Earth Hour and WoW
by Amanda Miller 
Mar 29th 2008 at 7:30PM
Tonight the world will be celebrating Earth Hour, with individuals, cities and businesses turning off and unplugging as many of their electronics and lights as possible. How can you get involved when you have a scheduled raid, or when this is the only time for you to play today? You need not feel pressured to unplug everything. Turn out as many lights as you can throughout your home, unplug the electronics and appliances in rooms you are not using, and consult Well Fed Buff for the perfect lights-out snack you can prepare before 8:00 p.m.
This event is important, not because it will change the entire world, but because it will send a message. Not only will we have the opportunity to think about our impact, and learn about just how much power the world did save in that one dark hour, but businesses and governments will realize just how serious people are today about the environment.
Gamers should be a part of that message. Lately, we have been garnering a poor reputation for ourselves, and not because we might all turn into mass murderers from staring all day violent images.The environmental impact of gaming is huge, and far more widespread than many players realize. The research and development into the technology, including more powerful machines, graphics, and the like, as well as the servers used to host and test games, are all behind the impact of just having your computer or console turned on.
We are a driving force in the world. The gaming industry is huge, and our opinions matter. So far, Sony has jumped on the bandwagon and made commitments to:
- ...cut its CO2 emissions by 7% by 2010, compared to its emissions in 2000.
- ...increase energy efficiency in its production facilities worldwide, including Japan, Europe, China and the US, and all subsidiaries.
- ...switch fuel from oil to renewable energy sources and natural gas.
- ...replace some of the strong greenhouse gases currently being used in specific production systems with eco-friendly options.
- ...increasing the energy efficiency of its appliances.
- ...employ consumer outreach strategies, to encourage the rest of us to think about our environmental impact.
Will you, or have you already depending on time zone, participate(d) in Earth Hour? Why or why not? How far did you take it? Have any of you druids and Tauren felt an extra push to to make a show for the environment? If you are Canadian, have you also felt an extra sense of duty, especially as Canada is leading in the show of support?
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Jonesie Mar 29th 2008 7:43PM
Sorry but the "Debate" isnt over. While this is an issue that needs addressing, its been overblown by politics and industry; I think most of us play this game to get away from that. There is ignorance on both sides, wtb more commonsense and less jumping on the bandwagon to whats trendy.
ILPC Mar 29th 2008 7:45PM
agreed
Nick S Mar 29th 2008 8:10PM
agreed. listening to mass media won't even get you a proper definition of what global warming is, let alone any real science for or against its existence.
i think we can all agree that saving energy is a positive thing for all concerned; there's no need for the overblown and speculative rhetoric related to catastrophic climate change employed by the Earth Hour organizers and many of its proponents.
my2cents Mar 29th 2008 8:25PM
First off, there's nothing *to debate. Whether you believe in global warming/climate change phenomenon or not is irrelevant. The fact is our huge world population is consuming energy at such a rate that it's well worth conserving energy whenever possible.
And for those saying that this topic souldn't be discussed on a site like this, I couldn't disagree more. As a gamer, I have a ridiculous amount of electronic equipment, and I'm sure many of you do as well. I'm happy to hear of an event where I can be part of the solution, rather than the problem, even if for just one hour. The problems of the world don't go away when you log into WoW. Escape all you want into fantasy, every action you take is still helping shape the world your children and children's children will inherit. It's not about politics, it's about having common sense.
Naix Mar 31st 2008 3:45PM
For every computer light, and microwave not used. I will burn 5 truck tires.
Juneau Mar 29th 2008 7:54PM
Jesus Christ, can't I even get away from all this Global Warming bollocks here?
Nick S Mar 29th 2008 8:03PM
i'll do my part by continuing to drive an efficient small used car, occupying a tiny apartment that needs little illumination and climate control, and consuming few disposable items.
poor people have it easy saving the environment. i can't afford any bigger carbon footprint. :-D
Michael Guenther Mar 30th 2008 10:15AM
Making sure that I turn ALL of my lights on, start my car and let it run for 60m and turn open my windows while running the heat at full blast.
Give me a break.
Saiforune Mar 29th 2008 8:11PM
I honestly don't care, this global warming this is stupid. I'm not turning anything off to be honest.
Andrew Mar 29th 2008 8:11PM
1. Climate Change, not global warming.
2. Fact it fact regardless of what polititions say.
3. I already participated (Australia) by turning everything off and reading a book via candle, although where I live all power is produced via hydro, no little carbon anyway.
Bryon Mar 29th 2008 11:35PM
Climate Change will happen whether we are here or not...
Mats Mar 29th 2008 8:14PM
I have to agree on all the statments above, don't let political opinions slip into wow-insider, it will not draw any new people here, and make others stop reading.
"Earth day" is for hippies who want to make a symbolic act, it has no real effect, and it won't raise awareness but rather satisfy people who overuse to much to start with. It's a idiotic idea that prevents real progress and debate over the subject, and even if you wanted to use "Earth day" to raise awareness, then don't do it via WoW-insider.
Kerryk Mar 29th 2008 8:17PM
I'm all for conservation and good stewardship, but this strikes me as more than a bit silly. Rather than turning your power off for an hour, why not make a commitment to change your life to consume less? An hour is nothing, and even the symbolism of the gesture, sure to be trumpeted as a success by the media and the eco-nuts, is weak at best.
JessPachWay Mar 29th 2008 9:02PM
As someone who cares about environment, and a social scientist in training, I agree with everything you said. I wouldn't even call the act symbolic because it doesn't mean anything. It's a publicity stunt disguised as acting responsible.
Also: posting during earth hour lol.
The Vainglorious Mar 29th 2008 8:23PM
No, it will *not* send a message to businesses and governments about how serious people are today about the environment. It will send the message that we are a nearly mindless horde of drone who love our bread and circuses and may just make some sort of symbolic gesture of no lasting practical value. And we may not even do that very well:
"You need not feel pressured to unplug everything"
Jesus. Rather than work on reducing our long term energy consumption habits, you suggest we feel wonderful about ourselves while sitting in the dark for an hour. It sends a message to the powers that be, all right: We are all idiots.
Nick S Mar 29th 2008 8:26PM
i could go turn off the light in my bathroom... but it's a good 10 paces away and i don't want to pressure myself.
/cast Mass Polymorph America
G Mar 29th 2008 8:29PM
I might be inclined to participate in this, but 8pm here is dark and cold. Am I missing the part where this is not dangerous or poorly conceived?
Goldwolf Mar 29th 2008 9:39PM
Wow G, I guess that you and I must just be crazy if we're not willing to make ourselves needlessly suffer because others say Mother Earth says it's necessary!
...Sheesh.
Cyron209 Mar 29th 2008 8:34PM
Is wowinsider serious with this earth day stuff? Jesus.
Juneau Mar 29th 2008 8:43PM
Here we miss an hour tonight due to British Summer Time. I'll take part in "Earth Hour" for that hour. 1am to 2am.