TORONTO, ONTARIO — (Marketwire) — 03/23/12 — WWF is inviting cities in Canada, India, Italy, Sweden and the United States to participate in the Earth Hour City Challenge this year, showcasing their leadership role in the global transition towards a low carbon economy.
The winner of last year–s Swedish pilot program, Malmo, challenges Canadian cities to compete for the title of Global Earth Hour Capital. Cities are invited to submit inspiring and actionable plans for low carbon development and for dramatically increasing the use of sustainable, efficient and renewable energy solutions for review by an international jury.
Quotes
“Cities currently account for over 70 per cent of global CO2 emissions – so their leadership in reducing emissions will be crucial if we are to avoid escalating levels of climate change. But there are exciting opportunities for cities that approach this challenge with creativity and determination. Cities can be hotspots for innovations that help people lead more fulfilling lives with much lower carbon footprints. The Earth Hour City Challenge aims to highlight these examples, and the leading role cities around the world can and must play in transitioning towards a one-planet future.”
– Jim Leape, Director General of WWF International
“The Earth Hour City Challenge is a great opportunity for Canadian cities to showcase the great work that they–re doing to reduce carbon emissions. We want to celebrate the remarkable municipal leadership that we–re seeing across the country, which will be critical to helping Canada achieve a more sustainable future.”
– Zoe Caron, Climate Policy and Advocacy Specialist, WWF
Earth Hour City Challenge
Sweden–s third largest city, Malmo, took out top honours in the Earth Hour City Challenge pilot program last year, identified as an inspiring example of how a city can move from “traditional” to low-carbon urban development. Malmo has achieved this transition through consistent and long-term planning, a comprehensive approach to energy, building, transport and densification and by promoting innovation and sustainable lifestyles.
The jury will place particular emphasis on how the cities plan to meet human needs (for buildings, transport, energy, etc.) in a renewable energy future, rewarding solutions that can make cities greener and cleaner places to live with improved quality of life for residents. Cities will submit relevant data and plans via carbonn Cities Climate Registry (cCCR), an internationally recognized carbon reporting platform for local authorities, managed by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. Submissions will be open from April until November 19, 2012.
About WWF–s Earth Hour
Join millions of people worldwide and switch off your lights on Saturday, March 31 from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Visit to join the movement.
WWF–s Earth Hour is an opportunity for individuals, businesses and communities around the globe to unite in a powerful call to action of hope for a better, healthier planet. In Canada, the AIR MILES® Reward Program and the Toronto Star are the national sponsors. As lead sponsors for WWF–s Earth Hour, AIR MILES and the Toronto Star will harness their incredible ability to engage employees and reach customers in spreading our message and encouraging individual action.
About our sponsors
With more than 10 million active AIR MILES accounts, the AIR MILES Reward Program has the ability to reach Canadians from coast-to-coast and inspire them to do their part for the planet every day.
As Canada–s largest newspaper, the Toronto Star is committed to reporting on and bringing awareness to environmental issues, such as climate change, that matter to Canadians.
About WWF
WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature thrive. .
Contacts:
WWF-Canada
Weiwei Su
416-489-4567 ext. 7234