DUBAI March 25, 2017: Today is a chance for you to prove that you care about our ‘blue’ planet – for today, Saturday 25 March, we will celebrate Earth Hour by switching off all electricity in our homes to transform our ‘blue’ plant into a ‘green’ one.
Earth Hour 2017 is one of the largest environmental initiatives in the world aimed at tackling climate change. Earth Hour promotes switching off all unnecessary lights and appliances between 8:30pm and 9:30pm, to raise awareness about climate change and the phenomenon of global warming.
In Dubai, Earth Hour is being organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Deawa) under the theme ‘Highlight Climate Action,’ in cooperation with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) with support from Dubai Real Estate Group, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), and Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS).
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dewa commended the efforts and contribution by individuals and government and private organisations, to support the Dubai Plan 2021, and the Carbon Abatement Strategy, to reduce carbon emissions by 16% by 2021, to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Participate
“We are pleased to stand alongside over 7,000 cities from all over the world who are participating in this event, as the largest environmental event on the international calendar. We ask the people of Dubai to join forces and participate in Earth Hour 2017, and strengthen the position of the UAE through its efforts to adopt and launch initiatives to raise environmental awareness among the community, while supporting sustainable development on both national and international levels,” requested Al Tayer.
Dewa will continue its efforts to achieve the Carbon Abatement Strategy, in cooperation with the Dubai Carbon Centre for Excellence (Dubai Carbon), in adherence with its vision to become a sustainable innovative world-class utility. The strategy reducing carbon emissions through trading carbon credits approved by Dewa’s already existing projects, is based on the Kyoto Protocol of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
What you can do
Earth Hour will commence at 8:30pm on Saturday 25 March, at Bay Avenue Park in Business Bay, and will witness the participation of a number of government organisations, companies, universities, schools, and individuals from all segments of society.
Events prior to Earth Hour will begin at 4pm, featuring a number of family and recreational activities aimed at raising environmental awareness and promoting a culture of rational consumption.
A free shuttle service will be available from Business Bay metro station, to and from the event every 15 minutes.
Dewa encourages the whole community to participate in this international event, by registering via the website: www.dewaearthhour.com, to receive the Earth Hour pack. Please visit the Dewa website for further information: www.dewa.gov.ae
RTA Switches off 1,393 lamp posts to mark Earth Hour
Meanwhile, The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) is taking part today (Saturday) in the global event Earth Hour 2017 held in March each year, in conjunction with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.
“RTA had charted out a plan for this year’s Earth Hour events, which would be from 08:30 pm to 09:30 pm. Events involve a number of activities highlighted by a portrait of Dubai’s landmarks designed by the RTA and displayed at The Avenue Park. Park visitors may take part in painting this portrait to add more fun to the event,” said Nasser Bu Shehab, CEO of RTA’s Strategy & Corporate Governance Sector cum Chair of the Energy & Green Economy Committee.
Members of Energy & Green Economy Committee would participate in celebrations at The Avenue Park, where 1393 light poles would be turned off to save about 382.95 kilowatts in one hour only in the Business Street and other streets near the venue of the event at the Business Bay, Al Saada Street, and the Boulevard Street at Burj Khalifa downtown district.
Lights will also be turned out in Alexandria Street from the boat slipway at Mamzar to Mamzar Park, Khaleej Street from the Community Center for Elderly at Mamzar to Mamzar Park, Shandagha Heritage Area, and the Jumeirah Beach Street, as well as Al Matina Street and Al Amal Street.
Lights and some air-conditioners will also be turned off at RTA’s Head Office, Public Transport Agency building in addition to Al Rawiyya & Al Khawaneej stations, and Jebel Ali Bus Depot. The operation of several Metro Stations would switch to the maintenance mode, and lights would be switched off in Level 5 of Al Rashidiya Metro Station Parking & Ride terminal, as well as a number of buildings of the Dubai Taxi Corporation, and its employees’ accommodation. As many as 20 bus drivers and cabbies along with 35 parking inspectors donned in official uniform would participate in the accompanying march. Employees are encouraged to take part in Earth Hour events via internal messages and the intranet,” explained Bu Shehab.
“RTA’s effective participation in Earth Hour events is a testament to the priority placed on environmental sustainability. In 2013, RTA set up the Energy & Green Economy Committee, launched a fabulous award in this field in 2014, and motivated employees to contribute innovative ideas to support this drive. Moreover, RTA sets the highest standards for its projects in order to tackle the global warming phenomenon threatening the healthy environment worldwide. The UAE in general and the Dubai, in particular, are capable of achieving this goal,” concluded BuShehab.
– By Angel Chan