Manila is inviting you to join them in supporting Earth Hour by turning off your lights between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on March 29 and by making simple long term changes that will collectively make a difference for our planet. From businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty, to households fully turning off appliances when not in use, it's the small changes that make a big difference," it said. - GMANews.TV