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Canadians embrace Earth Hour

JENNIFER MACMILLAN

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 12:28 PM EDT 27/03/08

More than 55,000 Canadians and 150 municipalities pledge to shut off lights for an hour Saturday to reduce greenhouse gas emissions ...Read the full article

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  1. globefan Eh from Canada writes: This is the first I had heard about this..an excellent idea, for one hour we can experience in solidarity with the people of Iraq who do this involuntarily on a daily basis.

    Now if only we could encourage Americans to do this with us..Imagine, we could have a day with clean air and quiet, the possibilities are endless.
  2. central Canada from Canada writes: Pfhee. Less than 1/10th of 1% of the population.
    Whopee, that'l make a difference.
    And with our luck, the power surge at 9 pm will black us all out so everybody will do it anyway, just another hour later. <:=0
  3. Polar Bear from Iceberg, Canada writes: A great way to create awareness even though some will find a way to criticise it.
  4. Tim Rutkevich from Canada writes: I am planning for Hour of Power. At that time will do laundry, wash dishes, watch TV, download some files on computer... make sure that all the lights are on.
  5. Peter Walker from Calgary, Canada writes: It won't make a measureable bit of difference, it was already tried in England, with a greater number of partici[ants, and that was the result.

    The same as changing the daylight savings time dates.

    Just publicity for some cause or other.

    The candles that you will be using during this period of darkness use just as much footptint as the electricity.

    Where were they made, transported to the shop that had all it's lights on when you bought them, your drive in the car, and leaving it idling while you ran in to pick a few up!!
    Then the lighter or matches!!

    Utter nonsense!!
  6. Tim Rutkevich from Canada writes: central Canada from Canada writes: Pfhee. Less than 1/10th of 1% of the population. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It is less than 0.2% of population or less than 1/500th of population. A drop in the water that can be offset by the Hour of Power that is a response to this nonsense. By the way City of Toronto can do better job by switching street lights off during the day.
  7. Tim Rutkevich from Canada writes: And before self righteous jump on me, I am just following government of Ontario advice to use power during off peak hours, so that generated electricity used efficiently.
  8. D Le5 from Canada writes: Yeah we should really just do nothing all the time and never try anything.
    It a start or simply an attempt to do something at least.

    The issue I have with it would be the boost in power for the 'add-ons' - e.g. the concert in TO - how much juice does it take for that?, The potluck in BC - everyong using more power to make extra food for the potluck, the glowsticks for the boyscouts...plastic waste, etc.

    Missing the K.I.S.S. principle (and not Gene Simmons' KISS) - Keep It Simple Stupid.
  9. John Connor from Canada writes: Tim Rutkevich from Canada writes: And before self righteous jump on me, I am just following government of Ontario advice to use power during off peak hours, so that generated electricity used efficiently.

    That was my plan too Tim, for precisely the same reason. Lower risk of brown out at that hour as well, so everything should be fine!
  10. Joe Gopher from Canada writes: How about that Ontario budget? Virtually no mention of the environment. No mention of Global Warming or Climate Change or Bad Stuff or whatever they are calling it these days.
    Instead of having a candle light dinner why not just eat a raw potato?
    Eat a spoonful of flour, mix a bit of coffee with cold water, oh wait, coffee is very environmently unfriendly so I'm sure all these good folks have quit drinking it, or at least quit the capaccino because that takes extra energy as well.
    All the movie star activists in Hollywood are now getting their cocaine shipped by bicycle courier from Columbia, so that's a big plus.
  11. Cognitively Cogitative from The Far, Far East, Canada writes: How about turning off non essential lights permanently? I'm amazed that cities still light up their streets and highways enough to read under. All night. Office towers still have all their lights on for a large chunk of the night.
    This one meaningless gesture will do nothing to offset our over consumption. A firm commitment to permanent reduction is the way to go. Earth hour should be every hour, every day.
  12. Tom Logan from Canada writes: Phew! Some negative folks out there I see. Let's applaud the ongoing media coverage and initiative of those who by their energy and passion are attempting to propogate wider awareness so that beyond the actual 'hour', people will be motivated to adjust their lifestyles. The real measurable benefits must start somewhere. Ever try to get your kid to turn off the lights after they leave a room? If role models (thank you Nelly) deem it cool to conserve and be responsible, then our otherwise indifferent kids will soon be chastisizing their parents instead.
  13. Joel S. from Toronto, Canada writes: Yay, lets all participate in an event thinly veiled as corporate propoganda to make themselves look good. I think not.

    Waste of time, waste of resrouces. This will not create awareness, only resentment. Oh, and from what I've heard, lights are on in the bank towers in Toronto because some bankers actually work all night.

    Hopefully this is the last time we ever have this silly event.
  14. Go Oilers Go! from Canada writes: Simon Croswell from Toronto, Canada writes: 'Lets shut down the province of Alberta and put Albertans into work camps. That will save energy and provide essential labour for public works. Two birds with one stone!' Sorry no one in Alberta would work in public works. We'll do our part though. I will personally shut off all of my lights Saturday night for one hour. Not at 8 pm...probably more like from 3-4 am.
  15. BiB AmomA from Canada writes: I pay for my power.

    I am turning on all 124 lightbulbs, my dryer, my stove 1 hour before lights out during lights out and for a full hour after lights out.

    In fact, I going to idle my F250 5.4 litre truck for the whole 3 hours also.

    I resent the world religion. I think it is sick and dangerous

    Watch all the power plants go off-line during the subsequent light back on surge. What a pack of narrow twits. there will be black-outs and death.

    Nice going. Nice religion.
  16. C Dione from Canada writes: Suprising that such an 'important', 'live or die', 'the sky is falling' issue then why did the Ontario budget pay littel mor ethan lip service to the issue?
  17. Simon Croswell from Toronto, Canada writes: Lets just all agree that Alberta sucks.
  18. Joe Gopher from Canada writes: I work up north where the electrical power comes from diesel generator, the fuel has to be trucked a long way and is expensive.
    Every light in the offices and bathrooms etc has a motion detector switch and a timer. The lights switch off automatically if no one is in them for a few minutes. They also switch off if you fall asleep at your desk.
    They don't burn any fuel for heating until the temperature drops to about -20C, until then there is enough heat supplied by boilers on the engine exhausts stacks and heat exchangers from the engine cooling systems.
    They must always run at least four of the six 6400 hp generators, watching the fuel consumption gauge for each engine is like watching the gas pump when you fill your car. The generators burn a 'B' Train and a half of fuel each day.
    That's a lot of heat and fuel, shaving a percent or two off that pays well.

    The motion detectors work best in offices, likely not so well at home where you might be sitting reading a book or watching tv etc. They would be good for laundry rooms.
  19. Antonio San from Canada writes: They have done this in Europe first and the professionals of electricity distribution were utterly concerned that the sudden drop of demand and sudden peak of demand would risk destabilizing the power network. But to no avail. The AGW propaganda is roaming free: unlected people draft policies and lobby for taxation. In Canada we are lucky to have one of the brightest and accurate mind who has clearly shown the temperature record is not unprecedented and that there is NO hockey stick curve. His name is Steve McIntyre. His work was independently verified by other statisticians such as the Wegman commission. There is no correlation between CO2 and temperature record. Would this person be mentioned in the Globe and Mail? Of course not.
    This is guilt spewing ideology: there is technology existing to minimize energy. Use it but do not spew guilt on us. If BC wanted to be green, they would have installed a epuration station for a long time instead of sending their sewer into the ocean. Enough hypocrisy!
    Full lights on!
  20. Cognitively Cogitative from The Far, Far East, Canada writes: BiB amonA, Thanks for your little parody on how closed minded and idiotic some people can be. you do that very well.
  21. Vern McPherson from writes:

    It's symbolic foks. Get over it.
  22. Bernard Trop from Ottawa, Canada writes: Wow! If I were a psychiatrist, I'd be rubbing my hands at the prospect of having an endless supply of patients who would eventually seek my help to cure their terminal pessimism or cynicism.
  23. Joe Gopher from Canada writes: Simon Croswell from Toronto, Canada writes: Lets shut down the province of Alberta and put Albertans into work camps. That will save energy and provide essential labour for public works. Two birds with one stone!---------------------------------------
    ----------------------------------------------
    Three birds actually. Canada would miss the 18 billion that Alberta give it in equalization payments and as well would be out a huge amount of tax dollars.
    The good thing about that is that the ROC would have to learn to pay their own way.
    So that's a little drastic.
    Maybe Alberta should just ratchet back the oil sands 18 billion dollars worth?
    You guys can get by without us paying your way, can't you?
    Or will Ontario be expected to pick up the slack?
    Each Albertan gives up $3000.00 per year in welfare/equalization, Ontairo gives up less than a third of that.
    Are you guys in TO ready to take up the slack and supply the equalization/welfare to the Atlantic provinces and Quebec?
    You hate us, but you sure like the welfare we send you.
  24. Vern McPherson from writes:
    Simon Croswell from Toronto, Canada writes: Lets shut down the province of Alberta and put Albertans into work camps. That will save energy and provide essential labour for public works. Two birds with one stone!

    -------------------------------------------------------------

    harper is about to do just that with his draconian Immigration changes. All pushed through with out debate hidden in budget documents like the gutless seaky low-down political pigs they are.

    RB Bennet lives and his initials are oracle form parts unknown.
  25. Kim Philby from Ottawa, Canada writes: In keeping with the spirit of Earth Hour, I've thought about the idea of replacing my bulbs with more efficient fluorescents, as a way to reduce energy consumption. But then I asked myself, if I did this, would there actually be less energy consumed, or would I simply be making a bit of room for the additional energy consumption from all those new houses, stores, factories, etc. that are constantly being built?

    As long as there are continued growth in our economies and populations, any energy-saving measures we try as individuals will not actually reduce the total of energy consumption.
  26. Joe Gopher from Canada writes: Vern McPherson from writes:
    harper is about to do just that with his draconian Immigration changes. All pushed through with out debate hidden in budget documents like the gutless seaky low-down political pigs they are.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    So now you are saying liberals can't read?
  27. Nassar Ben Houdja from Canada writes: The brilliant utterances for those who have turned out the lights are now voices in the dark. Please continue to illuminate the path to righteousness and energy self sufficiency in this manner. Toronto, is recognized by the Flat earth Society as the center of the world.
  28. Paul Wallnutz from Ontario, Canada writes: Putting aside the sentiment and merit of this event, I want to know what is going to happen at the end of Earth Hour when everybody turns their lights back ON. Can the eletricity grid handle this power surge?

    We all might find ourselves in the dark (and cold) for a few days if all of the transformer stations blow and the power plant surge protection trips. Should I be running out to by a portable generator and some environmentally friendly gasoline to run it?
  29. Farenheit 451 from Vancouver, Canada writes: Wow what a bunch of crabby old cynics!

    I read the article and thought it sounded like a fun idea. So you don't believe global warming is a problem - whats wrong with taking an hour to make sure you are prepared if there is a power outage? And wouldn't it be a nice idea to turn off the TV and actually talk to a neighbour or even one of your children?

    We are a society that is hugely dependant on oil and electricity. That isn't necessarily a good thing regardless of the environmental impact. Remember the Ontario ice storm a few years ago? Could you manage without electricity for a couple of weeks? Why not take an hour and think about it?
  30. Lupa Nare from Canada writes: Man, if Earth Hour bugs you, don't participate. If you think it's a puny effort, a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

    Given the science, I'm baffled by people who think humans aren't to blame for GHGs. But I support those people's right to ask questions and generate debate. But for those of you who think current climatic patterns are simply the Earth warming and cooling, and you think Earth Hour will somehow link you with those of us who lay fault at the foot of humans, then look at this symbolic gesture as an act against waste.

    Otherwise, stop being contrarian just for the sake of it. It makes you like childish, petulant and angry.
  31. Sweeney Todd from Canada writes: guy tozer from Saskatoon, Canada writes: The coastal 'hamlet' of Hartley Bay burns $500,000 worth of diesel for electricity!! How many years has this expense been going on? There are tidal generators and wind turbines now that could replace that half million dollar cost. Oh Ya, I forgot, it's a native settlement. Enough said.

    You haven't really looked at the level of the technology regarding 'alternate' ways to generate electricity, have you guy? The reason that they haven't taken hold is that they're very expensive to install and they pretty much suck at making reliable power in any real quantity.
  32. M Hillier from London, Canada writes: 'Tom Logan from Canada writes: Ever try to get your kid to turn off the lights after they leave a room?' Actually Mr. Logan, that's exactly what my parents did when raising me. They taught me to, amongst many other things, turn the lights off when leaving a room, turn the tap off when brushing my teeth, close the door in the winter or summer to save energy, etc., etc., etc. And since parents from my generation were much less likely to concern themselves with little Bobby or Suzie's 'feelings', it was certainly in my best interest to follow their instructions. There was a time when these things were simply called 'common sense'. Waste not want not, children obeying parents......and all other sorts of whacky ideas. And the simple reality is most of us do these things anyway without the hectoring from energy hogs like the supposed 'environmentalists' David Suzuki and Al Gore. My apologies if this is getting a bit ranty here but it's extremely frustrating to the average, non-activist citizen to be lectured time and again by hypocritical celebrities, indoctrinated activists, and an extremely ignorant media about my wasteful ways. I mulched before mulching was 'cool'. I grow my own vegetables as much as possible living in a city. I have an extremely energy efficient home and an economical car. Why? Because I was taught simple common sense from my parents. Because I do not like to waste money. Not because the most recent fad -from mercury filled light bulbs to 'clean' electric cars to ethanol - catches the eye of some dimwitted celebrity or worse; manipulative individuals, corporations, and governments who are cashing in massively on the 'green' revolution. Raising awareness? Whatever, fine....people can turn their lights off for an hour if it soothes their tortured enviro-soul. Personally, I think I'll re-read Brave New World. I'm fairly certainl I'll end the evening more enlightened than the average member of the Church of Environtology.
  33. J.C. Davies from Canada writes:
    Another pointless 'feel good' exercise that will accomplish nothing.

    Studies have shown that people most concerned about the environment tend to have greater than average 'carbon footprints', largely on the basis that those most concerned are well off and consume more and travel more.
  34. mondo pinion from Canada writes: wow! i'm gonna turn of the power too, and watch it on tv. just kidding.
  35. Sweeney Todd from Oilberta, Canada writes: 'Simon Croswell from Toronto, Canada writes: Lets shut down the province of Alberta and put Albertans into work camps. That will save energy and provide essential labour for public works. Two birds with one stone!'

    What's the matter Simon, couldn't pass the drug & alcohol p!ss-test to get hired-on in Ft. Mac or Edmonton? Bummer...
  36. Journey Man from Ontario, Canada writes: Paul Wallnuts has brought up a very important issue that I have also been wondering about. Could this event, if as popular as its organizers hope that it is, cause a system wide power outage? I sure hope that someone in authority is looking at this!

    The hard-core environmentalists may get their wish granted if we are without electricity, but I for one am not prepared to go completely without for a few days. This event needs to be thought through a little better.
  37. Joe Gopher from Canada writes: Sweeney Todd from Oilberta, Canada writes: 'Simon Croswell from Toronto, Canada writes: Lets shut down the province of Alberta and put Albertans into work camps. That will save energy and provide essential labour for public works. Two birds with one stone!'

    What's the matter Simon, couldn't pass the drug & alcohol p!ss-test to get hired-on in Ft. Mac or Edmonton? Bummer...
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Nah, he just wants someone else to pay the bills and take the pain.
    Maybe Mcguinty should reverse his decision to give GM 300 Million to build that new enviro car, the Camaro?
    Or he could shut down the coal fired plants that provide the electricity to Toronto. That would leave him in the dark, but since he's already there.........?
  38. Sweeney Todd from Oilberta, Canada writes: Relax, Journey Man from Ontario. Even if both people actually go through with it, it won't have any measurable impact ;)
  39. Leon Russell from Gatineau, Qc, Canada writes: Great idea. World-wide awareness efforts like this and we'll get there eventually. I'll participate.
  40. sherry smith from nanaimo, Canada writes: There are a couple of things I have done this year to save energy.
    Don't put a full kettle on when I make my tea. I don't idle my vehicle at take out joints like Horkys and Starbucks. I walk in as I watched a show by David Suzuki about that. I try to remember to turn lights off when not using, and heat too when I'm at work. I know there is different theories about that but what the heck. I will be participating on Earth Day and so are my friends at work. My Grandkids are coming for the weekend so we're all gonna party with candlelight and a night walk. Some of you hard core negative thinkers need to take a pill or some Ex-Lax or something. It's just going to increase awareness worldwide. I loved the comment about joining with the Iraqi's as I think about those poor souls all the time. Perhaps the U.S. should invite some of the folks that have been without clean water, electricity, etc to come into that new humungous (permanent) American City they are building. What a load of crap that whole thing has been.
  41. Antonio San from Canada writes: F 451 should know that in BC you do not need one hour to prepare for outage! Courtesy of BC Hydro mismanagement, BC residents always find themselves in the dark, like it or not, because some tree will fall on aerial power grid that should, like in Europe, be buried.
    Vern, yes it's symbolic and symbols are powerful: Nuremberg 1936 was symbolic too...
  42. Joe Bloggins from Canada writes: What stupidity. Oh well, if it helps to assuage Liberal guilt then maybe there is some value in it .....somewhere....to someone. I for one will not be participating in this nonsense. In fact, I think I'll crank up the dishwasher, the dryer, the washer and the furnace. Leon Russell from Gatineau, Qc, says 'Great idea. World-wide awareness efforts like this and we'll get there eventually. I'll participate.' Leon, why don't you shut everything off for good....especially your computer?
  43. BiB AmomA from Canada writes: Contact info for power outages Ontario hydro:

    1 (888) 664-9376
    (905) 944-3251
    1 (800) 434-1235

    Write it down while your computer has power.
  44. BiB AmomA from Canada writes: ..//

    Quebec Hydro Outages:

    1 800 790-2424

    ..//
  45. BiB AmomA from Canada writes: ..//

    BC Hydro Outages:

    1 888 769-3766

    ..//
  46. Joe Gopher from Canada writes: I went snowmobiling on the weekend.
    To raise awareness of global warming of course.
    I'm very passionate about the environment and nothing will make you more passionate than a 150 hp 2 stroke at full throttle!
    If the hippies get to fly all over the world to conferences to tell us that we shouldn't fly all over the world I should be able to go snowmobiling to raise awareness of blah blah blah?
  47. BiB AmomA from Canada writes: ..//

    Nova Scotia Power outage line:

    1(877) 428-6004

    ..//
  48. BiB AmomA from Canada writes: ..//
    New Brunswick power Outage line:

    1 800 442-4424

    ..//
  49. nicole Guay from los Angeles, United States writes: I agree with Farenheit 451, what a bunch of old cynical crabbies. What is wrong with people trying this out anyway? If not for their own cynical hearts, maybe to show the children or those too young to understand why it's important to not waste for now and the future. This action, as small as it may be, is still a step towards making a difference.
  50. BiB AmomA from Canada writes: ..//

    Newfoundland Power Outage:

    1-800-474-5711

    ..//
  51. BiB AmomA from Canada writes: ..//
    Saskatchewan Power outage phone numbers:
    1-888-355-5589 out of province
    310-2220 in Saskatchewan

    ..//
  52. NRK'st Forever from Calgary, Canada writes: ...........and here is another one....I will not drive my unfriendly suv this week instead I will drive my 7liter turbo diesel f350....

    ha ha.....
  53. Highball Harry from Canada writes: sherry smith from nanaimo, Canada writes:
    '...Perhaps the U.S. should invite some of the folks that have been without clean water, electricity, etc to come into that new humungous (permanent) American City they are building...'

    Now why would the US invite our aboriginals to a new City that is being built? ;-)
  54. BiB AmomA from Canada writes: ..//

    Manitoba Power outage line:
    (204) 480-5900
    1-888-624-9376

    ..//
  55. S H from Calgary, Canada writes: Vern McPherson = greatest liberal apologist of all time
  56. Killa What from Solarplexus, Canada writes: Wow, I know some of these are tongue-in-cheek, but it appears many of the letter writers are really deriding this, either due to the 'it's all a lie' type fantasies, or 'global warming isn't happening'. My opinion of G&M readers has just dropped logarithmically (bet that half these letter writers will need to reach for the dictionary on that one!).
    It's symbolic, and whether it helps or not, it's to educate folks that our use of energy is out of control. Even if you don't believe in global warming, have you seen the price at the gas pumps or in your oil bill lately? We are running out of energy, and there is no magic bullet or government program that's going to help here. The conservative right is acting like socialists on this one, in thinking we can spend gov't $$$ to fix this.
    Wake up, smell the coffee, and start to think for a change.
  57. Joe Canada from Kingston, Canada writes: Brilliant satirical opinion piece on the absurdity of this event and the brainless lemmings who fall in line;

    http://www.torontosun.com/News/Columnists/Goldstein_Lorrie/2008/03/27/5117386-sun.php
  58. Joe Canada from Kingston, Canada writes: Killa What from Solarplexus, Canada writes: blah blah blah...
    It's symbolic, and whether it helps or not, it's to educate folks that our use of energy is out of control.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    You just hit the nail on the head with the LPC's 'efforts' over the last 13 years to combat global warming, climate change, global change, climate warming...whatever the sexy buzzword is this month.
  59. Frans Halls from Essex, Canada writes: I can agree on doing things in cost effective and in environmentally responsible and sound practices, but this so called Earth Day event is nothing but a bunch of 'do goodies' trying to make themselves feel good with out determining the physical or measurable results by their actions. Scientific environmental studies have shown that Canada is only contributing less than 2% of the worlds industrial and life style CO 2. This is like standing below the precipices of Niagara Falls with a tin cup trying to catch all the water before it hits the gorge below. The rest of the world contributes 98% of the worlds industrial and life style CO 2. So my fellow Canadians, we can turn off every light, park every car, close all air ports, park every farm tractor, turn off every furnace and hold our breath. It won't make one scintilla of a difference to the global CO 2 output. CO 2 is not a green house gas. CO 2 is very important in our existence on Earth. With out CO 2 green plants would not survive. The latest atmospheric readings by NASA and Earth satellites shows the composition of the Earth air, that CO 2 is only .4 of one percent. The average person on this planet expels approximate. 900 grams of CO 2 (2 lbs) daily in the process of breathing. Now you apply this to 6 billion human beings across this planet on a daily basis, which translates to 6 billions tons of CO 2 added to the atmosphere daily. I do not think that the Earth Day proponents will be the first to stand up to declare, that I am saving this planet by holding their breath. Further information the Earth's oceans capture about 85% of the worlds CO 2. So as the Earths water heats up, more CO 2 is released into the air. But the latest studies from NOAA of their 3 thousand sensor buoy in all the earth's oceans have shown a slight water temperature decrease over the past 5 years. Since the oceans are responsible for 80 - 90% of all weather activity on this planet. So cooler water says cooler planet.
  60. Thomas D'Arcy McGee from Canada writes:
    Good to see that the usual yahoos (Hey Gomer! Er,... sorry, that's Gopher!) are thrilling to the prospect of running their diesel dualies full throttle over whatever bunny rabbits are within reach to celebrate Earth Hour.

    What amazes me is the trouble you Toby Keith/Larry The Cable guy types go to sto how up on every forum linked to a global warming G&W article to make the point as loudly as possible that you ain't fallin' fer any 'o this hippy bull on global warming. If it's such a non-issue, why are you so fascinated by it?

    Astrology is a non-issue with me. I don't haunt astrology sites attacking astrology. I have a life.

    Christianity is a non-issue with me. I don't haunt Christian sites attacking Christianity.

    A psychiatrist would have a feel day with your compulsion to come on these forums constantly and dedicate hours to attacking something you don't believe exists.
  61. Eris Korenyx from The Heart of Hell, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya writes: Another vapid and hopeless 'citizen initiative' to 'think globular and act loco'?

    Count me in!!!!

    I promise to shut off all my lights and entertainment appliances between 4-7AM on Saturday.
  62. Eris Korenyx from The Heart of Hell, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya writes: “We are one of the last remote communities run solely by diesel generator,&8221; said Cameron Hill, a band council member and lifelong resident. &8220;But we wanted to do this to show how committed we are to preserving our earth.&8221;

    =============================

    If they really cared about the Earth, they would move south to a place where they could be supplied with electricity by less damaging methods.
  63. Eris Korenyx from The Heart of Hell, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya writes: 'Toronto, the event's flagship Canadian city for 2008, will host a free concert by pop star Nelly Furtado, while the city shuts off lights at key landmarks, including the CN Tower and City Hall.'

    =======================

    And how much power will the sound system and stagelights burn to celebrate how much power was saved?
  64. Eris Korenyx from The Heart of Hell, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya writes: 'In Plaster Rock, N.B., (pop. 1,710) Brenda Bucci's Beaver Scouts are holding an Earth Hour sleepover at the town's community centre. '

    ------------------------------------------

    How much gas will be burned delivering and retrieving the Beaver Scouts from their sleepover?
  65. Eris Korenyx from The Heart of Hell, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya writes:
    In Halifax, diners at Stories Restaurant will raise their glasses in semi-darkness on Saturday night. The restaurant will turn out its lights for a completely candlelit dining experience.

    ------------------------------

    Do yo know how much energy is expended in the manufacture of candles???
  66. Thomas D'Arcy McGee from Canada writes:

    Uh Ed..... the idea behind this is not to save power.

    It is to draw attention to the issue.

    Geddit?

    Apparently they made this a little too complicated for some.
  67. S H from Calgary, Canada writes: It is nothing more than a symbolic gesture to raise awareness of the value of energy conservation. Perhaps valium would be in order for a number of the inmates trying to make a big deal about this.
  68. Eris Korenyx from The Heart of Hell, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya writes: In this context, another word for 'symbolic' is 'EMPTY'.
  69. john the sceptic from Sarnia, Canada writes: Just to assert my liberty, and my right to dissent the UN's global warming hoax, I'm not only turing on every light in my house but I'm running a full washer load, and running four errands in my SUV during the hour.
  70. Building an Ark from Eastern Slopes, Canada writes: Love the headlines - more than 55000 pledge! Um unless my math is wrong that is less than a tenth of one percent of the Canadian population. By the way, don't ever drop your new coiled bulbs, the mercury and lead poisoning in your house will cost you about 5 to seven thousand dollars in clean-up costs, or just let your kids chew on the window sill...
  71. Don Quixote from the frozen Banana Belt, Ont., Canada writes: Another feel good exercise initated by the ones which waste most on a regular base.

    The one hour will just keep the personnel in the power switching stations alert because of expected fluctuations in power use......
  72. Highball Harry from Canada writes:
    S H from Calgary, Canada writes: 'It is nothing more than a symbolic gesture to raise awareness of the value of energy conservation...'

    So this is just like Kyoto, Carbon Trading, and other symbolic gestures? It just wastes a lot of trees and ink and really does nothing for the environment, but does make a few people feel good about their 'contribution'.
  73. J.C. Davies from Canada writes:
    'What amazes me is the trouble you Toby Keith/Larry The Cable guy types go to sto how up on every forum linked to a global warming G&W article to make the point as loudly as possible that you ain't fallin' fer any 'o this hippy bull on global warming. If it's such a non-issue, why are you so fascinated by it? '

    Because the crazy hippies believe that if our taxes are raised the sky won't fall. I fear higher taxes not the weather.
  74. M.Y. Twocents from Canada writes: Thomas D'arcy- did your ancestors wait at the edge of town for the travelling medicine show?
  75. Canada's conscience from Vancouver, Canada writes: Keep on asking the questions. Humanity's fate lies in the solutions that will bring us into the next century...or not. This is a symbolic gesture. We need more action and we need greater accountability and responsibility in leadership. If our current political leaders aren't taking the stand that is required to uphold our standards of living for the future, we need to take a stand. I somehow doubt Harper will be turning out the lights at 24 Sussex...
  76. Thomas D'Arcy McGee from Canada writes:

    M.Y. Twocents - (And that's about what your opinion is worth).

    No, my ancestor was the local sheriff running the medecine show out of town because they'd just fleeced your ancestors out of their hog sale money.

    J. C. Davies -

    Only a fool would confuse the overwhelming consensus of the world's leading scientists with a few crazed hippies.
    Try this site, you'll feel right at home:

    www.theflatearthsociety.org
  77. Thomas D'Arcy McGee from Canada writes:

    J.C. Davies

    You fear taxes? Get used to two words that you're going to hear a lot of in the near future: CARBON TAX

    And it's the kind of tax that's going to hit the dualie crowd where it hurts - right in your wallet, every time you fill up. And reward the latte drinkin', CBC watchin', Prius drivin' hippies you hate so much.

    Get used to the idea.
  78. M.Y. Twocents from Canada writes: Thomas-- your enthusiam outpaces your understanding. I'm sure almost everyone posting here wants to leave a better environment for their children and grandchildren, but many people do not want to be pulled along in false directions by charlatans and opportunists.
  79. Antonio San from Canada writes: Brainwashing and guilt spewing are the key to entrench new totalitarian ideology in the mind of zealots.
  80. Highball Harry from Canada writes: 'Get used to the idea.'

    Easy now, some of us are still just getting used to the ideas of Killer Bees, SARS, West Nile, Bird Flu, Y2K and all of the other recent apocalyptic prophecies.
  81. Hugh Campbell from Canada writes: Killa What from Solarplexus, Canada writes: 'My opinion of G&M readers has just dropped logarithmically (bet that half these letter writers will need to reach for the dictionary on that one!).'

    Don't let the AGW deniers mislead you by their presence in the G&M discussions on this and related topics. There's a small gang of lay-abouts that hop on these threads like cats in heat. People like Bob Omamo who has, what?, a dozen messages in this thread?
  82. Peter Walker from Calgary, Canada writes: Quote: 'globefan Eh from Canada writes: This is the first I had heard about this..an excellent idea, for one hour we can experience in solidarity with the people of Iraq who do this involuntarily on a daily basis.'
    Very first post!!

    IF you wish to live like the people in Iraq, then go live there!!
    We others do not have to live the way you want us to live!!

    I have lived in a place with no electricity, in Sierra leone, for a year. You get used to it.
    Turn off all lights that you are not using etc. that is fine. that cuts down your electric bill - probably in half for some!!
    Now I have electricity. The Flames play the Oilers. The TV will be on, the fish tank, and computer, and ONE light. That is a regular for my house, and these new bulbs are not wahet they are supposed to be. Don't use them outside, or in bathrooms - (That's where I ses mine, in the bathroom). Don't switch on and off like a regular bulb or they will wear our or catch fire (by experience) faster!!
    ONLY use them where they will be left on for quite a while, OR you will be adding to the environment rather than reducing stuff. I'm stocking up on regular 40w bulbs!!

    Get with it folks!!
  83. Khalid Rahim from scarborough, Canada writes: Turning of the lights on Saturday seems to hurt the psyche of some.
    If they wish to lighten up their ego, let them climb up electric poles. My family will join those millions around the world to observe the day.
    If we embrace this on regular basis, we can change our life style into
    a more postive way.
  84. Freddie Fender from Canada writes: What a bunch of feel-good nonsense with little consequence. If we really want to get serious about energy conservation in all forms, then let's deal with the issue of uncontrolled urban sprawl with massive 5000 square foot plus so-called 'homes' and overpowered and overpriced gas-guzzling SUVs. An associated issue with urban sprawl, especially in southern Ontario, has been the loss of some of the best farmland in the country. Start growing farm produce in local areas rather than importing from Mexico or the southern USA. Re-orient our transportation system away from cars and trucks. Reconsider the use of rail for the shipment of goods and the use of warehouses rather than just-in-time delivery. Provide real urban mass transit and lots of it. Stop expanding multi-lane super highways.

    BTW, hands off our incandescent light bulbs!!! As noted by others these mercury bulbs, apart from the lousy lighting, are considered HAZMAT. Save our lightbulbs!!!!!!!!
  85. siren call from Canada writes: Well, I see the angry hate everything but Harper crowd has thoroughly spammed this thread.

    Good going, guys!
    Why have hope when you can have misery?

    Why do something positive, if symbolic, when you can get angry and spew your bile around?

    Guess my taxes are paying for your angry ulcer treatments.
  86. THE BIG GUY from Stoney Creek, Canada writes: No need to participate in Earth Hour as conserve power all year long. So what's the fuss? Bit of brainwashing going on to make us all feel good in participating in 'conservation'!
  87. Journey Man from Canada writes: Freddie Fender: I'm not even convinced about the 'huge' energy savings of these new bulbs. Sure they draw less power for a given amount of light, but in this country where we heat our homes for 6months of the year, that extra energy is mostly heat that must be offset by extra home heating fuel.

    When all of this is factored in the energy savings are drastically cut. But one of the key problems is the general failure of the average Canadian (or politician) to fathom these issues around science and technology. (p.s. - I'm all for reduced energy consumption and I actually vote Green.)
  88. Building an Ark from Eastern Slopes, Canada writes: Canada's conscience from Vancouver, Canada writes:' I somehow doubt Harper will be turning out the lights at 24 Sussex... '

    Please don't forget to e-mail the Gorical to turn off his Mansion, er sorry he can't do that at 10k sq ft. or more - but he can purchase mythical carbon offsetts from the Suzuki foundation or China to make everyone feel cozy - this is like putting a shine on a turd! Who amungst us is the most clean??? Sharlatons, all of you included are Canada's conscience...
  89. Building an Ark from Eastern Slopes, Canada writes: siren call from Canada writes: Well, I see the angry hate everything but Harper crowd has thoroughly spammed this thread.

    Not a Harper fan, why can't you debate about the environmental hazards of the 'new bulbs'...they are an environmental train wreck, or do you just love everything that any patsy tells you to love???
  90. Bill G from Calgary, Canada writes: Maybe the Globe will shut down for an hour. Meantime, this will be as effective as peeing into the wind.
  91. IEM Canadian from Everywhere, Canada writes: Is their website promoting the event going to come down for an hour (in every timezone too)?
  92. Journey Man from Canada writes: And another thing about these new bulbs...I was at my sister's house on Easter Sunday when I went down to the basement for something. She told me to leave the lights on when I came up (since they are 'efficient', now she never turns them off!). I wonder how much of this is going on now across the country?
  93. Richard S from Canada writes: Well I know nothing will happen.... but I have to voice my opinion.....Anyone on any ocean coastline might want to consider Tidal exploitation power generation..... Wind power......how about a solar supplement...........plus many other options other than a diesel. generator money pit....that technology has to be forty years old....get on with it guys.....by the way new structures should be put up according to the projected global warming glacial melting theories......
    Richard
  94. Darryl Williams from Dartmouth, NS, Canada writes: Hey Deniers - you should all get together and come up with a better game plan.

    One third of you are pooh-poohing the piddly amount of people who plan to participate in this event - you know, claiming its only .01 % of population, etc.

    One third of you Deniers are claiming that this will certainly cause power outages and disasters across the country (Boob OmamO, take a bow).

    One third of you Deniers are claiming that there will be absolutely no effect whatsoever.

    I suggest you guys huddle up somewhere, decide on a common strategy, and get back to us later.
  95. Common sense is BACK! from Canada writes: .

    Sounds like a plan. I'll get a good book, sit down, unwind, and read it. I'll use candle-light if need-be.