Earth Hour observed: Call to conserve energy to save resources for future

LAHORE: The WWF-Pakistan joined more than 180 nations around the world to observe Earth Hour at 8:30pm, local time, on Saturday.

In Lahore, Earth Hour was observed at Wapda House. Wapda Chairman Muzammil Hussain was the chief guest on the occasion. WWF-Pakistan senior officers and WWF-Pakistan’s goodwill ambassadors were also present.

Addressing the ceremony, the Wapda chairman said, “Earth Hour is an opportunity for us to be a part of global movement to take action for our home.” He said that Wapda joined hands with WWF-Pakistan to organise Earth Hour at Wapda House as part of its corporate social responsibility.

While emphasising the importance of energy, he said that energy conservation was the need of the hour.

“We must conserve it now so that we have resources in the future,” he added.

The Wapda chairman shared with the participants that Wapda had devised a comprehensive strategy for harnessing water and hydropower resources to improve water availability in Pakistan and offset the adverse impact on climate change.

He said construction work on Mohmand Dam would start in a couple of weeks while construction of Diamer Basha Dam would also commence in the current year.

WWF-Pakistan Director General Hammad Naqi Khan said that in 2019 the country continued to embrace the true essence of the global Earth Hour movement.

“Earth Hour was first celebrated in 2010 in Pakistan, and we have seen it grow bigger with each passing year. This is a very optimistic sign that our aim to rally people from all corners of the country for our planet has anchored roots.” In the past decade, Earth Hour inspired millions to support and participate in critical climate and environmental initiatives, helping drive climate policy, awareness and action worldwide, he said, adding, “If we take a look into our past, we would understand that movements have shaped our lives which means movements matter, and the Earth Hour movement will shape our future.”

Other major landmarks across the country also participated in Earth Hour by switched off lights. The landmarks include DCO Office, Wasa, Lesco, Wazir Khan Mosque, Hazori Bagh, parks, LDA Complex, Parliament House, Supreme Court of Pakistan, Pakistan National Monument, Damn-e-Koh, Pak-China Friendship Centre, Shah Faisal Mosque, Convention Centre, D-Chowk, Lake View Park, 7th Avenue, 8th Avenue, Sindh Assembly and Frère Hall.