By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, March 25: Will switching off electricity for one hour per year be enough to make a difference to save the Earth or even Sarawak?
Agreeing with Earth Hour Campaign, Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian said within one hour, Kuching itself saw a load reduction of 8MW.
Speaking at the launch of Earth Hour 2023, Dr Sim, who is also the Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, said, “It means the CO2 (carbon dioxide) has been reduced by 2,400kg from 8.30pm to 9.30pm tonight.”
This year’s Earth Hour 2023 Campaign for Sarawak was hosted by Kuching South City Council (MBKS).
Several business premises such as hotels and shopping malls, public facilities and parks under the supervision of MBKS took part in the campaign.
They are MBKS Community Hall, Song Kheng Hai Hawker Center, Stutong Community Market, Farley shopping mall, Boulevard shopping mall, Everrise shopping mall, Vivacity, Green Height Mall, Imperial Hotel, Kuching Park Hotel, Kingwood Hotel and i-CATS University College.
Six other local authorities, namely Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Miri City Council (MCC), Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS), and Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) also joined in by switching off non-essential lights.
Even though it is just for one hour, MBKS mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng emphasised how Earth Hour can make a big difference in the energy used.
“Many people asked me if it is sufficient or what difference it makes if it is only a one-hour campaign. Yes, we all agree that it is not (a lot), but when millions worldwide participate, it adds up to a lot of energy saved.
“Everyone is talking about the environment and climate change. We have to start with something, or else we will never start with anything. Remember, every big thing starts with small steps.
“Earth Hour campaign will help reduce electricity demand, which can help lower greenhouse gas emissions. This is what we are trying to do now,” Wee told reporters at the launch.
Wee added the heavy rainfall that caught Kuching last week was not just due to drainage alone.
“People tell me not to blame the weather or the rainfall for the flood. Of course, bad drainage is one of the reasons, but what about the amount of rainfall during the drier season?
“Our environment and climate have obviously changed where the water level is rising, and the temperature has changed. These are not excuses, but they are factors,” he said.
Therefore, by reducing energy consumption and making small changes in daily lives, Wee concluded that everyone could make a huge change in the effects of global warming. — DayakDaily
