TORONTO, ONTARIO, Mar 23, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) –
WWF is inviting cities in Canada, India, Italy, Sweden and the
United States to participate in the Earth Hour City Challenge this
year, showcasing their leadership role in the global transition
towards a low carbon economy.

The winner of last year’s Swedish pilot program, Malmo, challenges
Canadian cities to compete for the title of Global Earth Hour
Capital. Cities are invited to submit inspiring and actionable plans
for low carbon development and for dramatically increasing the use of
sustainable, efficient and renewable energy solutions for review by
an international jury.

Quotes

“Cities currently account for over 70 per cent of global CO2
emissions – so their leadership in reducing emissions will be crucial
if we are to avoid escalating levels of climate change. But there are
exciting opportunities for cities that approach this challenge with
creativity and determination. Cities can be hotspots for innovations
that help people lead more fulfillling lives with much lower carbon
footprints. The Earth Hour City Challenge aims to highlight these
examples, and the leading role cities around the world can and must
play in transitioning towards a one-planet future.”

- Jim Leape, Director General of WWF International

“The Earth Hour City Challenge is a great opportunity for Canadian
cities to showcase the great work that they’re doing to reduce carbon
emissions. We want to celebrate the remarkable municipal leadership
that we’re seeing across the country, which will be critical to
helping Canada achieve a more sustainable future.”

- Zoe Caron, Climate Policy and Advocacy Specialist, WWF

Earth Hour City Challenge

Sweden’s third largest city, Malmo, took out top honors in the Earth
Hour City Challenge pilot program last year, identified as an
inspiring example of how a city can move from “traditional” to
low-carbon urban development. Malmo has achieved this transition
through consistent and long-term planning, a comprehensive approach
to energy, building, transport and densification and by promoting
innovation and sustainable lifestyles.

The jury will place particular emphasis on how the cities plan to
meet human needs (for buildings, transport, energy, etc.) in a
renewable energy future, rewarding solutions that can make cities
greener and cleaner places to live with improved quality of life for
residents. Cities will submit relevant data and plans via carbonn
Cities Climate Registry (cCCR), an internationally recognized carbon
reporting platform for local authorities, managed by ICLEI – Local
Governments for Sustainability. Submissions will be open from April
until November 19, 2012.

About WWF’s Earth Hour

Join millions of people worldwide and switch off your lights on
Saturday, March 31 from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Visit

www.wwf.ca/earthhour to join the movement.

WWF’s Earth Hour is an opportunity for individuals, businesses and
communities around the globe to unite in a powerful call to action of
hope for a better, healthier planet. In Canada, the AIR MILES(R)
Reward Program and the Toronto Star are the national sponsors. As
lead sponsors for WWF’s Earth Hour, AIR MILES and the Toronto Star
will harness their incredible ability to engage employees and reach
customers in spreading our message and encouraging individual action.

About our sponsors

With more than 10 million active AIR MILES accounts, the AIR MILES
Reward Program has the ability to reach Canadians from coast-to-coast
and inspire them to do their part for the planet every day.

As Canada’s largest newspaper, the Toronto Star is committed to
reporting on and bringing awareness to environmental issues, such as
climate change, that matter to Canadians.

About WWF

WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges
facing our planet, helping people and nature thrive.
www.wwf.ca .

        Contacts:
        WWF-Canada
        Weiwei Su
        416-489-4567 ext. 7234
        wsu@wwfcanada.org

SOURCE: WWF-Canada

        mailto:wsu@wwfcanada.org

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Article source: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/earth-hour-search-for-urban-climate-champion-2012-03-23