I am observing Earth Hour since past many years. It is a symbolic expression of conserving energy by switching off non-essential lights for one hour. It is observed throughout the world every year on last Saturday of March from 08:30PM to 09:30PM. This event was started in 2007 & Dubai started celebrating from 2008 onwards. Every year I used to go to Dubai to observe Earth Hour, this time I decided to celebrate & observe Earth Hour in Sharjah.

Sharjah was geared up for the event & it was observed in many parts. Practically the whole of the emirate was in darkness for one hour. Many people thought that switching off for one hour is sufficient for the year. I met many people at the event & also gave my interview to local TV channel.

As a responsible 12th Eco-generation Regional Ambassador to the UAE of Tunza Eco-Generation, I explained the people that we need to observe Earth Hour every day every hour of the day. In UAE the usage of electricity in households is too much far above than the global average. It was required to educate local population about switching off air conditioners when they are away, keeping the AC thermostat at 24⁰ which is comfortable & is a great saver of energy, UAE has banned the use of incandescent light bulb thus I educated them to use LED lights, while the people are within the house I suggested them to switch off the lights in the room where nobody is present, we tend to switch on the lights of the bathroom throughout the day & night, I educated them to keep a LED night lamp on in the night time. These small steps will turn into giant savings. It is just a matter of awareness.

My initiative was very well praised by all the people present over there. I also introduced the idea of Earth hour to many occupants of my building some of them accompanied me to the venue (Majaz Park in Sharjah). In Majaz park, where the main event was held in Sharjah many government dignitaries were present, I had a chance to meet them & share my views on energy conservation. I also briefed them about the efforts undertaken by Tunza Eco-generation for environment conservation. I handed over my business cards of Tunza Eco-generation to them.

The necessity of this global event is to limit the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that is the main cause of global warming & climate change. Just by switching off for 1 hour resulted in saving of over 250,000 Kwh – enough energy to power 16 average houses for one year(equivalent to Dh1 million) or saving the greenhouse gas emissions of 37 passenger vehicles for one year or about 63 tonnes of waste sent to the landfill according to the Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator of the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA).

I urge all fellow ambassadors, members & other readers of my report to observe Earth Hour as a way of life. Ideas are plenty, awareness is required & willingness is vital.