The Middle East Communication Networks (MCN), the largest advertising and marketing communications network in the Middle East and North Africa, is asking every employee to support positive action against global warming and climate change by switching off lights for Earth Hour 2009.
Organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Earth Hour is billed as a chance for people across the globe to unite in switching off their lights for one hour. It began two years ago in Sydney when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. This year, organisers hope as many as one billion individuals and businesses will participate and are billing the act of turning off the lights as a vote against global warming.
In a message posted on the regional extranet – accessed by every employee of the network – the appeal to switch off was made as part of the agency network’s Corporate responsibility actions. Earth Hour falls on March 28, 2009 from 8.30 pm – 9.30 pm Dubai time. All non-essential lights and appliances at MCN’s Dubai HQ will be switched off, and employees are being encouraged to follow suit at home. In Dubai, the Burj Al Arab and Burj Dubai (the tallest unconstructed building in the world) will switch off as well.
Speaking on the initiative, Tom Roychoudhury, Chief Innovations Officer for MCN said “We want to be a part of the largest voluntary power down in history, because as an agency network we are committed to action that stands for the betterment of our planet, and as global citizens we want to do our part.” MCN has previously participated in and supported several ‘green’ CSR initiatives including introducing optimization of paper usage, compulsory recycling of paper, ads against impaired driving, car pooling where possible and more.
MCN is encouraging all clients and associated across the region to join in the Earth Hour initiative.
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