Mumbai and the rest of the country will remember the past year for the shocking terror attacks. As we step into the New Year, and resolve to battle all these challenges which surround us, should we stop and think of the best ways in which we can come together and fight one of the most critical global challenges of our times?

Our planet is warming up and we are at a tipping point when it comes to battling global warming. Scientists and researchers have proven through their studies that our planet is indeed in grave danger. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are on a rise and the only way to truly reduce them to take the pressure off climate change, is by conserving energy and utilising it parsimoniously. Simple 'Reuse, Reduce and Recycle' methods can take a huge load off the rising mercury but equally vital to taking these steps yourself is passing the message on.

This year WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) is bringing one of the largest global awareness campaigns on climate change to India, to pass the message on. Started in Sydney, Australia in the year 2007, the Earth Hour Campaign convinced more than 2.2 million households and businesses in just one city to switch off their lights for one hour to make a difference. Last year, the campaign spread with fiery intensity to 370 cities in over 35 countries and brought together committed citizens of this planet who cared about climate change, through a simple act of switching off their lights for just one hour. The Golden Gate Bridge, Rome's Coliseum and the Coke billboard in New York's Times Square also sank into silhouettes exhibiting the participation of governments and businesses in this global oath of change. We trust that 2009 will take the campaign into every electrically-lit household on this planet to spread the message that climate change is real and is happening today, and there is a need for everyone to commit to change their lifestyles in order to save the planet.

On March 28 this year at 8.30 pm, turn off non-essential lights in your homes. As you switch off your lights, remember that worldwide millions of people from diverse countries would be joining hands with you through the same simple act at 8.30 pm in their respective time zones. We also hope that you will be on board with us and spread the message to all your family, friends, classmates and neighbours. Log on to www.earthhour.org to read up more on Earth Hour and pass the link on as well.

Join hands with us for a living planet, for once in a while it's alright to be in the dark!

Write to us at earthhour@wwfindia.net to support the campaign and watch this space for more!