On Saturday 24 March 2018 at 8:30 pm, the words “Earth Hour” appeared across the Taipei 101 building, signaling the moment Taiwan connected to Earth. Taiwan joined 187 countries and territories, over 7,000 cities and 12,000 global landmarks around the world in turning off the lights for one hour to send a powerful message about environmental awareness and action. Reduce carbon, take action and let nature shine through darkness.
For 8 years since 2011, O’right has taken an active role serving as the organizer of Earth Hour in Taiwan, uniting enterprises, celebrities, politicians, hair salons and people to join the environmental movement and make a green impact. On 24 March, O’right teamed up with the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer, Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Cathay Financial Holdings and Taipei 101 for the cycling event, where participants would ride bicycles around Taipei City Hall and Xinyi District to show the world our determination for stopping climate change. As long as you are willing to do something to reduce carbon in their daily lives, you can make a green difference.
Taiwan connects to earth
From 3/1-3/31, participants cycled 154,000 km, which helped reduce 36,000 kg of carbon emissions, equal to planting about 3,265 20-year-old trees and going around the island of Taiwan 171 times.
The host of the evening, Mickey Huang, who has joined Earth Hour for 5 years in a row, joined everyone in counting down to the event. When the clock struck 8:30, Taipei 101, Xinyi Square and the Office of the President switched off unnecessary lights and went dark for Earth Hour. It was a touching moment for everyone at the scene. Taipei City mascot Bravo also handed out eco-friendly solar-powered lights, which were arranged to read 60+.
Earth Hour achievements in 2018
We reached a new record high by saving 100,000 kWh of electricity and reducing 527,000 kg of carbon emissions, which is equal to planting 5,000 trees on earth.
Now that Earth Hour is over, we should go beyond the hour and continue to show our solidarity for climate action. What more can we do to protect our planet? In fact, the small plus symbol to the right of the signature “60” was added to encourage people to take their commitment to the cause beyond the 60-minute event. Take action to bring about bigger change! In face of the changing climate, polar bears are still fighting for survival even though their home is slowly disappearing right before their eyes. That’s the kind of vitality we should possess. We should use more of our power and cherish all living creatures and their habitats, stop the environment from deteriorating and protect polar bears and planet home.
About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a global event founded in Sydney, Australia by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 2007 with the goal to unite people to raise awareness of the fight against climate change and to protect the earth. It has grown to become the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment spanning over 12,000 global landmarks, 7,000 cities and 187 countries and territories.
