CERN takes part in Earth Hour

From 8.30 to 9.30 p.m. on Saturday, 26 March 2011, the Globe of Science and Innovation will be plunged into darkness to mark CERN's participation in Earth Hour. A growing number of countries and cities across the planet are involved in this global initiative against climate change, which was launched by the WWF in 2007.

The lights on the Globe were switched off for the 2009 Earth Hour event.

Along with individuals, companies and tourist attractions in thousands of towns and cities all over the world participating in the fourth annual Earth Hour event, CERN will turn off the lights of the Globe for 60 minutes at 8.30 p.m. on Saturday 26 March.

CERN's participation in the initiative is one of several examples of its commitment to respect the environment and keep its ecological footprint to the minimum. A recent example under the green transport heading was the replacement of part of CERN's petrol vehicle fleet with cars running on natural gas with a view to reducing air pollution. Other examples include the new solar panels on the roof of Restaurant No. 1 and the green roof of the new Building 42, which allows rainwater to be retained. Further initiatives, such as recovering the energy used to operate CERN's accelerators to heat certain buildings, are under study.

Last year, one thousand million people in 128 countries took part in "Earth Hour, 60 Minutes for the Planet", by switching off their lights at 8.30 p.m. local time. This year, the movement is attracting more and more participants from old hands like Australia, where it first began in 2007, to new countries including Jamaica, Uganda and Swaziland.

The Earth Hour internet site invites people across the world to monitor their energy consumption throughout the year, pointing out that every little helps. The site's "Beyond the Hour" platform allows users to share their ideas for respecting the planet, such as switching off electrical appliances that are rarely used or taking public transport rather than using their own cars.

Don't forget to switch off your lights at home at 8.30 p.m. on 26 March and in your office before you leave and take up your candles!

by Anaïs Vernède