Earth Hour drive launched in Hanoi

The 2015 Earth Hour response programme, which calls upon people to save energy in dealing with climate change, was launched in Hanoi on February 7.

Young people dance at an event to launch Earth Hour in Hanoi.

A switch-off ceremony will be televised live from August Square between 8:30pm and 9:30pm on March 28.

Meanwhile, a number of activities on the sidelines such as photo exhibitions on climate change and energy will be held across the country in March in response to the drive.

The 2015 Earth Hour will be organised by the Ministry of Industry and Trade with the technical support of the World Wildlife Fund (WFF) and the Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam.

Head of the ministry’s general department of energy Dang Huy Cuong said all of the 63 provinces and cities nationwide are committed to making changes for the purpose of saving energy.

The organisation board has also launched a design contest to seek creative ideas to raise public awareness of climate change adaptation and effective energy usage.

Vietnam saved 431,000 kWh of electricity, equivalent to around VND650 million (US$30,550 USD) thanks to citizens turning off unnecessary lights and electrical equipment from 8.30-9.30pm on March 29, during the 2014 Earth Hour campaign.

(Source: nhandan.org.vn)