The United Kingdom unites with Ireland to make a stand on global warming
Dublin, Ireland: Many bars and pubs in downtown Dublin took part. The Temple Bar district was abuzz. The Irish Minister of the Environment gave a nationally televised speech to 300,000 viewers at 8.30pm from a major hotel where the lights went off.
Belfast, Northern Ireland:
The Stormont Parliament buildings in Belfast switched off for Earth Hour, ensuring the citizens of Northern Ireland stood with the rest of world in the fight against climate change.
London, England:
Highlights were Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Number 10 Downing St going dark, and people gathering to watch Piccadilly Circus darkening for only the fifth time since World War II.
Londoners also joined the WWF team in Trafalgar Square as a giant Hour Glass tracked the hour and reminded all who watched, that while time is ticking, there is still enough time to act, while half a dozen bridges along the River Thames flicked the switch including the iconic Tower Bridge.
Swansea, Wales:
The city of Swansea, Wales plunged into darkness for Earth Hour 2010 when Tintern Abbey, one of the most spectacular ruins in Britain joined other Welsh historical castles like Caernarfon Castle, Conwy Castle and Kidwelly Castle in switching off in the fight against climate change. Other iconic buildings and landmarks that participated in the annual event included Wales Millennium Centre, Newport’s Civic Clock Tower, Pierhead building and Cardiff Harbour Centre. Almost 100 schools were also amongst the nations participants.
Edinburgh, Scotland:
The iconic Edinburgh castle again plunged into darkness, heading up a list of 20 landmarks that went dark for Earth Hour across Scotland. A total of 25 cities and towns confirmed their participation in this year's event reflecting the resolve of the Scottish people to be part of the global climate resolution.
A unique Earth Hour event in St Andrews saw people come out to play a game of night golf with flourescent clubs and balls, in a novel display of climate action from the city where the sport was invented.
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A trio of Scandinavian nations in typical Nordic fashion have voiced their support for climate action loud and proud holding Earth Hour concerts across the Northern European region.
Helsinki, Finland:
Over 80 cities took part in Earth Hour across Finland. The capital Helsinki held the official Earth Hour event at Esplanade Park and featured a lantern parade, fire show and a performance by local band, Viisi.
Almost 30 community groups pledged their support to Earth Hour and famous landmarks including; Helsinki Cathedral, Finlandia Hall, Finnish Broadcasting Company tower and Olympic Stadium Tower, switched off for Earth Hour.
Sweden:
At least 100 events took place to mark Earth Hour in Sweden this year, with a total 209 out of Sweden’s 290 municipalities participating. 800 schools took part across the country, and churches across the country rang their bells in and out for Earth Hour.
Iconic buildings in Stockholm including the Royal Castle, central station and the Royal Opera all went dark. A huge concert in the central square of Stockholm saw 7,000 people gathering to show support – lighting for the stage was powered by the Swedish national bicycle team pedaling bikes.
On stage Sefura Alizadeh led the way – the singer from Azerbaijan, who is favoured to win this year’s 55th Eurovision Song Contest – performing alongside famous Swedish musicians including Darin. The well-known main strip of bars and restaurants in Gothenburg, The Avenue, switched off for the hour.
Norway: Every major media channel in Norway showed their support, broadcasting Earth Hour activity in 161 cities. Social media support swelled, with 1,000 blog posts over 24 hours. Major icons in Oslo including the City Hall, Stock Exchange, and Royal Residence turned off, and events and concerts took place across the city. Ski resorts switched off and most cities also turned off their street lights for the first time this year.
Norway also had the honour of the northernmost participant in Earth Hour. The residents of Longyearbyen on the island of Spitsbergen defied the threat of polar bears wandering into their town by switching off the street lights that ward them off such was their determination to be part of Earth Hour’s global action on climate change.
(downtown Oslo before and during Earth Hour)
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