Cities around the world are going to turn off their lights to commemorate Earth Hour on March 25, 2023 at 8:30 PM. Over 85 thousand people from 157 countries around the world will be participating in this hour of collective activism to make an impact in restoring our planet.
While some may feel that the gesture does not create a significant impact in addressing energy consumption, it is important to remember the symbolic significance of the occasion. Earth Hour presents an excellent opportunity for people worldwide to start discussions and establish objectives aimed at making progress toward achieving a sustainable future and reaching net zero emissions.
When everyone shuts off their lights for one hour, they must take the time to remember the true objective of the occasion, which is to motivate individuals and organizations to be more conscious of their consumption habits. It implores them to act towards reducing their daily use of electricity and water, combating pollution, promoting recycling, and so on.
It is important for us to recognize that we all play an integral part in combating the imminent threat of climate change. Sustainability issues, such as increasing temperatures, water scarcity, transportation difficulties, and connectivity challenges in densely populated areas pose a danger to everyone. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is not exempt from these concerns and must confront a multitude of challenges to withstand the risks associated with climate change.
However, Earth Hour is only a start. The climate crisis that lies ahead requires a systemic overhaul of the world’s energy systems to make them more sustainable, flexible and secure. This means that there must be immediate action from all sectors of the economy.
As a pioneering technology leader, we are advancing the world’s energy system to be more sustainable, flexible, and secure. We collaborate with customers and partners to enable a sustainable energy future – for today’s and future generations. We have placed sustainability at the heart of our purpose to advance a sustainable energy future for all.
Our new strategic plan for sustainability, Sustainability 2030, summarizes our key commitments to act and drive business in a sustainable way. Through Sustainability 2030, we are advancing four key areas: Planet, People, Peace, and Partnerships. Each of these areas has corresponding targets that align closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, adding social, environmental, and economic value.
Moving forward, the key to sustainable development will be electrification as decarbonizing energy sources will enable the elimination of fossil fuels. Further, automation and digitization will play a major role in reaching net zero targets. Through tech-driven disruptive transformation across energy utilities, the world must collectively work towards accelerating the energy transition towards an affordable, sustainable and reliable carbon-neutral energy system.
Earth Hour serves as a reminder to everyone worldwide to take action towards a sustainable future. But it is only the beginning, and we must continue to work together towards a carbon-neutral energy system that benefits all.
By Dr. Mostafa AlGuezeri, Managing Director of UAE and its Oversight Countries, Hitachi Energy
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