Programme updates

 

Hong Kong before the lights were
switched off ...

On Saturday evening, 21 June, parts of Hong Kong's skyline disappeared for an hour as the neon lights and other illuminations were switched off. This was a region-wide event designed to cut emissions and raise awareness of energy conservation.

The "Dim it! 6.21 Lights out" campaign was organised by Friends of the Earth (FoE) (HK), with support from Aviva Hong Kong.

 

... and after. Hong Kong residents could
see the stars for the first time in years.

Simon Phipps, managing director of Aviva Hong Kong, called on the public to support the Dim it! event by switching off lights and appliances.

"More than 100 landmark buildings and organisations committed to turn off their lights and signs during that hour," he said.

Aviva HK set up two web cams targeted at both sides of the harbour to allow people to see the city turn dark. You can see a video clip of the event highlights on www.aviva.com.hk.

In addition, Aviva Hong Kong invited policyholders to dine by candlelight at a local restaurant chain. Aviva offered tea-light holders to them as a token of thanks and part of the proceeds of the dinner went to FoE (HK).

Staff members also joined the public to celebrate at a FoE (HK) carnival of games, music and dancing at Chater Garden.

Simon added: "I took my family there for two reasons. As the HSBC, Legislative Council building, Bank of China Building, IFC, and Cheung Kong Building surround the Chater Garden, the effect was most dramatic there. It was also a great moment to explain to my children why we need to be more careful with our consumption of energy."