Environment Minister Terry Lake encourages British Columbians to participate in Earth Hour 2013 by turning off unnecessary lights and electronics between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 23.

"Earth Hour is the perfect time to reflect on the impact that we - as individuals and collectively - have on this planet," said Lake. "The B.C. government will do its part by shutting off the Jubilee Lights at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria for the fifth year in a row. In fact, thanks to careful management of building control systems, many provincial government offices have non-essential lights and electronics turned off after business hours every day of the year."

According to BC Hydro, Earth Hour 2012 saw provincewide electrical power consumption drop by 1.67 per cent during those 60 minutes, equivalent to turning off about nine million 12.5-watt LED light bulbs. Revelstoke had the highest reduction in energy use in the province at 12.1 per cent.

Earth Hour is hosted globally by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when individuals and businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a symbolic stand against climate change.

This week, the City of Vancouver was crowned WWF's 2013 Global Earth Hour Capital, beating out 66 other cities across the globe for its innovative actions on climate change and dedication to create a sustainable, pleasant urban environment for current and future residents.

Quick Facts:

According to the World Wildlife Fund:

• Earth Hour 2012 took place in more than 7,000 cities and towns in 152 countries and territories around the world.

• This year, more than 150 countries and territories will be participating in Earth Hour.

• Key international landmarks participating this year include:

• The Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge

• The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur

• The Tokyo Tower

• The Bird's Nest in Beijing

• The Eiffel Tower in Paris

• Buckingham Palace in London

• The Empire State Building in New York

• Niagara Falls

• Los Angeles Airport (LAX)

• The CN Tower in Toronto

Learn More:

BC Hydro's Power Smart: www.bchydro.com/powersmart

LiveSmart BC: www.livesmartbc.ca/

WWF Earth Hour Canada website: www.wwf.ca/earthhour/

BC Hydro's Earth Hour page: www.bchydro.com/earthhour

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834