Over 1.6 million took part in Earth Hour Singapore

938 LIVE Channel NewsAsia 22 May 09;

SINGAPORE: Earth Hour Singapore which was held on March 28 was a success with phenomenal levels of participation and action.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) said in a statement that over 1.6 million people here participated in the event.

The figures were revealed by market research firm The Nielsen Company and the Energy Market Authority (EMA).

Nielsen said 40 per cent of the population took part by turning off their lights between 8.30pm and 9.30pm.

It added that 56 per cent said they would be making a conscious effort to save the Earth by deliberately reducing their energy consumption going forward.

According to EMA, there was a 42 megawatt drop in electricity demand during the hour.

Earth Hour Campaign Manager Carine Seror said the next step now is to keep up the good work by making longlasting behavioural changes.

- CNA/yt