AS the world gears up for Earth Hour 2024, Filipinos are poised to make a significant impact in tackling two of the planet’s most pressing issues: biodiversity loss and climate change.
Set for March 23, Saturday, this global initiative led by WWF-Philippines aims to rally millions worldwide to take a stand for nature.
At the helm of Earth Hour Philippines is WWF-Philippines Executive Director Katherine Custodio, who emphasized the profound connection between human actions and environmental degradation. She stressed that addressing plastic pollution is paramount for the Philippines, where two million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, with a mere 9% being recycled.
In a bold move signaling commitment, the Manila City Local Government, led by Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, has joined hands with Earth Hour Philippines.
Iconic landmarks including the city hall clock tower and Rizal Monument will dim their lights from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, symbolizing solidarity in the fight against plastic pollution.
Earth Hour, which originated in Sydney, Australia in 2007, has burgeoned into a global movement spanning over 7,000 cities and 193 countries.
The Philippines has been an active participant since 2008, with Earth Hour 2024 marking the sixteenth observance of this influential event.
Mayor Lacuna-Pangan expressed Manila’s pride in hosting this year’s Earth Hour, particularly with a focus on combatting plastic pollution.
Recognizing the city’s role as the nation’s capital, she underscored the importance of collective action in safeguarding the environment.
Lawyer Angela Ibay, WWF-Philippines National Director for Earth Hour, pointed out the urgency of galvanizing efforts to address plastic pollution and mitigate climate change. With plastic waste constituting the third-largest solid waste in the Philippines, collaborative action is imperative.
Partnerships between WWF-Philippines and various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and communities, are crucial in implementing effective solutions.
Manila’s commitment as a Plastic Smart City, aiming for a 100% reduction in plastic waste leakage by 2030, exemplifies this concerted effort.
Filipinos are encouraged to participate in Earth Hour by logging their hours of positive environmental action on the WWF-Philippines website. From individual efforts to community initiatives, everyone can contribute to the cause.
As Earth Hour approaches, the call for action reverberates louder than ever. Join the movement, lend your support to the environment, and make your voice heard with the hashtags #EarthHour2024 and #BiggestHourForEarth. Together, Filipinos can lead the charge in safeguarding our planet for future generations. (CBC)
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