H.E. Minister Maged George supports Earth Hour

http://www.eeaa.gov.eg/English/main/allnews.asp?Article_Id=198

20/3/2010

	George renewed his call to participate, for the second consecutive year, in the Global Initiative to turn off lights.
	Maged George, Minister of State for Environmental Affairs declared that the Ministry will take part in "Earth Hour Global Initiative" launched by Fund for Nature Conservation; aiming to protect Earth planet from global warming, curbing greenhouse gas emissions and encourage international community's involvement in combating climate change's phenomenon. George said that Egypt will participate, for the second consecutive year, in "Earth Hour Global Campaign" to turn off lights for one hour, on Saturday 27th March from 8.30 - 9.30 pm, to contribute in rationalizing energy consumption and convince developed countries with the importance of reviewing their policies to reduce emissions from industrial projects. Eng. Maged George, declared that MSEA 's efforts in this campaign directed towards addressing all Ministers and Governors to participate in this global invitation , urging citizens nationwide to contribute in saving energy to acquire positive environmental behavior that can be followed in the future; he also issued his directives within Ministry of Environment to commit with rationalizing energy consumption . So far about 92 countries will take part in this year campaign in return for 88 countries participated in last year campaign; Regional Control Center has recorded decrease in electricity consumption loads at Greater Cairo by 50 MW during Egypt's participation in last year "Earth Hour Campaign ", which is equivalent to electrical power produced by small power plant. He added that large number of citizens participated in last year campaign by reducing their homes' lighting to 50%, Cairo governorate decreased 50% of lighting in number of main roads , such as, Airport Road ,El-Nasr Road , Ismailia Egypt Road, Nile Corniche and Ramsis Street; decreasing lighting in public buildings and services departments where they depend on candles' lights during this hour , as well as turning light off in Cairo Tower ,Mohamed Ali Citadel , Temple of Luxor , Pyramids, Sphinx and some other major hotels. It is worth mentioning that "Earth Hour "campaign was launched for the first time in 2007 under the auspices of the World Fund for Nature Conservation in the Australian city "Sydney" , where restaurants used candles during this hour and lights were turned off in homes , public buildings and landmark tourist buildings .