Nonessential lights at City of Issaquah buildings will go dark from 8:30-9:30 p.m. March 23, 2013, as the community observes Earth Hour, a global event to raise awareness about the effects of climate change.
Mayor Ava Frisinger has issued a proclamation for Earth Hour, and noted the potential impacts of climate change in the Pacific Northwest.
The mayor also urged all Issaquah residents and business owners to take a moment to remember the planet and turn off nonessential lights during Earth Hour.
Potential climate change impacts in the Pacific Northwest are expected to increase flood and erosion hazards; affect water supplies for drinking water, salmon, hydropower and irrigation; increase wildfire risks, exacerbate public health risks from respiratory problems due to increased smog and temperatures; negatively affect the diversity and abundance of wildlife and their habitats; and increase the acidity of Puget Sound.
Organized by the World Wildlife Fund, Earth Hour calls on individuals, governments, and businesses around the world to turn off their lights for one hour. The goal of Earth Hour is to express that individual action on a mass scale can help change our planet for the better.