Pakistan joins world to observe annual Earth Hour

Lights were shut in Islamabad, other parts of the country to urge steps for conservation of energy and environment

Pakistan and the rest of the world observed the Earth Hour on Saturday to highlight the dire issues facing the planet and raise awareness across the world for the same.

The hour was observed between 8:30pm to 9:30pm with an aim to increase awareness about protecting nature, tackling the climate crisis, and working together to shaping a brighter future for all.

The theme for the Earth Hour this year is "Shaping our Future", inviting every inhabitant to think about the planet that they will leave behind for the future generations.

In observance of the hour, Capital Development Authority (CDA) shut off lights of all major highways of the federal capital for 10 minutes.

The authority shut off lights on the Jinnah Avenue, Seventh Avenue and Ninth Avenue in Islamabad to urge people to accord due care to the environment and have a sense of association with it.

Also read: Climate change: a real threat to Pakistan

The administration advised public to avoid any means that result in the wastage of energy and adopt conservative approache in their lives.

Earlier, in his message on the occasion, Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani urged the people to switch off all unnecessary lights and other electric appliances at their homes, offices and shops at the designated time to observe the hour.

There are some efforts made in addressing the climate crisis at the global and national levels. However, these efforts are too late and too little. It is clear now that minor, marginal, reactive or incremental changes won’t be sufficient.

We need urgent and more ambitious action and, at the same time, rapid and deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.