Greenrock is spearheading local efforts to recognize Earth Hour on Saturday, March 28th from 8:30 - 9:30pm in the midst of growing concerns about the global impact of Covid-19. The way the global community is rallying together in an effort to halt the spread of what has now become a pandemic, is both admirable and proof that the capacity does exist to address global challenges, even at potentially great financial cost. Our value for life and our inherent regard for each other has united us and inspired courses of action we may have previously considered unthinkable. Global systems, industries, economies and multi-billion dollar enterprises are all slowing down drastically and in some cases being brought to a screeching halt.

Although we are all deeply saddened by the adverse effects associated with this phenomenon, Earth Hour is about inspiring climate action and as advocates, we are encouraged by the levels of commitment and determination currently on display. Unity is strength and by leveraging it we can achieve anything we put our minds to. At Greenrock we recognize that Climate Change needs to become more of a priority for the entire global community and, as a result, we are pleased to confirm that with assistance from Government, BELCO, Corporation of Hamilton, Corporation of St. Georges, WEDCO and the Chamber of Commerce, participation in the symbolic “lights out” activity will take place in numerous locations throughout the island to show the world that Bermuda continues to support climate action.

The goal of our Earth Hour Campaign is to inspire action by celebrating achievements, whilst raising awareness about behaviours that lead to more sustainable practices in our everyday lives. In 2018 our Earth Hour campaign was focused on rallying for the elimination of single use plastics, and in 2019 the campaign raised awareness about energy efficiency. This year our focus is public engagement and we are asking the community to use Earth Hour as an opportunity to pause. Chairman of the Board, Eugene Dean said, “As we shut off all unnecessary lights at 8:30pm on Saturday, March 28th, let’s take time to pause, so that we can reflect on our contribution to Bermuda’s carbon footprint, and envision what our lives could look like living in harmony with each other and the environment. We are stewards of the earth and it is important for us to embrace this responsibility, lest our shortcomings and our failure to act appropriately will fall on the shoulders of future generations.”

Even as a small island our example can reach the four corners of the earth. Individually, we can inspire the people around us and collectively, we can influence the world. With that in mind, we encourage the entire community to support our campaign this year by turning off unnecessary lights during Earth Hour at your place of business and your home.

As a result of the precautions being taken to limit the potential threats associated with Covid-19, we have decided to focus our efforts this year on encouraging public participation through a comprehensive media campaign. We understand that hosting a public event such as our Annual Earth Hour Celebration this year would be socially irresponsible. Therefore, we are encouraging everyone to participate in Earth Hour both at work and at home. Taking time to pause during Earth Hour is something that we are all capable of doing. An hour without unnecessary lights, TVs, radios, computers, tablets or phones can create the ideal environment for reflection and visions of the future each of us would love to see. We are thankful for the assistance of everyone involved with the Earth Hour Council and have included a few statements from participating organizations expressing their support.

• Press release from Greenrock. To read the statement in full, including comments from West End Development Corporation, the Corporation of Hamilton and the Corporation of St George’s, click on the PDF under “Related Media”