BANGKOK, 7 March 2013 The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is hosting activities to mark Earth Hour 2013 on March 23, encouraging households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour to raise awareness about the need to take action on climate change. BMA Deputy Permanent Secretary said Bangkok has participated in the Earth Hour since 2008. This year, Earth Hour will be held in Bangkok and other capitals across the world on March 23, from 8.30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time.
Last year, the campaign saved up to 1,528 megawatts of electricity, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by as much as up to 815 tonnes, worth a staggering 4.37 million baht. This year’s target is set at 2,000 megawatts. The campaign will be launched in parallel with the Low Carbon School Network which incorporates energy-saving lessons in the curricula of some BMA-affiliated schools.
The BMA will be hosting climate change campaign activities leading up to Earth Hour day in commercial areas in the city like the Chinatown, Silom and Central World.
In 2012, it took place in more than 5,000 cities and towns across 147 countries and territories, making it the biggest growth year for the campaign since 2009.
