Earth Hour 2022: Shape Our Future – It’s now or never

Earth Hour 2022: Shape Our Future – It’s now or never

As one of the world’s largest programmes for the environment, the event will connect millions of people from all around the globe.

As we must change to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters of the past two years, Earth Hour 2022 calls on us to act differently so as to create a new era in which the interests of both nature and humans are prioritised.

Marco Lambertini, Director General at WWF International, said: “Earth Hour 2022 calls for the world to unite in a moment of solidarity for people and planet. We know that alongside the many challenges we are facing, especially in these unprecedented times, 2022 remains to be a critical year for the Planet, our shared home.”

According to him, this year, the world will come together to agree on a Paris-style agreement for nature, and this presents a once in a decade opportunity for leaders to agree on a plan to reverse nature loss by 2030 and build a nature-positive future.

Vietnam has been ranked as the 16th most biologically diverse country in the world. However, like many other countries, Vietnam is facing rapid degradation of biodiversity. Although many national policies, strategies and projects have been adopted to solve this problem, biodiversity degradation is still a huge challenge, requiring the joint efforts of the entire community, including the state, civil society organisations, and especially businesses.

At the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26), Vietnamese Prime Minister pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, bring methane emissions down 30 percent by 2030, gradually reduce and eliminate coal-fired power generation from 2030 - 2040, and protect forests.

These commitments reflect Vietnam’s determination in climate change mitigation and adaptation, low-emission development, promotion of circular economy, and sustainable development.

A cycling parade held by Hanoi Power Corporation (EVN Hanoi) response to the 2022 Earth Hour campaign. (Photo: laodongthudo.vn)

Together with other countries around the world, Earth Hour 2022 in Vietnam will feature a wide range of online communication activities, starting from March 21.

The event in Vietnam is being held by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in coordination with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The event calls all people and organisations to switch off lights and non-essential electronic devices for an hour, from 8:30pm to 9:30pm, on March 26.

The organisers also call for specific actions in the four areas of energy, forests, food, and consumption. It has received much response and participation from celebrities, influencers and artists including Miss Universe Vietnam 2017 H’Hen Nie, blogger Giang Oi, Ngot (Sweet) band, and MC Khanh Vy.

A string of activities is being held to educate people on green and healthy living and the harmful effects from illegal hunting and consumption of wildlife animals, while schools are being asked to organise environmental awareness classes and relevant extracurricular activities.

A host of activities will be held to educate people on a green and healthy lifestyle and the harmful effects of illegal hunting and consumption of wildlife animals.

At the same time, educational institutions and schools are asked to organise classes and extracurricular activities on environmental protection and launch events in response to the Earth Hour 2022 campaign. Schools and students are encouraged to post the outcomes of their activities on social media with hashtags #GioTraidat #BoTNMT.