Question 41 from UPSC CSE 2014 - Environme nt

Question

Consider the following statements regarding 'Earth Hour':
1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
2. It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year.
3. It is a movement to raise the awareness about the climate change and the need to save the planet.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 2 and 3 only

Strategy: - Identify statement 1 as incorrect by recalling Earth Hour is organized by WWF, not UNEP or UNESCO.
- Confirm statement 2 is correct, as participants switch off lights for one hour annually.
- Confirm statement 3 is correct, as it focuses on raising awareness about climate change and environmental protection.
- Eliminate statement 1 to conclude the correct answer is 2 and 3 only.

Key Info: **Earth Hour** is a global environmental initiative organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (**WWF**).

Key details:
- Began in Sydney, Australia, in 2007.
- Participants turn off non-essential lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. local time on a Saturday in March.
- The aim is to raise awareness about climate change, energy conservation, and environmental sustainability.
- Major landmarks and cities worldwide participate.

The event is not affiliated with the United Nations Environment Programme (**UNEP**) or the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (**UNESCO**). Through symbolic action and public engagement, Earth Hour encourages the adoption of long-term sustainable policies and behaviors by individuals, governments, and organizations.

Answer

Option A: 1 and 3 only

Answer

Option B: 2 only

Answer

Option D: 1, 2, and 3