International experts have selected Cape Town as South Africa’s Earth Hour Capital in recognition of the city’s actions to address climate change. With Green by Design being an important focus for World Design Capital Cape Town 2014, this is a very welcome ‘green feather’ in the city’s cap!
The title South Africa’s Earth Hour Capital is awarded as part of the global Earth Hour City Challenge (EHCC), a collaborative effort between WWF and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, which aims to highlight and reward cities that are prepared to make substantial long-term efforts to combat climate change.
“We are exceptionally proud of Cape Town’s contribution to building a sustainable future that both protects the environment and improves the lives of citizens of South Africa,” says WWF South Africa CEO Morné du Plessis.
Cape Town is one of 33 finalist cities competing for this year’s Global Earth Hour City title from among 163 entrants, six of them South African.
Having selected national Earth Hour Capitals for each of the participating 14 countries, the expert jury will scrutinise the information supplied by finalist cities to identify the overall Earth Hour Capital. The title will be awarded at the Earth Hour City Challenge Conference and Awards Ceremony in Vancouver, Canada, in conjunction with the international conference GLOBE 2014.
Citizens of participating countries still have an opportunity to express their support for their favourite cities among the finalists through WWF’s We Love Cities social media campaign, which will run until 20 March 2014. The favoured city will also be recognised at the Vancouver ceremony.
We Love Cities
WWF-SA encourages South African to show their support for the impressive efforts that South African cities are making towards sustainability, and to participate in the We Love Cities campaign. Web visitors are invited to vote for Cape Town (and Durban), the two South African finalist cities, and to share the favorite aspects of these cities via photos and videos. Visitors are also welcome to submit suggestions for how the cities can become even more sustainable.
