Millions of people in cities across the U.S. and around the globe turned their lights off for one hour Saturday night to make an unprecedented and highly visible global statement in support for action on climate change.

“Earth Hour” was marked on six continents and in more than 400 countries, according to World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world’s largest conservation organization, which organized and coordinated the inaugural global event.

In Atlanta, the success of the evening would not have been possible without the support of a large cross-section of public and private entities and participants, including Mayor Shirley Franklin and the City of Atlanta, Georgia Power and the dedicated members of the Earth Hour 2008 steering committee.

For local and national PR and marketing support, WWF partnered with Creaxion^®, one of the city's leading marketing firms. Along with Mayor Franklin, Creaxion President and CEO Mark Pettit were honorary co-chairs of Earth Hour Atlanta.

“The true power of Earth Hour can be seen in the tremendous opportunity for individuals, governments, businesses and communities around the world to unite for a common purpose, against a common threat which affects us all,” said Carter S. Roberts, president and chief executive officer of World Wildlife Fund- US. “As the world witnessed on Saturday night, the simple action of turning off lights can inspire people around the world into action, and make a serious long-term commitment to living more sustainable lives.”

Earth Hour activities in support of this event rolled through virtually every time zone, with global participation in: Bangkok, Brisbane, Buenos Aires, Christchurch, Copenhagen, Dubai, Dublin, Fiji, Halifax, Manila, Montreal, Niagara Falls, San Juan, Scott Base (Antarctica), Sydney, Tel Aviv, and Toronto.

Atlanta
Despite being hit by a highly unusual early spring tornado in the city’s downtown core two weeks ago, more than 400 buildings throughout metro Atlanta, including the storm-damaged Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel, participated in the first “lights out” event in Atlanta’s history. Some of Atlanta’s most iconic buildings and landmarks, including the Bank of America Tower, Georgia Aquarium, CNN Center, and the sign for The Varsity went dark for one hour when Mayor Shirley Franklin pulled the symbolic light switch as part of the city’s “Sustainable Atlanta” initiative.

Extensive Corporate Support
Earth Hour 2008 was supported by national partners Hewlett Packard, Esurance and National Geographic Channel, as well as other supporting corporations including The Coca-Cola Company, CBS Outdoor, Clear Channel, Cox Enterprises, Google, The Weather Channel and others who donated their time, products and services to help spread the word and raise awareness about this global issue. Not only have these organizations turned out their lights at many of their offices in the U.S., but they also donated several millions of dollars in advertising space in recognition of Earth Hour.

Coca-Cola, for example, donated space on its prominent New York Times Square and San Francisco billboards and additional space in movie theaters, elevator screens, and shopping mall kiosks valued at $2.5 million, and darkened the digital Times Square billboard and world headquarters in Atlanta during Earth Hour.

The next global Earth Hour is currently planned for March 28, 2009. More information can be found at www.EarthHour.org or contact Creaxion for sponsorship opportunities.

About WWF
For more than 45 years, WWF has been protecting the future of nature. The largest multinational conservation organization in the world, WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members in the United States and close to 5 million globally. WWF's unique way of working combines global reach with a foundation in science, involves action at every level, from local to global, and ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature. Go to www.worldwildlife.org to learn more