Coinciding with the global celebration of “Earth Hour,” which garners widespread attention worldwide, Engineer Yousef Al-Ramzi, Vice President of the Environmental Engineers Team at the Kuwaiti Society for Environmental Protection, explained that “Earth Hour is a global event held annually by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). During this time, individuals, families, governments, and the private sector are encouraged to switch off unnecessary lights and electronic devices for one hour in March of each year, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM local time in any country.” He added, “It is not just about switching off lights; it aims to raise awareness about this occasion and to protect the environment regarding climate change by carrying out various activities and events on this occasion, in addition to following effective methods and steps to benefit from sustainable energy in workplaces and elsewhere.”.
M. Al-Ramzi, the team's official spokesperson, said that this year's celebration came under the slogan "Together towards the largest Earth Hour," noting that "Earth Hour is a symbolic activity lasting one hour around the world to demonstrate the benefit of not using electricity and unnecessary lighting in reducing the electrical load, which results in reducing carbon emissions. However, the actual impact of Earth Hour on reducing electrical loads and reducing carbon emissions globally is considered limited and temporary, as a temporary decrease in electricity consumption is recorded in some regions around the world.".
He explained that “since the reduction in electricity consumption occurs for only one hour, the impact on reducing carbon emissions is limited. A temporary decrease in energy consumption does not lead to a significant reduction in emissions in the long term, especially if it is not followed by sustainable changes in energy consumption patterns. The association has always emphasized the importance of sustainable electricity consumption, as the objectives of this event align with Sustainable Development Goal 12 (responsible consumption and production), which stresses the importance of managing resources and energy sustainably.” For these reasons, he affirmed that the Environmental Association renews its annual call to “accept the challenge of making this hour a sustainable daily practice.”.
In conclusion, Mr. Al-Ramzi announced the launch of the "Earth Hour Every Day" initiative by the Environmental Engineers Team at the Kuwait Environment Protection Society. He explained that the initiative aims to transform the symbolism of Earth Hour into a daily, sustainable environmental practice for individuals and institutions in Kuwait. It also seeks to promote a culture of energy conservation and efficient carbon reduction, encouraging daily habits that reduce electricity and water consumption within the community. This will be achieved through awareness programs and student activities within the Society's Green Schools program, as well as a series of events, challenges, and competitions that will be announced, along with national partnerships that will leave their green mark on the initiative's outcomes.
