Vietnam saves 436,000 kWh during Earth Hour 2020

Vietnam saved 436,000kWh of electricity, equivalent to VND812.9 million (US$34,900), in one hour from 20:30 to 21:30 on March 28, according to the National Power Dispatch Centre.

Buildings in Ho Chi Minh City switch off their lights to celebrate Earth Hour campaign 2020 (Photo: TTO)
Buildings in Ho Chi Minh City switch off their lights to celebrate Earth Hour campaign 2020 (Photo: TTO)

In 2019, the country’s saved 492,000kWh of power – equivalent to VND917 million (US$39,400).

Focussing on the theme ‘Loss of biodiversity’, Earth Hour 2020 drew attention to the immediate need for halting nature and biodiversity loss for the sake of our health and well-being.

This year’s campaign called on organisations and individuals to take action and contribute their initiatives to change consumer behaviour such as saving energy, limiting the use of plastic and saying no to wildlife consumption, thereafter realising the goals of adapting to climate change and protecting the green planet.

As social gatherings are not allowed due to health crisis of COVID-19, this year’s Earth Hour campaign in Vietnam was held digitally and through posters, with limited events of large crowds.

Launched by the World Wide Fund for Nature and partners as a symbolic lights-out event in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour is now one of the world's largest grassroots movements for the environment, engaging millions of people in more than 180 countries and territories. It has become a catalyst for positive environmental impact, driving major legislative changes by harnessing the power of the people.

Vietnam first joined the campaign in 2009. The event in Vietnam has been sponsored by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.