Climate Change Commission Participates in 20th Earth Hour, Advocates for Sustainable Daily Practices
The Climate Change Commission (CCC) actively joined the global observance of Earth Hour 2026, which took place on March 28 from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. This event, now in its 20th year, serves as a crucial platform to raise awareness about climate change and biodiversity conservation, mobilizing millions worldwide for collective action. The CCC called on Filipinos to move beyond the symbolic act of switching off lights and instead embrace long-term, sustainable habits to address the ongoing climate crisis.
President Marcos Supports Earth Hour, Highlights Energy Conservation
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. lent his support to the event, urging the public to adopt energy-saving habits and promote environmental responsibility. He emphasized the relevance of Earth Hour in the context of global challenges, including the current energy crisis. "This year’s event provides a timely and relevant opportunity for us to reflect not only on the issue of climate change and environmental preservation, but also on the need to conserve energy and to limit fuel consumption amid the current global crisis," President Marcos stated. He added, "Earth Hour reminds us that how we use energy affects us all and shows not just our ways but also the kind of future that we choose to build for our nation and our planet."
CCC Stresses Importance of Daily Climate Action
CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje highlighted that while the one-hour lights-off initiative symbolizes unity and environmental awareness, meaningful climate action must extend beyond this brief period. "Climate action is not just about one hour of darkness. It is about what we do after the lights come back on. This is not just about turning off the lights. This is about giving life to our hopes and dreams for our country," Borje explained. Anchored on this year’s theme, "Switch On Habits for Earth," the CCC underscored the importance of integrating climate-conscious practices into daily life.
Key practices emphasized include:
- Conserving energy in households and workplaces
- Reducing waste through proper disposal and recycling
- Avoiding single-use plastics to minimize pollution
- Planting and caring for trees to enhance biodiversity
Climate Change as a Systems Issue Requiring Coordinated Efforts
The Commission further emphasized that climate change is not merely a lifestyle concern but a complex systems issue that demands coordinated action from all sectors of society. "This is why climate action today, particularly through the youth, should no longer be just an advocacy. It really should be a life that we are going to live," Borje added. The CCC reaffirmed its commitment to advancing policies and programs that promote climate action and sustainable development, aligning with national priorities and global climate targets.
As the country observed Earth Hour, the Commission called on every Filipino to actively participate in building a climate-resilient and low-carbon future by making climate action a daily responsibility. This initiative aims to foster a culture of sustainability that goes beyond annual events, ensuring long-term environmental protection and resilience.
