KARACHI: Earth Hour was observed all over Pakistan, like the rest of the world, on Saturday, though virtually or on an individual basis.

The World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) notified through a press release earlier that there would not be any event on the ground as it always used to be with the switching off of lights for one hour, from 8.30pm to 9.30pm, every year on the last Saturday of March.

“In the midst of the global Covid-19 health crisis, Earth Hour marked a moment of solidarity for the planet as global communities united and organised events digitally on Saturday. Pakistan commemorated Earth Hour 2020 completely online and the virtual events were observed in different cities across the country to conserve energy and show commitment towards Earth as non-essential lights in homes and other buildings were switched off between 8.30pm to 9.30pm.

‘It is a time for solidarity and a time to respond to challenges more creatively’

“Through symbolic candle-lighting events, WWF-Pakistan’s goodwill ambassadors, environmentalists and passionate citizens pledged their support for nature and people. This Earth Hour provided a platform for online conversations about the loss of nature and ‘why nature matters’ to the people.

“With nature loss continuing unabated, Earth Hour 2020 drew attention to the immediate need to halt nature and biodiversity loss for human health and well-being. The global moment came ahead of events where world leaders were scheduled to take critical decisions on nature, climate change and development. These have now been postponed. Earth Hour marked a pivotal opportunity for civil society members, citizens, nation heads, CEOs and environmentalists to demonstrate the need for a new deal for nature and people by pledging their support and raising their voice for the planet,” the press release read.

On the occasion, director general, WWF-Pakistan Hammad Naqi Khan said that their thoughts were with families of those who had lost loved ones to the deadly coronavirus. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives from the Covid-19 outbreak and our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones or who are sick. In this hour of crisis, we acknowledge the need for urgent action and the need to unite now more than ever to safeguard our future and the future of our planet. It is a time for solidarity and a time to respond to challenges more creatively and work more collaboratively, which is why Earth Hour is being marked through digital events across the globe.”

WWF’s goodwill ambassador Anoushey Ashraf said that people-led initiatives around the world like Earth Hour were vital to continue to inspire awareness on the importance of nature and prompt action to help deliver a nature-positive world by the end of the decade.

“It is also important that the next generation connects to nature and values it.” She urged that people should unite and make a difference by changing their lifestyles. Citizens should believe in recycling, minimise use of plastics and manage energy and water resources wisely. She reiterated that the current coronavirus pandemic, massive Amazon rainforest fires and Australian bushfires call for immediate action to reverse this huge loss.

WWF’s other goodwill ambassador actor Ali Rehman, in his message said that Earth Hour gives people an opportunity to go beyond the usual limitations and look at the bigger picture before them. He also shared that he has joined this campaign to fulfil his part as a responsible global citizen and ignite a much-needed change not only in words, but also through practical actions. “We must all come together to work for a better and healthy environment and take every possible effort to tackle the threats faced by the Earth,” he said.

Started from Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has grown to become one of the world’s largest grassroots movements for the environment, inspiring individuals, communities, businesses and organisations in more than 180 countries and territories to take tangible environmental action for over a decade. Historically, Earth Hour has focused on the climate crisis, but more recently, it has strived to also bring the pressing issue of nature loss to the fore. The aim is to create an unstoppable movement for nature, as it did when the world came together to tackle climate change.

Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2020