I believe in such events as Earth Hour. I think we need more
of these events. This is a life style change for our society. I think
sometimes we tend to over think how we effect policy. Changing
society through education and participation is what is needed. The
people will then effect policy in a big way. I love how Whistler has
been challenged by another community. I think this is a fantastic
example for future events.

Sincerely,
Jane

If something that is supposed to protect the environment needs to be defended, I begin to question it too. I wrote a blog post actually criticizing Earth Hour, and more than the symbolism that it has, the apparent “carte blanche” that it seems to give people to NOT change their negative impacts on our shared environment.

I am, as you know, a scholar of environmental policy. But I can’t help but think that we have given ourselves (the general public) too much leeway (and we continue to do so) with these symbolic acts. Same criticism I apply to the TckTckTck campaign. What did it achieve, in policy design terms? Really, very little.

It’s time for us to create more long-lasting, durable impacts in terms of protecting the environment. I suggest a read on Donella Meadow’s 2001 article on “Points to Influence a System” (the name escapes me right now, but its gist is – you have to influence systems at the paradigm-shift level, that’s where you can effect more long-lasting, durable change.

Yours,
Raul