'It's Largely a Symbolic Event'

Symbolism means everything to the dim bulbs who apparently enjoy sitting in the dark.

The actual impact of turning off lights for one hour is minimal, and some skeptics question the message. But promoters say the idea is to get people talking about further ways they can contribute, and to spur government action through grassroots activity.

"It's largely a symbolic event," acknowledges Leslie Aun, a WWF spokeswoman. "But symbols are powerful things.... It provides people with an opportunity to say something about climate change."

How stupid. Not to mention it has little impact.

Some are skeptical about promoting individual impact. At last year's Sydney Earth Hour, about half of residents turned out lights, but electricity use decreased by only about 2 percent, says David Solomon, a PhD candidate at the University of Chicago. The event showed "that household light use just isn't a large component of total electricity use," he says.

The Google nitwits, who ignored Easter, are all on board.

These people are so full of themselves, thinking they can actually control the climate.

Pathetic.

"This provides an extraordinary symbol and an indication that we can be part of the solution" to global warming, Australian Environment Minister Peter Garrett told Sky News television, standing across the harbor from the dark silhouette of the Opera House.

Garrett said government offices and national monuments around the country participated in Earth Hour.

"We're not only talking the talk, we're walking the walk," he said as the hour ended. "Whatever your view is about the magnitude of the problem ... we can save money by using energy wisely and efficiently, and that gives us the added bonus of reduced greenhouse gas emissions."

Then why not just eschew electricity entirely?

I think when the hour arrives tonight, I'll turn on every light in the house and the outdoor floodlights. Just knowing I'll be pissing off some nitwit will make it all worth it.

Lawhawk is also tired of the preaching.