An Hour of Earth

In around... 12 hours, we have Earth Hour, in which at 8.30pm local time, you switch off lights for an hour. Turn off lights? I barely have them switched on! (Obviously they aren't talking to TV watchers who only light up their lives by the flickering of the idiot box.) And the two lights I have on most often... are energy efficient bulbs!

If Keith Ng is right, this is largely a pointless exercise anyway. The amount of savings versus switching to more basic energy saving devices (such as a compact fluorescent lamp bulb) far outweighs any savings Earth Hour offers. (Note: I'm skeptical about his numbers, but suspect his basic point is true.)

Then there's activities done during Earth Hour. For example, this candlelit concert in Civic Square. Um... candlelit? As in, producing carbon dioxide candles? Emissions are supposed to go down, right? How much of this is really a promotional stunt for climate change, and how much is actual intended effectiveness?

Not to mention there are parts of this city I doubt are safe to walk in the light, and now people will be doing in the dark? (That said, people are encouraged to go out and view the new darkness in groups... and feel free to insert a double entendre in there...) And for other cities... (I had a quick look for crime related statistics, but could only find "I predict mayhem!" posts. Nah.)

Ultimately, I'm not sure of the safety or effectiveness of Earth Hour. Perhaps a more concerted effort towards energy saving devices? (Although that would actually mean people have to make a long term change rather than a one-moment palliative gesture.)

And yes, I am very cynical.

[END]