One of the early and lasting slogans of the environmental movement is "think globally, act locally" and on March 28th Bermuda's residents have an opportunity to do just that.

On that day, for one hour, starting at 8:30 p.m., individuals and businesses are being encouraged to participate in the the World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) Earth Hour by turning off all non-essential lights and other electricity consuming devices.

This year's Earth Hour is being touted as a global referendum where switching off your lights is tantamount to a vote for global action on climate change, and while the 60 minutes in and of itself will produce a negligble impact on carbon emissions, each 'vote' could prove immense.

How? Well, in the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu: "Climate change is the greatest human induced crisis facing the world today. It is totally indiscriminate of race, culture and religion. It affects every human being on the planet."

Earth Hour is an opportunity to participate in an event which organisers say could include as many as one billion people around the globe. Already (by the end of February) 680 cities have committed to the event and it is hoped the 'visual mandate' set forth by Earth Hour will set the tone for December's United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, where the world's leader will write, and potentially sign, a successor to the Kyoto treaty.

Earth Hour's website states: "Earth Hour hopes to encourage more debate and conversation about climate change and influence people's attitude towards energy consumption and its impact on the planet. Earth Hour aims to highlight the possibilities for change when we unite and work together."

Thanks to the efforts of Greenrock, Bermuda's sustainability awareness group, Bermuda has this year become a Flagship Country for Earth Hour.

Greenrock president Andrew Vaucrosson explains: "Being a Flagship Country means that we are embracing the Earth Hour initiative in a broader context, and that we are including longer term initiatives beyond the symbolism of turning one's lights out.

"As such, both WWF Global and WWF US have reached out to Bermuda and have provided us access to their resources and we hope, after this year, we can provide them with tangible evidence of our activities.

"With one billion people expected to participate globally, being a Flagship Country is important."

Greenrock have developed a special website for the event (www.greenrock.org/EarthHour2009) that will provide online tools and information to help people in Bermuda take action before, during and after Earth Hour. It will provide tips for the home, workplace and schools and host an anonymous survey consisting of ten multiple choice questions that will provide data on where Bermuda stands with regards to climate change.

Other features of the website allow users to 'Share Earth Hour' with photos, comments and ideas for how to celebrate Earth Hour, and to encourage others to participate through 'Tell a Friend'.

Ultimately Earth Hour seeks to extend this one time effort into ongoing lifestyle adjustments for both individuals and communties in an effort to address this global issue.

For example, one company that participated in Earth Hour 2008 made some permanent changes after the Earth Hour 2008 campaign, including: Changing its lighting system so that lights weren't on as long and staff could turn them off more easily; signed up for 'green power' for 25 percent of its electricity; installed bike racks and showers to make it easier for employees to cycle to work; and encouraged its customers to receive communications - such as statements, marketing information or annual reports - electronically.

Earth Hour as an event epitomises the potential of sustained group efforts. Springing from a think tank at WWF Australia two years ago its first year saw 2.2 million people and thousands of businesses turn out their lights in Sydney, Australia.

Last year the event went global with more than 400 cities and an estimated 50 million people demonstrating their commitment to slowing the effects of climate change. This year the bar has been set even higher and Bermuda is set to take its place in the global community.

Speaking on Bermuda's involvement and the efforts being made by Greenrock, Andy Ridley, the executive director of Earth Hour Global commented: "Earth Hour is delighted to welcome Bermuda to the campaign. It is fantastic to see so many countries and cities around the world voicing their support for action on climate change. We encourage all Bermudians to sign up, turn out the lights and help us make history.

"Earth Hour is inspired by Greenrock's commitment and looks forward to working together on this important cause."