News Release


More Than 500 Schools Participating In Earth Hour

McGuinty Government Encourages Students To Turn Out The Lights

March 27, 2008

The lights will be turned off in more than 500 Ontario schools for one hour on Friday March 28 to show support for protecting the environment.

These schools registered their participation on the Earth Hour website and the Ministry of Education provided resources to help them plan environmentally friendly activities. Earth Hour is a global event coordinated by World Wildlife Fund to inspire people to act on climate change.

Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing our planet. By participating in Earth Hour, schools will reduce their environmental footprint and raise student awareness.

Ontario is also encouraging students to turn off the lights at home for Earth Hour (March 29 from 8 to 9 p.m.) to show the need for action on climate change. Raising awareness is part of the government's plan to address climate change.

Quotes

"Practising energy conservation in schools reinforces what students are learning in schools about conservation and environmental awareness," said Education Minister Kathleen Wynne.

"Earth hour isn't just about turning off the lights for 60 minutes. It's about demonstrating what we can all do about climate change when we work together. Let's send a message to the world that Ontarians are leading that fight," said Minister of Environment John Gerretsen.

Quick facts

  • In Canada, more than 55,000 people have registered to participate in Earth Hour on March 29.
  • Sydney , Australia reduced energy by 10.2 per cent during Earth Hour 2007.
  • By March 2007, the Ontario government achieved a 12 per cent reduction in electricity use in government-owned buildings. The next reduction target is 20 per cent by 2012.

Learn more

Register to participate in Earth Hour.

Read Ready, Set, Green!, a school guide for environmental activities.

See what schools are participating in Earth Hour.