In a previous post, I posted the following comment:
I can't believe it!
On Monday, Calgary's City Council voted in favor of Alderman Brian Pincott's proposal to join Earth Hour.
In the 18 months that I've been back in Calgary (from Toronto) I've come across a lot of people here that think that the whole climate change "movement" is a farce. I remember in Toronto I'd frequently hear people talking about climate change and how the government isn't doing enough for the environment, etc. In contrast, I've heard so many people here in Calgary that seem to think that it's all a waste of time and don't believe it's a real issue – just a fad... I suppose it's not convenient to care about the Earth in Alberta though.
Michelle and I decided we'd walk up the hill with our dogs to Crescent Road and take in the view of Downtown Calgary during Earth Hour. We took some pictures and as you can see, The City of Calgary and downtown businesses really took it to heart! (sarcasm)
I suppose that deep down, we weren't really expecting to see Calgary do anything, but it is weird that they signed up, only to leave all the lights on... Michelle says she gives Calgary an "e" for effort. :-)
Post a comment below and let me know what you think!
9 Responses on Calgary Earth Hour
According to Enmax, energy consumption in Calgary increased from 1,050 megawatts at 7:45pm to 1,060 megawatts at 8:15pm...
At the same times last Saturday, energy consumption was 976 megawatts and 1,023 megawatts respectively.
If earth hour was about using as much energy as possible, Calgary would have probably won!
Looking at the numbers a little closer, one could argue that Calgarians actually did consume less energy as a result of Earth Hour:
From 7:45pm to 8:15pm, consumption went up by only 10 megawatts, a 0.95% increase. Compare that with a 47 megawatt or 4.82% increase during the same time frame the week earlier...
You could also argue that if energy consumption typically increases during this time, and a 47 megawatt increase is the average amount it increases by, then consumption actually decreased by 37 megawatts, which is a 78.72% decrease...
You'd be hard-pressed to try to convince me that it was a result of Earth Hour in Calgary though. I just thought I should point it out before someone else does ;-)
During Earth Hour in Toronto, consumption went down by 223 megawatts in the first half hour and dropped more from there...
I wish that I could have been in Toronto – Nelly Furtado, The Philosopher Kings and FeFe Dobson sang for the people at Nathan Phillips Square during the event.
My family observed 'earth hour' by turning out all lights and unplugging non-essential electrical items for 3 hours (7-10pm). We did everything by candlelight...it not only was a bit romantic but it helped us to calm down after a stressful day and remind us how far humanity has come with technology in the past 100+ years. We have alot to be thankful for and feel we shouldnt take it for granted. Candlelight time is definetly something we will continue to do (keeping in mind safety of course).
Ah yes, Albertans and in particular Calgarians have proved yet again that we are a province of excess and disregard. To everyone who did participate in Earth Hour I thank you, my son thanks you, my other family members including my great nieces and nephew thank you. I hope next year brings greater success in the Earth Hour movement so we can prove the perception that the rest of Canada has for us is wrong. (And we wonder why there's a problem with eastern attitudes and Alberta!!)
It's too bad the weather didn't cooperate. The temperature was 12C colder this Saturday than a week ago. Also, the Flames/Oilers game at the same time as Earth Hour couldn't have helped!
My boyfriend and I (Calgarians) actually turned off the main breaker in our house. We played cards by candlelight from 8-10,and were REALLY excited to see candles in the windows of TWO houses across the street! That made me feel really proud of our city... Until I heard the disheartening news that energy usage actually increased. Maybe next year it'll catch on a little stronger? I'll cross my fingers for it...
Nelly Furtado...
Man I just love your blog, keep the cool posts comin.....