This year's Earth Hour saved more than just the environment in Vietnam: 471,000 kWh worth about $33,500 were saved as the country turned off the lights at 8.30 p.m. on Saturday, data from Electricity of Vietnam showed.
To mark the event, a ceremony was held at the August Revolution Square in Hanoi in a bid to encourage people to switch off their lights for an hour and raise awareness about climate change.
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The campaign, themed 'Switch Off Lights, Switch On the Future', attracted thousands of young volunteers. Photo byVnExpress/Giang Huy |
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The '60+ message' was sent out to emphasize Earth Hour is not just for 60 minutes. Photo byVnExpress/Giang Huy |
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh emphasized the government’s effort to build a green economy in a sustainable environment. He also urged organizations, individuals, families and businesses to save energy by simply turning off their lights and other non-essential electrical equipment.
The initiative began in Australia in 2007 as a grass roots gesture by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia against man-made carbon dioxide emissions linked to a warming planet.
Vietnam has participated in Earth Hour since 2009, representing the country’s commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 8 percent by 2030 under the Paris Agreement on climate change.