On Saturday, March 29, 2008, Christchurch will join cities around the world to take a stand against climate change.

Created to take a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced, Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming.

This simple act has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world. As a result, at 8pm March 29, 2008 millions of people in some of the world's major capital cities, including Copenhagen, Toronto, Chicago, Melbourne, Brisbane and Tel Aviv will unite and switch off for Earth Hour.

Christchurch is the first New Zealand city to participate in the event, which is in just its second year. Earth Hour began in Sydney last year when 2.2 million people and more than 1100 businesses turned off their lights, darkening world-famous landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House for 60 minutes.

Ideas from the Earth Hour website on how to make a difference:

• Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs to save money and reduce emissions. Lighting accounts for around 5% of household greenhouse gas emissions, and compact fluros use 75% less energy than an equivalent incandescent bulb. Although the bulbs cost more up-front, you will actually save money through the energy saved and extended life of the bulb.
• Turn appliances off while not in use. Unplug any appliances like mobile phone chargers, TVs, microwaves, MP3 players, which are not being used and are on standby. Appliances on standby consume up to 10% of your electricity bill.
• Turn off anything that doesn't need to be on. A good rule is to turn off anything not being used. When you leave a room or leave the house, turn off your lights or appliances like the TV or computer.
• Switch to green power. This is one of the best ways you can make a difference. Contact your electricity provider today and switch to green power, a cleaner, more renewable form of energy that does not contribute to global warming.Meridien Energy is looking at using the environmentally sound fuel to power the machinery needed for its $1.3 billion hydro-electric scheme.
• Use less hot water. This is not only a good water saving tip, it saves electricity too. Spend one minute less in the shower.

The official Earth Hour website.

The official Earth Hour New Zealand website.

You can register your interest in Earth Hour or make comments and suggestions now by emailing feedback@press.co.nz.