One hour of darkness brings a world of good

The light of environmental awareness spread across the country on Saturday as Earth Hour was marked in smaller urban centres like Al Ruwais, Umm Al Quwain and Al Ain with much the same conviction as in the big cities like Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. Dubai alone saved 216 MW of power during Earth Hour 2012 by switching off unnecessary lights and appliances, with the accrued savings registering a 6 per cent increase over Earth Hour 2011. Record numbers of people, organisations, businesses, government departments and employees participated in Earth Walks, candle light vigils, as well as recycling drives in every corner of the country. The UAE's most iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa and Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque, united for Earth Hour and joined other landmarks in more than 150 countries that switched off their lights. Burj Plaza event Leading the Earth Walk at the Burj Plaza, Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer, vice-chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, said: "It was wonderful to see so many people turn out for the walk. It shows that environmental awareness is increasing every year. The increase in savings over the last year also reflects on the positive behaviour." Al Tayer confirmed that the Earth Hour 2012 power savings had risen by 6 per cent and said Dewa will go ahead with its promise of conducting a walkathon on Earth Day to raise funds for environment education. In Sharjah, people gathered at Al Majaz waterfront and participated in various activities while in the capital, the Abu Dhabi Municipality took the lead in organising the events. "This is the second year that the Abu Dhabi Municipality has taken a lead role in coordinating activities and educational campaign for the occasion, in cooperation with WWF [World Wide Fund for Nature]," Nahla Al Muhairi, head of the Events Section and Community Services at the Abu Dhabi Municipality, told Gulf News during the festivities that took place at the corniche. Festivities Events held on the Abu Dhabi corniche included entertainment and fun activities for families. Troupes of drummers and face-painting artists were a hit with the children. Seventy motorcycle riders headed by Captain Ahmad Bin Hadi from the Abu Dhabi Police, gathered at Marina mall and drove around the capital handing out brochures and conveying personal messages to foster public awareness about the importance of the event. "The significance of the event is far more than a momentary contribution. There is only one habitable planet in our solar system. We can help protect it," said Mohammad Zeid, one of the volunteers. The most pleasing spectacle was of little school pupils carrying lanterns and holding placards with environmental messages.