1. What is Earth Hour?

Created to take a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced, Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for collective action on global warming.

At 8.30pm March 28, 2009 millions of people around the world and here in New Zealand will unite and switch off for Earth Hour.

Find out more at www.earthhour.org

2. Background info

Earth Hour began on Saturday 31 March 2007, when more than 2.2 million households and businesses in Sydney committed to taking action on climate change, by simultaneously performing one symbolic act - turning off their lights for one hour.

One year later, Earth Hour reached 370 cities and towns in more than 35 countries across 18 timezones, including New Zealand’s first Earth Hour city, Christchurch.

In what is tipped to be the world’s largest mass participation event, Earth Hour 2009 will involve one billion people in more than 1000 cities around the globe, including at least 26 New Zealand centres.

3. Why is NZIinvolved

Weather and climate are core business for the insurance industry. We underwrite weather-related disasters by calculating, pricing and spreading the risk and then meeting claims when they arise. A changing, less predictable climate has the potential to reduce the insurance industry's ability to underwrite weather-related risk. This would have serious ramifications for the economies of those vulnerable regions where climate and weather risk is greatest.

We recognise that in order to continue to protect New Zealanders by managing their insurance risk, we all need to manage our resources better today.

Collectively, we can make a big difference, which is why we’re inviting our employees, our customers, our brokers, and our suppliers to all take part in Earth Hour 2009.  The biggest event in the world starts with one of the smallest actions - flicking a switch.

4. What can you do to play a part?

• Sign up and show your support for Earth Hour. Visit http://www.earthhour.org/sign-up to sign up.
• On Saturday 28 March at 8.30pm turn off your lights for an hour.
• Make Earth Hour the launch of ongoing initiatives to support the long-term sustainability of your business.
 

5. Competition – win a Prius!

http://nz.earthhour.org/prius