Birmingham fails to act on the Earth Hour campaign

• Apr. 19 by Georgie Campbell (1)

As the rest of the world celebrated the global “switch off” campaign, the West Midlands seemed less than enthused to join in.

Failing to promote the environmental campaign throughout the region, Birmingham City Council assured their input was substantial enough when the lights were turned off in the city’s council houses in Victoria Square and the Hall of Memory, Broad Street.

James Rock, a local resident who took part in the event, commented on his disappointment in Birmingham’s involvement:

“After contacting the City Council, I was forwarded to the environmental sector but they never got back to me. The event just didn’t seem to capture the imagination of the seniors.”

With little promotion of the campaign in the West Midlands region it would seem the event went unnoticed.  Whilst other countries, such as Australia, held Glastonbury-sized festivals to promote the cause, Birmingham appeared to “fail” in many people’s eyes.

Press officer, Geoffrey Coleman, said that the council considered the campaign a “wider initiative than their selves” although some actions were taken to show their support. 

Councillor Paul Tisley, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council commented:

“The City Council fully embraces WWF Earth Hour initiative.  Birmingham has set its ambitious target of a 60% reduction in carbon emissions by 2026.

 The energy bill for the whole of Birmingham (the gas and electricity paid by every single person and business in the city) comes to over £1 billion pounds a year.  So it is in everyone’s interest to think carefully about what we use our electricity for and not waste it – both for environmental and financial reasons. “

The Councillor went on to explain he “wholly endorse[d] this initiative” and that the council took actions to “turn off the lights in its key buildings on the 28 March where [it did] not affect the health and safety of the public and staff”.

However, when assessing the impact of the Earth Hour campaign within the region, the National Grid revealed there was no significant impact anywhere within the West Midlands.  Energy levels remained average throughout the 8.30pm – 9.30pm event.

With less than a year now until the next Earth Hour event, it would seem it is up to the local residents to publicise and promote the campaign to make sure next year is not a repeat of this.