Many factories and workshops in Thua Thien Hue have pledged to participate in Earth Hour by switching off the lights.

Since 2007, this event has been initiated by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). In 2009, Vietnam participated in the Earth Hour campaign for the first time with the participation of six provinces and cities: Hanoi , Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Quang Nam, Thua Thien Hue, and Khanh Hoa. After 15 years of organization, the campaign has created positive changes in the community regarding awareness of the meaning and benefits of saving energy, protecting the environment, and responding to climate change.

While observing Earth Hour in previous years and witnessing many parks, offices, hotels, and restaurants voluntarily switching off their lights to candles, there are still many wasted lights on the streets and in many homes.

During that same period, while engaging with the media about Earth Hour, we heard many people inadvertently exclaim, "Earth Hour, another hour of lights off!" It's true that lights (electricity) are turned off, but it's not just a simple power outage! It shouldn't be considered a matter of turning off lights on when inspired and not turning them off when not. How electricity is used is essentially the right of each individual, each customer. But above all, every electricity user must be aware that energy is not inexhaustible, nor does it appear spontaneously in their homes, offices, and workplaces. Many people only understand the mechanical act of turning off lights, that they turn them off on a specific day and time, without fully grasping the true role and significance of Earth Hour for economic development and social life. Only when the light switch is linked to people's thinking—turning it on when necessary and turning it off when not absolutely necessary—can the task of saving energy and combating climate change fully achieve its set goals.

It's encouraging to see that many young people in Hue City now have positive thoughts about Earth Hour. Many believe that simply turning off lights for an hour won't immediately change the Earth's environmental quality, but it will impact their mindset regarding environmental protection. Many shared that they have personally become "ambassadors," spreading awareness among family and friends about efficient electricity usage. For them, turning off lights isn't just for Earth Hour; they've scheduled regular weekly and monthly light-offs whenever possible to save electricity.

Ms. Tran Nguyen Tung (a pharmaceutical sales representative from Hue City) said that not only during the "Lights Out" event in response to Earth Hour, but also her family always turns off unnecessary lights, utilizing natural light and fresh air by opening balcony doors, minimizing electricity use. This year, her family participated in the "Lights Out" event, using this time to spend quality time together...

In preparation for this year's Earth Hour campaign, Thua Thien Hue Power Company is coordinating the development of plans to reduce power consumption in densely populated areas, public lighting systems, and entertainment venues, and has a plan to ensure the safe operation of the power grid before, during, and after the event.

Earth Hour "Switch Off Lights" is a simple, symbolic act, but it serves as a reminder for the community and individuals to take action to adapt and create long-term habits.

Text and photos: SONG MINH