POPULAR tourist attractions went dark across the country on Saturday in response to the global call for action against global warming, Maya Madkour reports. In a symbolic act of solidarity against the spectre of global warming, 4,000 cities and 90 countries across the globe grew dark for an hour starting 8:30 local time. While landmarks across the country, from the Pyramids of Giza, Cairo Tower and the Citadel to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Luxor Temple, were dark, millions of individuals did not bother to participate, either due to a lack of concern or simply because they do not understand what burning fossil fuels will do to planet Earth. The proposal that Egypt take part in the global protest was passed by Minister of State for Environmental Affairs Maged George and supported by Mrs Suzanne Mubarak. George pointed out that a substantial number of ministries, governorates and thousands of citizens participated in the global action against climate change. "Mrs Suzanne Mubarak's efforts to create awareness about the dangers of climate change and how they have a direct, palpable effect on the quality of life lent great impetus to the initiative. Mrs Mubarak encouraged key individuals across the globe to partake in this annual tribute to planet Earth. Her hard work, both locally and internationally, helped the movement gain acclaim at home," said George. Hassan Younis, minister of electricity, also adopted the cause and vowed to make energy-conserving light bulbs available to the average Egyptian. Younis stressed the importance of using such light bulbs in all government buildings and facilities, estimating they could cut electricity consumption for lighting by 80 per cent. When asked about Earth Hour, citizens had a lot to say. Said Mohamed, a guard at the Cairo Opera House, said: "I don't see the point, quite frankly. How will switching off the lights at the Opera House or the Pyramids make a difference? If people stop driving for an hour, that would impact both pollution and traffic. The darkness you see all around is worrying. It makes for a dangerous environment." Mariam Hamdi, a foreign language graduate student at AUC, sees things differently. "I was taken aback when I found out that almost everyone I know switched off their lights for one whole hour. I think it's a great start for us and the whole world." Amr Mahmoud, a 35-year-old worker at the Opera House, shared his sobering perspective. "If you could only see the way we live. We live among piles and piles of garbage. We don't have access to clean running water or electricity. Why can't global action be taken on our part?"
