“Earth Hour” Signals an Interesting Approach to Global Change

How many people are aware of Earth Hour? I certainly wasn’t but apparently millions of citizens worldwide are. On March 28th, household and governments dimmed their lights for an hour as a symbol of their commitment to combating the battle against energy costs and the consequential environmental effects. This year is the third anniversary of Earth Hour.

What is of considerable interest to me is that while I was in Graduate School earning my Masters in Journalism over those years and studying the airwaves quite thoroughly I didn’t hear or see anything about this movement. And make no mistake, that is what this is, a movement. In the 1960s people discussed populace movements as relating to Peace in Vietnam. Such organized opposition to the war in Iraq, while substantial during small periods of time, simply do not compare to Vietnam activism, but this Green Movement does.

I would argue that this movemewnt, the one designed to spur unity for global benefits, not just for the present day but for generations to come, is more important than short term war protests, which actually inspire dessent.

I am optimistic that President Obama will give serious consideration to the need for environmental preservation and energy conservation, two things which President Bush simply failed to acknowledge. There is concrete evidence to support this in the way the United States government is handling the auto industry bailouts…they will be required to significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Maybe the best movements that can happen are global in nature. And I for one, can finally say I am proud that America and its president are standing up for key issues involving the future of the world, not just our nation.