Lights remained turned off with many of the citizens and expatriates taking part in the Earth Hour from 8.30 pm to 9:30 pm on Saturday as the world observed an hour reminding of the need to conserve energy.
The Environment Authority (EA) had issued a notice urging people to heed the call of Earth Hour, and to 'Turn off unnecessary lights and electronic devices for the sake of the planet. Be part of the change and live an hour for the Earth'.
Earth Hour is observed every year, usually on the last Saturday of March, where millions of people across the world join in raising awareness related to the issues facing the planet Earth.
Oman joined hands with approximately 160 countries around the world to celebrate Earth Hour, as part of the Sultanate of Oman's efforts to increase public awareness of climate change, energy conservation, global warming and protecting ecosystems from environmental degradation, as well as improving programmes and plans to rationalise energy and electricity consumption.
The EA, in a statement, said, "The Sultanate of Oman exerts enormous efforts to preserve the ecological balance."
The EA had launched national plans to achieve zero neutrality to reach this stage by 2050. Earth Hour is also one step to preserving the earth and each year, Oman keenly participates in this drive along with other countries to celebrate the Hour.
According to the Authority's climate affairs department, "By celebrating Earth Hour, we give the earth 60 minutes which can do a lot to preserve nature and the ecosystem." Observing Earth Hour is all about making a daily commitment to care for one another and the one home we all share. This year’s theme is “Give an Hour for Earth by spending 60 minutes doing something - anything - positive for our planet." Over 84,530 people from 151 countries and territories have already pledged to reconnect, restore the planet, learn more about the earth, inspire others to take care of the planet and find other ways to make an impact.
This year's message of Earth Hour holds even more importance as it falls during the holy month.
Some of the simple, yet impactful ways to shape a brighter future for people and the planet are to eat more sustainably, not to waste food, travel responsibly, eliminate plastic, save water, be energy-efficient, protect natural spaces, be a conscious consumer, spread the word and stay informed.
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