GEORGE TOWN – Penang will be observing Earth Hour today by holding a webinar with environmental experts, and participation by city councils, state agencies and a handful of businesses to turn off their non-essential lights.
Today marks Earth Hour where everyone is encouraged to dim their non-essential lights for an hour from 8.30pm to 9.30pm, as a symbol of commitment to the planet and a gesture against climate change.
Penang exco for environment and welfare Phee Boon Poh said the state also wants to send a strong message to its people to take heed of climate change and work together to reduce their carbon footprint and emissions.
He added that there is an urgent need to ensure the state has enough water catchment areas and look into lowering energy usage and food wastage.
The Penang Island and Seberang Prai city councils and 20 state organisations have announced they would be observing Earth Hour.
Penang Green Council general manager Josephine Tan, meanwhile, encourages the public, businesses and industries to observe Earth Hour today, joining millions around the world.
Tan said in a statement that doing so will be a part of an important movement to raise awareness on environmental issues.
“Every year, we support Earth Hour as a small gesture to conserve Mother Earth. This year, we will be taking the lead to encourage all business operators, such as malls, hotels, factories and the public to take part in this global movement.
“It is crucial for us to put nature and environment at the centre of our Covid-19 recovery efforts to future-proof our economy and for the benefit of our people.”
Penang will also mark Earth Day with a webinar session with regional experts on making the state a liveable city with environment and waste management best practices.
Among those speaking is Filipino activist Froilan Grate, who is the Asia Pacific coordinator for the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives movement.
In addition, private companies such as Tenaga Nasional Bhd are suggesting that the public could use candles, play charades, initiate a yoga workout, or sleep earlier than usual during Earth Hour.
Another business participant IKEA in Batu Kawan is organising a local jazz band to serenade customers when the lights are turned off.
However, Penang is no stranger to the effects of climate change and bad practices such as open burning, seeing that the state last year had the highest number of reports lodged over the matter. – The Vibes, March 26, 2022
