Every Hour

I am writing this having made the assumption that you have heard of Earth Hour. If you haven't, go here. (Somehow or another I didn't post this last weekend when I meant to). I am not big on events that only "raise awareness". I don't know exactly what that means. I can understand events that raise money. I wonder if there is anyone who has not heard of climate change at this point? There are millions of people on the planet who don't have access to lights that they can turn off. For them, Earth Hour is "Every Hour"...and they aren't necessarily celebrating because of it. Playing around for an hour or a day in the dark is not going to solve any "energy crisis" we may have. We will solve our energy issues by developing new technology. And that is not done in caves or in the dark.

It seems to me the only real reason to have an event like Earth Hour, is to give you the opportunity to feel morally superior to someone else. It's like praying for Japan. It doesn't do anything to help, but you sure feel better about yourself after you do it. It's masturbation in public. It also has the side benefit of convincing you that you did your part, and now you can return to business as usual.

So here's the deal. If you are concerned about energy consumption, buy a hybrid car or "green" lightbulbs. (I am not endorsing either of these by the way, just citing examples). The best way to make change is through the market. If enough people start buying these items, companies will make more of them. Additionally, if you really care about helping people in Japan, make a donation. You can do so here or here. A LOT of people in Japan are PARTICIPATING in Earth Hour, but they sure aren't celebrating it. Praying might make YOU feel good, but it does nothing for people who have lost their homes and love ones. Just sayin'.