OHIO goes dark to highlight climate change World Wildlife Fund urges ‘lights out’ for Earth Hour 2009 Mar 26, 2009
At 8:30 p.m. this Saturday, Ohio University will join with individuals, businesses and organizations around the world to take a stand on climate change. And the battle plan is as simple as the flick of a switch.
Originated by the World Wildlife Fund in 2007, Earth Hour urges citizens around the world to turn out the lights for one hour to demonstrate a global commitment to fighting climate change.
Acting on a request from members of the Ohio University Student Sierra Coalition, Ohio University President Roderick McDavis signed the university onto the campaign in February as a flagship university. The move, according to Chief of Staff Becky Watts, demonstrates the university’s continued commitment to sustainability -- both in terms of university operations and raising awareness within the university community.
Because Earth Week falls during Ohio University’s spring break, the campus is already expected to be a bit dimmer than usual Saturday. Sustainability Coordinator Sonia Marcus said the university will turn off additional lights in observance of Earth Hour, including decorative and other non-essential lights. Lights relating to public safety, such as street lights, will remain on.
